There is kind of some perverse hypocrisy going on. Lots of folks yap about the low (almost non-existent) pay being part of the struggle that makes or breaks these kids. Heaven forbid, if you had some minor leaguer making upwards of $2,000/mo then they would probably sit around eating bon bons. But that is not the case. They make closer to $1,000(in-season) and still eat bon bons (actually ding dongs but they are kind of the same). I am quite certain all those skills learned to stretch a dollar (how one cooks spaghetti in a microwave) are really useful on the diamond. I really have no idea how those first round guys with the big bonuses end up learning all this valuable information (like how to stuff PB&J sandwiches into your uniform pockets without getting any jelly stains).
2020DAD - You are suggesting that economics play a role in player selection. I'm not talking about getting rich, but rather removing much of the low level hassle that comes with making $5,500/yr for 5 months in-season and whatever amount of time outside the season. Not saying they should all be making $36K/yr, but don't push people out simply because they don't have anyone to borrow anymore money from. Double their pay to $11,000/yr and make some of that payable on the front end and the back end of the season. Very few people of going to stick around making $11K/yr, but at least it would remove most of the hassle factor and maybe let them splurge on that fancy gel pillow they always wanted for the bus ride.