SomeBaseballDad posted:Cabbage thanks for the reply His college coaches placed him, and given the talk he had with the HC I'd assume they thought there was a understanding as to position etc.
I guess I assumed playing time would be more evenly distributed to start then becoming more merit based. As to the "hang in there" and BA doesn't matter. Like I said, I didn't want this to become a "it's not fair" thing. Just surprised at the obvious favoritism being displayed. And for context, with a good number of AB's now the kid sits at .500 with a .750 OBP. The center fielder is .186 and .320 and the kid he shares time with at right is .000 and .111.
OK, good. The fact that his college coach placed him should provide additional leverage to keep in his back pocket for now. He may want to just start by asking the summer HC what the plan is going forward in regards to playing time. This isn't straight up college ball where you completely have to earn any opportunity to play. Like I said, there is usually some reasonable expectation of playing time distributed when the college coach refers a player. Now, that said, it certainly may not be an expectation of even distribution. Son's team has seven OF's on the roster and a few are really good and owners would flip if they were on an even distribution. A tough balance.
Hopefully, a mention/inquiry will either get him on the radar more frequently or let him know exactly where he stands, good or bad. Then, if outlook is bad, he can look into other options if necessary that can include checking with the college HC to see what his thoughts are (at which point, he may be making a check-in call on your son's behalf) or asking for release so that he can find a setting that may be a better, more productive fit. There is a lot of movement with these things sometimes. There may be another team nearby in the same league that is losing an OF or two and he can be plugged right in.
Son has already had a couple of these conversations with players, explaining what he inherited and what he can and cannot do for them as well as his willingness and desire to put them in the best possible spot, including the possible option of release (in one instance) and talking to other summer coaches.
Also, as i understand, attrition often happens during second half of the season. Additional PT can certainly come about that way, although I know you don't want to hang your hat on a maybe. From what you describe, my best guess would be that more platooning is likely as the season plays out. Again, most of these guys don't want to play every day after finishing the grueling college season. Hope you can find something helpful here.