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Reply to "Age of high school draftees"

Goosegg posted:

"If a high school player is drafted in a high spot, say first two/three rounds, and after 2-3 years of development doesn't seem to be panning out, it would seem logical (in a production sense) that you need to replace that player in the pipeline with someone who can essentially pick up where he is leaving off."

Barring permanent injury, drug use or disciplinary issues, a HS draft pick in those rounds - assuming a slot or greater bonus - will not be released after 2 - 3 years. The draft contract allows club control for, I believe 6 years, and a club has too much invested (though it's actually sunk costs and really shouldn't be viewed in that manner) to throw in the towel. Keep in mind that to be drafted that high the top officials of the organization collectively agree to draft and pay the kid and have too much ego involved to admit defeat; clubs who draft a HS kid that high know the time line and are prepared for years of development.

What I posited was a theory, not gospel. Ego aside, a 3-4 million dollar mistake is made all the time by teams, whether it's solely on one player or collectively on several. Ultimately it's a rich man's game and the players are just pieces of the game...and surely there are players drafted in high rounds who don't pan out and it doesn't take 4-6 years for a team to realize "that dog won't hunt." 

Last edited by SanDiegoRealist
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