Early Signing Question

quote:

Originally posted by metroclubball:
Within a few days, my son has received two offers from D II schools who both have expressed an interest in him signing early. During the visits, both programs indicated their need for pitchers (son is a RHP, 2010 grad). This may sound naive-probably is-but we didn't really ask about his role on the team or when they might see him actually playing a role on the team. Is that something we can ask in a follow-up call or email prior to making the decision? I'm not suggesting we ask about playing time but rather will he have a roster spot, etc.
Also, is there really any advantage to early sign other than to end the process and take advantage of the $ offerred (what little there is)?
Thanks for any help on this-

Those are great questions in my opinion. My advice is not to sign anything until all the questions are answered to your satisfaction. In each case, you'll want to know how many other pitchers were signed and who might be ahead of him on the team and where they see him fitting in at. Pay particular attention to their answers. If they say he'll be an immediate impact player, then that is about as sure as it gets. He'll still have to compete and prove his worth obviously. If they say he'll have a chance to compete for playing time, then that is more nebulous. Every kid has a chance to compete. If they have a specific role for him like starter or reliever that also answers some questions. For instance, they may say they see him coming out of the bullpen initially until he proves himself. They might also say they like him as a weekday starter which is where young starters are often groomed in college. They might also say they see him as a weekend starter which would get back to the intial statement that would imply they likely view him as an immediate impact player. These questions need to be asked and no coach should be upset with you for asking them.

I am not sure why you would ask, most coaches will tell you that you have to earn your role, that goes for being a starter, reliever or closer. No coach can tell you now, but he might be able to see him in a particular role, and much depends on how many pitches he can throw to get most out, starters usually have more stuff than releivers or closers.

If your son's signs an NLI, he will have a roster spot. If he is not, that most likely should warrant asking some questions.

The strange thing about pitchers is their roles often change and the one good thing about being a pitcher is that most programs need every one of them, in some capacity and CD is right, most of the new guys need time to settle in for the college game. Mine did two years of starting, relieving, set up guy, one out guy and closer, it drove him nuts but that was his role. Actually, IMO, pitchers should gradually ease into innings each year, starters put in a lot more time on the mound than others, you don't want him to be used up too quickly.

I just think it really doesnt matter what they say.They will all tell you that your son has a chance to compete right away. You can research rosters, count the number of players and try to see where your son fits in, but Ill guarantee that when your son gets there, there will be 10-15 walk ons that they didnt tell you about,And some of those walk ons are good.

We can try to see if its a good fit, but there are so many variables to a good fit.Bottom line you have to compete with every player out there , and hopefully the best play and politics don't rule the show.
There just are no guarantees.You just hope for a good shot, honest coaches, and your son gets a good education, becasue most likely that is what will support him in the end, not baseball.