Boswell wrote a good one.
What peaked my attention this morning is
"If they don't get a deal done, it's a
mammouth failure of adult supervision"
cheers
Bear
postscript 1: I feel humbled to know, have tried to help, yet watched four amatuer players in my life, move on with the next stages of their lives.
Of the three that played with my son, two signed pro contracts are are professional athletes today.
(One graduated college, the other will graduate in December).
One player, drafted twice, never signed and never played pro ball, and has not graduated college (nor currently plans to).
The other player, drafted five times, never signed, never played pro ball, and never graduated.
postscript 2: As of this morning, all six of Boras's clients in the top round of the draft, have NOT signed.
Bear
Do you think Boras can get it done for all six by 12:01 on Tuesday morning?
Do you think Boras can get it done for all six by 12:01 on Tuesday morning?
quote:Originally posted by Coach From The Southeast:
Come on TPM, their offering the guy record setting money. The Nationals are trying and they're letting their fans know that their trying. They can't help that they have to deal with the devil himself, Scott Boras.
Oh come on now yourself Coach, the Nats KNEW he would be very hard to sign, and he wasn't going to sign for a mere recording setting bonus of 10.5 plus some change. They knew who they would have to deal with (Boras). The Nats do have to make an effort, but I am sure that they had a few pre draft discussions and knew what was ahead of them. They had the opportunity, on draft day, to pass for someone who was willing to take first pick reasonable money. They have to make an effort, even if just an effort to make fans happy.
FWIW, not ever stepping onto a ML field no way is ANY player worth more than an established player, however, small market teams like the Nats who can't afford free agency have to spend big bucks for high draft picks, that's where the problem lies, the way I see it. Perhaps caps should be placed on free agency?
Placing some type of cap forces players to sign right away, which should be the object of the industry. But where do you draw that line? This has become a nightmare for college coaches, waiting until the last minute to see who will or will not show up.
If I were his folks, I would be a bit nervous right now, and I will bet you donut and a coffee, they would be very happy for him to take what's offered as of today.
Boras can get all six signed in the next 37+ hours ... if that's what he and they want.
Probably some of them already have deals struck. Assuming the deals are "above slot", they just haven't turned them in to the Commissioner's office yet. I'm sure there's more than one fax machine available tomorrow night.
As for Strasburg, I would guess the strategy is just to make sure they've completely milked the cow. For $15 m, he'd be a darned fool not to sign -- unless by waiting another 35 hours, he can get more.
Boras has already shown that he will hold a player out, e.g., send him to Indy ball, and let them negotiate the next year. But Indy ball doesn't make you a free agent, it just throws you back into next year's draft, with less leverage I would say. Japan is possibly another tack he would try, but given the economy I don't know that anyone -- not even the Red Sox or Yankees -- would throw Daisuke money at Strasburg next summer.
I'm betting a record breaking deal gets done, well below the posturing figures but well higher than any prior deal.
Probably some of them already have deals struck. Assuming the deals are "above slot", they just haven't turned them in to the Commissioner's office yet. I'm sure there's more than one fax machine available tomorrow night.
As for Strasburg, I would guess the strategy is just to make sure they've completely milked the cow. For $15 m, he'd be a darned fool not to sign -- unless by waiting another 35 hours, he can get more.
Boras has already shown that he will hold a player out, e.g., send him to Indy ball, and let them negotiate the next year. But Indy ball doesn't make you a free agent, it just throws you back into next year's draft, with less leverage I would say. Japan is possibly another tack he would try, but given the economy I don't know that anyone -- not even the Red Sox or Yankees -- would throw Daisuke money at Strasburg next summer.
I'm betting a record breaking deal gets done, well below the posturing figures but well higher than any prior deal.
I agree with Midlo, most likely the others have made deals but not turned in until they have to. Better make sure they get it done by 12, so there is no problem like last year, question as to the time.
I do beleive he might sign, because there is no point in playing Indy ball for a year holding out for something a smaller market team can't afford, and his stock goes down. Sorry, if I were the Nats I would hold firm, but that's their call.
I don't understand why MLB doesn't help contribute some way to the draft. Let's say they slotted picks 1-30 for x amount of dollars each pick, then teams have options to add to that amount. This would help smaller teams free up money for FA, instead of having to rely on the draft and years to build up a team for contention, this might also make it more interesting, more competitve. Just a thought.
I do beleive he might sign, because there is no point in playing Indy ball for a year holding out for something a smaller market team can't afford, and his stock goes down. Sorry, if I were the Nats I would hold firm, but that's their call.
I don't understand why MLB doesn't help contribute some way to the draft. Let's say they slotted picks 1-30 for x amount of dollars each pick, then teams have options to add to that amount. This would help smaller teams free up money for FA, instead of having to rely on the draft and years to build up a team for contention, this might also make it more interesting, more competitve. Just a thought.
I agree.... Some clubs, especially if their guy's deal is above "slot", wait till the 11nth hour. There appears to be some pressures from club-to-club not to bust "slot" early as it effects every other club with non-signed player in that round too.
Kinda like every guy in the NFL 1st round yet to sign, to see what Crabs is going to get at #10. Remember, even though these boys are loved, it is still a business. Especially to the front offices and the AGENT!
GED10DaD
Kinda like every guy in the NFL 1st round yet to sign, to see what Crabs is going to get at #10. Remember, even though these boys are loved, it is still a business. Especially to the front offices and the AGENT!
If they didn't pick him, then everybody including their fans would have blasted the Nationals anyway. Look, $14-$16 million is not some change over the record. That's actually quite a bit over the record of $10.5. An that's making an effort on Washingtons' side if you ask me.
An let me get this straight, you would rather have CAPS on free-agency for established players then CAPS on rookies that haven't even stepped on a MLB field?
An let me get this straight, you would rather have CAPS on free-agency for established players then CAPS on rookies that haven't even stepped on a MLB field?
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
Bear
Do you think Boras can get it done for all six by 12:01 on Tuesday morning?
Good question, Tom. I guess it really depends on when the real negotiation starts, and whether it 12:01 Eastern Daylight Time.
Based on what Tex told me, it took Boras and the Yankees 45 minutes to close lil Tex big big buck deal.
Bottom Line: I understand Boras messages and each could affect MiLB. Currently, labor for MiLB is a fixed labor price type business for owners.
You and I know, if we had a business with fixed labor prices, our business plan to the bank would be approved and rather quickly.
I get sick to my stomach when thinking about how a talented young man does NOT readily pursue his dreams. I hope all six sign.
And oh by the way. A HS player, drafted in 2006, attended college for one year, then sat out two years, called me this afternoon. He said he read my blog this morning. We met for pizza a couple of hours ago (where I first met when he was seven). He asked me for help for him to pursue his dreams again of playing pro ball. He's 20 years old. I agreed. I can't wait to start.
With the mechanical problems he has he could possibly blow out his arm before he finally decides to sign if he pitches regularly, J.D. Drew went the same route and played independent ball, O.J. Simpson was going to be red shirted at U.C.L.A. and decided he was better than that and went to JR. college instead, he was right.
Some people believe so deeply in themselves that they will absolutely stand their ground, I wonder if Strasburg will hold out past his deadline, or should I say will his agent hold out?
Good luck with that 20 yr. old, I certainly hope you can get him a chance to play pro-ball it is fun, I thoroughly enjoyed my time and always have wished that I would have taken full advantage of the opportunity that was given to me, by not doing so I will always wonder how far I could have gone.
Don Ervin.
Some people believe so deeply in themselves that they will absolutely stand their ground, I wonder if Strasburg will hold out past his deadline, or should I say will his agent hold out?
Good luck with that 20 yr. old, I certainly hope you can get him a chance to play pro-ball it is fun, I thoroughly enjoyed my time and always have wished that I would have taken full advantage of the opportunity that was given to me, by not doing so I will always wonder how far I could have gone.
Don Ervin.
A lot of money. Lots. Most ever. And by more
than 150%.
Glad he signed.
Enters the next stage of his dreams.
His best learning experience should be to enter
the minor league system (and from the bottom).
Best wishes to him to be injury free.
If so, should be in the rotation.
And I might add, with the worst team in MLB (and
maybe ever).
Of course, I will attend at Nats Stadium when
he pitches. If just to see his off-speed arsenal.
Cheers
postscript: Looks like the way over, on the over-under won. I wonder who is going to show for that payout. Dominics on Fri for happy hour. And then forever hold your peace.
than 150%.
Glad he signed.
Enters the next stage of his dreams.
His best learning experience should be to enter
the minor league system (and from the bottom).
Best wishes to him to be injury free.
If so, should be in the rotation.
And I might add, with the worst team in MLB (and
maybe ever).
Of course, I will attend at Nats Stadium when
he pitches. If just to see his off-speed arsenal.
Cheers
postscript: Looks like the way over, on the over-under won. I wonder who is going to show for that payout. Dominics on Fri for happy hour. And then forever hold your peace.
To me, this is a sensible deal.
The money got to that level where he'd've been a fool not to sign. Sure, he and Boras would've liked to have gotten more if they could, but they pushed it as far as they could and they got what they could. As Jack Warden told Paul Newman in the verdict, "You've won. When they give you the money, you've won!"
The Nats, though, have to be viewed as big winners. Strasburg is likely to be a big cash cow for them in terms of TV and ticket sales revenues, sales of jerseys, etc. The Nats skillfully used all the leverage of the current draft system to get this asset into the company at a price that virtually guarantees profitability.
And that's if they don't win games in the future at any greater clip than they do now. Lately, when I watch the Nats, I think, "You know, if they could just continue developing their pitching ...." I don't know if a division title is in the near future, but it's not out of the question that they could be legit wild card contenders within 2 years. Whether they get there, who knows, but landing top pitchers should help. And Strasburg isn't the only top pitcher they signed this year, not to mention the last few years cumulatively.
The money got to that level where he'd've been a fool not to sign. Sure, he and Boras would've liked to have gotten more if they could, but they pushed it as far as they could and they got what they could. As Jack Warden told Paul Newman in the verdict, "You've won. When they give you the money, you've won!"
The Nats, though, have to be viewed as big winners. Strasburg is likely to be a big cash cow for them in terms of TV and ticket sales revenues, sales of jerseys, etc. The Nats skillfully used all the leverage of the current draft system to get this asset into the company at a price that virtually guarantees profitability.
And that's if they don't win games in the future at any greater clip than they do now. Lately, when I watch the Nats, I think, "You know, if they could just continue developing their pitching ...." I don't know if a division title is in the near future, but it's not out of the question that they could be legit wild card contenders within 2 years. Whether they get there, who knows, but landing top pitchers should help. And Strasburg isn't the only top pitcher they signed this year, not to mention the last few years cumulatively.
I gave a buck to walk into and listen to Strasburg-Boras-Nats Brass at the intro this afternnoon at the National Stadium.
Strasburg said all the right things.
(kinda reminded me Bull Durham when Kevin Costner (Crash Davis) teaches Tim Robbins (Ebby Calvin "Nuke" LalLoosh) on the bus to work on his interviews and how he is "gonna have to learn your clichés. You're gonna have to study them, you're gonna have to know them. They're your friends. Write this down: "We gotta play it one day at a time."
That's a dollar and two hours I've never get back!
Strasburg said all the right things.
(kinda reminded me Bull Durham when Kevin Costner (Crash Davis) teaches Tim Robbins (Ebby Calvin "Nuke" LalLoosh) on the bus to work on his interviews and how he is "gonna have to learn your clichés. You're gonna have to study them, you're gonna have to know them. They're your friends. Write this down: "We gotta play it one day at a time."
That's a dollar and two hours I've never get back!
