Our oldest son (switch hitting OF) was first drafted in 1999 out of high school by the White Sox in the 27th round. He filled out 7 questionnaires, took one psych test, and had one scout visit with us at home. I found out that he was drafted by checking the results on the MLB web site during the second day …saw his name listed under the 27th round. The scout left a message on our machine later that evening and came to explain the DTF (Draft to Follow) process about a week later. After thinking it over for several days our son decided to stick with the D1 he had signed with that May and called the scout to tell him of his choice.
Three years later our son was once again a draft prospect. During the fall and spring of his college junior year he filled out 25 questionnaires, took 4 psych tests, and one eye test. He also was contacted by 3 advisors and chose one after Christmas. All 3 advisors felt he was a top 5 rounder, but he had a slow start that spring and most baseball publications projected him as a 6th-10th rounder at best. Several teams called the night before the draft to see if he would sign if taken in the 6th to 10th rounds, which he would have. His advisor still felt he would go in the top 5 rounds. We found out that he was selected in the 3rd round by the SF Giants while listening to the MLB draft broadcast on the web. His agent called him immediately and the scout called within 5 minutes to congratulate him. The Giants made their first offer about a week later. Negotiations took about 2 weeks, he signed on June 23, and reported to their short season club in Oregon 4 days later. He’s been doing well ever since and loves working for the Giants organization.
Our second son (RHP) was drafted this past spring by the Chicago Cubs in the 31st round as a DTF. He filled out 8 questionnaires, took 3 psych tests, but had no home visits with scouts. The Cub’s scout called the night before the draft to make sure that he still planned on attending the JUCO he signed with in Feb. We listened to the draft on the MLB web site, heard him selected by the Cubs in the 31st round, and called him at work to give him the news. The scout called within 5 minutes, met with us later that week, and has been following him this spring…coming to his starts and talking frequently with his college coach.
We found the draft process to be completely out of our control and full of surprises. My advice is to lower your expectations, downplay the whole event in front of your son, and work cooperatively with everyone involved in the process.
