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I received an email from a webster asking if I could look up some information regarding a prospective player from his state. The question was asked "how does one go about finding out where one may be drafted". I do not know the answer to that question.
Paid online content is available for those that are interested in predraft projections on a few sites. MLBinsider, pgcosschecker and Baseball America are ones that I am familiar with.
First of all, these lists are "projected" lists, based upon scouting reports that these publications have recieved from various sources. It does not mean if a player is listed as the 200th prospect (as an example), they will be the 200 pick. If the player is listed first 15 or so picks (maybe first pick for that team), they have most likely already sat down with GM's and other important people from MLB organizations, so they usually are the few who do know where they might fall.
Most players don't find out if they will be drafted until draft day. Usually those in the top 10 rounds have some indication they might be drafted, but a lot depends upon any previous information they have given to a scout, which would include, willingness to sign, which is a desire to really give up their college education (or for a college player finish) to play pro ball. Signability is one of the biggest issues a player needs to confront and usually the bargaining chip for $$$$. HS players, college sophmores and juniors usually have that to their advantage. Those that think that college seniors have no leverage are correct and are usually very easy to sign. For those of you that think that seniors don't get high picks, I do beleive that this year you will see many talented seniors with no or little eligibility left go within the top 5 rounds.
This year, due to changes in the collective bargaining agreement, money most likely will be the biggest factor of who falls where in the draft, in my opinion. If I were a player considering going pro, the most important thing is to be familiar with slot money, for example if you have reason to beleive your son may be drafted, take a look at last years numbers. If you have reason to beleive that he would fall somewhere around the 200th pick, see what that 200th pick got last year. If is about the money and your son is considering signing, then discuss (this is important for HS prospects) if that $$ amount is going to be acceptable. If it is not about the money it doesn't matter.
Getting drafted does not mean you can name your own figure where you or your son feel he is worth. Only the highest picks may have that luxury, but most don't.

I heard the other day that talk is the money that might be offered for the MLB college plan is going to become taxable $$$. I am not sure if that is true or not. Also, at this time, do some homework regarding that plan,we didn't find it an attractive option out of HS, but that was our opinion. For some reason a player with a 100K scholarship is going to get that money, it doesn't work that way. The money most likely given to you is the average tuition costs WITHIN the state you reside. So if you have a 100% scholarship to the most expensive school in the country, most likely signability becomes the biggest issue, because you are not going to get 100% money to attend that school. And know that the MLB has a time limit to dispurse funds, within two years after one leaves MLB. Some players negotiate a lump fee and take extra money, but remember you are definetly taxed on that and it has got to be put away for education and one must consider inflation and rising college costs. Will the extra 10K you get be worth 10K years from now?

As far as an advisor, I do not feel that one is always necessary before the draft, unless you do need advice on the process. After the draft, if your son decides to sign, it then becomes a decision if one is needed. I know that many people feel that having an advisor helps the negotiating process, but unless you have a lot to negotiate for, the process is pretty much cut and dry. A really good advisor who is interested in helping you out FOR THE FUTURE will not take a percentage of slot money but only what he helps you negotiate over that figure. And if you are considering one, ask important questions regarding equipment and card deals and how much of a percentage they take from that.

Many college prospects who have coaches who are interested in their future most likely have relationships with scouts and they can help answer a lot of questions. Some are more helpful than others. Remember, for those still playing, for most prospects and their coaches, it is all about the game right now, not the draft.

If the person who sent me the question is reading, I am sorry that I cannot help you with the answer other than the info I have writtne above. I myself have a hard time trying to figure it all out, let alone give answers to someone else! Eek

Good luck!
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Great information, TPM! Your perspective about the process will be very helpful to others.

Just to add another perspective...
First, its not uncommon for advisors to charge a percentage of the entire bonus. Some provide free equipment, services, etc. and even have their own training facilities for the off season. However, IMHO I would make an advisor decision based more on character combined with their MLB negotiating experience than on their fee structure, equipment, facilities, etc.

Secondly, while some college coaches may try to put your son's best interest ahead of their own needs, never forget that they have a vested interested in seeing him return.

Finally, TPM is right in that most prospects never know where they're going to be drafted. Think of the draft as one big pick up game, with all of the prospects lined up on a wall. Each MLB team "captain" takes a turn picking from players left on the wall based on talent, needs, signability, available finances, etc. Again, you never really know where you'll land until your name is called.

To those of you going through the process this year, my heart goes out to you! My advice is to do your homework, like TPM, and then try your best to keep the big picture in mind. If your son wants to go pro and seems ready for that challenge, support his decision. If he doesn't, that's OK, too.

I know its easier said than done, but don't sweat the small stuff...and remember that its all small stuff. God bless all of you! Smile
Last edited by TxMom
Thanks for helping out Txmom! Wink

Advisors character is THE most important as far as we are concerned, but unfortunetly fees are more important to others. IMO, an agents fees should be inlien with his proven track record, his clients, etc.

My son has been with his advisor for 3 years, as of this date, there has been no discussion about where he feels he will fall in the draft. The biggest reason we have one more important series to go before the draft, then they will have the sit down. This works well for DK, IMO. That draft stuff becomes all too consuming, players need to concentrate on the task at hand AND because you have NO CONTROL over what happens that day. Feedback on his outings only comes from his coach.

Catsuremom, thanks!
My information is based upon what I have come to "see" over the past few years, other than that, I still think it's all just a big guessing game until the end.
Most teams have their boards set in place by now, with a few changes here and there. As each pick comes, they take the next available player that they have taken into consideration that is still avaliable and willing to sign (this especially true for early picks). The more you are willing to sign for any possible circumstance, the most likely your name will be called.
quote:
My son has been with his advisor for 3 years, as of this date, there has been no discussion about where he feels he will fall in the draft. The biggest reason we have one more important series to go before the draft, then they will have the sit down. This works well for DK, IMO. That draft stuff becomes all too consuming, players need to concentrate on the task at hand AND because you have NO CONTROL over what happens that day.

Very wise, TPM! I will keep you all in my prayers over the next few weeks. Smile
Last edited by TxMom

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