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!
Good luck!
