Minor League Reporting

Well, I'm glad PG & FBM decided to bring this thread back around to its original intent.

With the Woebegone Troika going on there for a few posts, I was about to call my poor little Filler-Guy-Free-Agent shnook and tell him to give up and come home .

Life in the Minors is hard.
The chances of making it to the Majors are slim.
Every player has to beat out every other player every day for a shot.
There is no "fair".
The paycheck is pathetic.

So Flippin' What.

The boys are more than aware of every one of those points.

Our boys are where they have dreamed of being since they saw their first game. How many people can say that they fulfilled a (literally) lifelong dream? However much farther they get or don't get, they did it. They are Professional Baseball Players.

I posted a link a while back to a sketch of a tiny little boy in oversized catcher's gear looking into a mirror and seeing an adult catcher. My son made that leap and I couldn't be prouder.

The boys are exhausted, maybe hurt, and probably run through a gamut of intense emotions every single day. And they wouldn't trade it for seat on the Board of Directors of General Motors right now.

If your son made it through to the Big Club, would there then be wringing of hands that it wasn't a winning or a Big Market club? That accomplished, more sackcloth because he has yet to win a WS ring? Come on, lighten up, enjoy the moment, and let us enjoy ours!

Orlando...Great post.

I would just like to add having been through Low A,High A,AA with a stop in the Majors and now AAA its a tough life for these players. I have stated this in previous posts that its even harder for HS players who hasn't had the college experience to start out on your own. I remember all the times I have spoken with my Son along his stops but you don't really get a feel for it until you have visited and seen it. His 1st start in Low A in these apartments with four players in 2 bedrooms with another on a futon. These same players having to get themselves to the field which is about twenty miles away. I can remember a player leaving ST with Sons team and this players Dad driving Sons car to leave with him. Player only lasted two starts with club and was sent back to Ext ST with car left with team, not a good idea. In High A son called us to tell us he had this "great" condo rented right on Daytona Beach. Was it sensible with the money he was being paid "No" but it had a "Great view". AA experienced both sides of Tennessee and again had to get Sons truck shipped up to him. I will add this also for those of you who are thinking of sending players their vehicles. Upon a promotion if your team is at home and you can drive your vehicle to your next team within a day they will let you. If your team is on the road you the parent will need to figure out how to get the vehicle home as the clubbie will pack up his belongings and ship them forward to the player. I loved the eastern side of Tenn and have bought some land up there recently. I must say that when we went to Atlanta to watch Sons MLB debut I made the mistake of asking him "who his roomate was" he shot me a grin and said "Dad there are no roomates up here".
I guesss what I am trying to say is that this is a tough road that these players have to climb with getting aquainted with a new town and teammates every year. Not everybody has a car and these players have to depend on a team mate to help them out. I do know that with teams Son has been with it is a considerable drive to the field and biking it out of the question. I have also had the honor of having to fetch sons vehicle the past couple of years due to promotions and this has gotten old.
I have also seen Son in 1st year room with a teammate who was a complete ********.
I will say that its especially tough on these players when they start the season and have moved into the apartment. Suddenly a player gets promoted and the rent is due and they are minus a roomate and know they have to try to sweet talk the new guy into moving in.
I can say that from a pitchers point of view thats you betta watch your back cause everybody is fighting for the same thing. Son found this out the hard way early on when somebody he thought was his friend really wasn't. I will say there is lots of jealousy amoungst where you were drafted, thats what these high rd bonus babies think but as son told one of them "you put your pants on the same way I do". Its what you do on the field that matters when you sign and how you are going to progress through the organization. I had always thought that when you signed that minor lg. contract was good for five years. In the past year Sons organization have released players that were only drafted 5/9rds a few years ago. I do know that my Son has made lots of friends along the way through these levels but I am so proud of the man that he has become and the experiences he has had. I enjoy every offseason when He and I can spend time together and reminice about his season.

I appreciate everyone's input and comments.

It's good to hear and share so we can learn.

I am very glad my son was able to grow up in college. He has been very capable the past few weeks in figuring out his needs or finding a way. He likes his host family (they have given him use of the car to get around), likes his roomate and his teammates. Most of his teammates are out of college and still working on the team mentality. That's why I like that he was sent to short season, most players have more in common.
He has been pretty persistant in getting an MRI done asap (done this am) since it is on his dime (not injured on the field). He has had no special treatment as far as that goes. Whatever he has questions about, he has asked his advisor for answers.
He realizes that to move ahead he has to be diligent in his daily activites. He has a strict routine, breakfast, workout, lunch, home to chill for an hour before he goes to the field, eat after the game and back home to bed. Again, he is used to discipline and strict routine. I am not so sure what would be if he was 17,18 and not closer to 22.

My son is a higher pick than most, but I know that he would never act as such. We didn't raise him that way. No car for now, you are like everyone else, find a way. He is on a strict budget and has no desire at the moment to have possessions to show off (he has asked for the new ipod phone, he will get it for his birthday). His finance class last semester was a good education, he is obsessed with saving every penny he can and not spend it, he knows that he has expenses.

I do understand Orlando's post completely. Regardless of the road ahead, our boys are enjoying and trying to make the best of a totally new experience. Our two boys have had two different situations as to how they got to where they are. But both approaching their new "life" with much the same enthusiasm and expections as "rookies". We are learning too as they go. I am sure times will come, just like in college, when being tired, frustrated and feeling like a failure after a bad game will set in. For now, they are enjoying the moment. Some things have changed, Days Inn now replaces Hilton family of hotels, less money to spend on the road, buses not as comfortable, no internet or cable in your room, gym not as glamorous as it was at school, no living in a brand new apartment with all of the finest amenities.

I agree the the last few posts have been gloomy with the realities of "real" life in milb. I agree, the pay is pathetic but I think for now, our boys don't care.

I'd much rather hear about kangaroo court and locker room antics!

I will stil continue to "report" as the summer goes on, good and bad, anyone who wants to join in, feel free to do so.

I'm just sitting' here enjoying ya'lls posts and listening to my son look at strike 1.

1-1

Games six as a professional ballplayer the announcer says.


Reaches on errant throw to first after they get the runner at second.

So far, the A's have been a very fine organizations as we were told by a variety of sources.

Real evidence of development and positive encouragement.

Somewhat unexpected.

Still surreal to me.....................

Anything worth doing is tough IMO.

My dad spent many years in the game - very tough - but still talks about it to this day.

As does my uncle - and all of my ex-teammates that played pro ball.

And all of our friends' kids that have played pro ball over the last 10 years.

It may be a tough road - but it sure is an exciting one.

The whole challenge is very very cool. There aint nothing gloomy about it IMO.

Surreal, FO, so right. We've only talked about this for 18 years; it's only starting to feel real.

Auntie Em sent me a whole raft of photos of my son at his first home game; it's such an unbelievable treat to have a webster right there watching over him and sharing the experience. More good luck! One of the pics was of my son catching as a former AAU teammate (when they were 10 - 12) was batting. Way cool.

Pretty part of the country, though my Florida boy is waiting for summer to start!

As TPM said, our boys got there by different routes. Had to laugh --- coming from a mid D1, mine now has more per diem money, and has left the Days Inn behind for the Hilton! The Ems don't stay with host families; they're at the Eugene Hilton.

He called today walking over to the bank, reading his paycheck to me to get some understanding of the deductions. Amusing, as I had the same conversation with my daughter when she started her first full-time job. Somehow, the deductions didn't bother them on their part-time paychecks when room, board, and all the basics were covered by Momma.

Reality has entered The Dream a few times, as a teammate got sent to Rookie (bummer), got cut (ouch; nice guy), or got promoted (with the singing of The Baseball Hymn, "Himmmmm, Himmmmm, (blank) Himmmmm")

Roomie is the team practical joker and a character, which is a relief for me. After looking up a picture of this man-mountain, I was fearful for my 185 lb son (what if he gets hungry in the middle of the night?!)

He calls after the games from the bus, with all the chatter going on. That's special; I can feel part of the experience.

Orlando, I'm enjoying you enjoying it..............

quote:

Originally posted by Orlando:
Had to laugh --- coming from a mid D1, mine now has more per diem money, and has left the Days Inn behind for the Hilton! The Ems don't stay with host families; they're at the Eugene Hilton.

That is way too funny. Seems like your player hit bigtime short season!

Auntie Em here -- My son and I just got home from an Ems game. They won. But more importantly, we had a great time sitting next to the bullpen and chatting with Orlando's son. Like my own, he is a pitcher and catcher. Son got a ball from him, and decided that when he makes it big in the game, he wants to be a starting pitcher or bullpen catcher, so he can b.s. in the pen!
Orlando, for some reason, while listening to me talk to my son, your's said it made him miss you. I think it was when I told Will to get his disgusting shoes off the railing.

One of the nice things about minor league baseball is when I get to visit small towns from all over the country. There would have been no other reason for me to travel to these hamlets, stay for a week and meet so many wonderful people!

FO. Your son played in Burlington Ia.Did he get to stay at Fun City?? nicest people in the world in Iowa!

quote:

Originally posted by raiders3604:
I must say that when we went to Atlanta to watch Sons MLB debut I made the mistake of asking him "who his roomate was" he shot me a grin and said "Dad there are no roomates up here".

And also remember:

"You know, you never handle your luggage in the show, somebody else carries your bags. It was great. You hit white balls for batting practice, the ballparks are like cathedrals, the hotels all have room service, and the women all have long legs and brains."

I love reading all of these posts. We're still learning...even after 5 years of watching our son in the pros. I can see why many GM's have genius level IQs.

Some things I wish I better understood when he first started out...

First, you hear it all the time, but making adjustments at every level is key to success. However, learning HOW to make adjustments often requires struggle combined with guidance from people who have "been there." Everyone at the top understands this. Its probably why they don't make life too easy in the minors and why most coaches have Big League experience. Some call this "old school," but I think it’s just a proven method for success. In looking back, I can see how our son's struggles both on and off the field prepared him for the future...how they taught him flexible thinking and strengthened his mental approach.

Secondly, time moves at a different pace in pro baseball. Days can feel like weeks, months like years. On the other hand, each new day can present an unexpected opportunity or change. The variation can be stressful, but awareness of its reality seems to help.

Finally, I now better understand that it’s important for me as a parent to portray a genuine sense of peace with everything that happens in his world...especially for our his sake. More than anything, these guys need people they can count on for stability and hope. They live a crazy, exciting life and everything they do at work is public knowledge. Most of us can hide our daily successes and failures, but theirs are broadcast live, published on the web, and analyzed by everyone from GMs to the neighbor down the street. They need someone who can sincerely say, "Everything is going to be fine," no matter what happens. I'm still learning how to be that person, but I hope I'm getting a little better at it over time.

Over the past 5 seasons our guy has been through slumps, demotions, injuries, surgeries...one time he was even knocked out cold and carried off the field on a stretcher while I listened to the game on the web. He's also played with and against future Hall of Famers, been coached by legends, traveled all over the country, made tons of friends, and discovered the meaning of life along the way. He's grown up in a world that has taught him how to approach each work day with commitment, a sense of humor, a positive attitude, and faith that everything happens for a reason. That knowledge will help him find his way through anything for the rest of his life.

Thanks for that post, TxMom, it was important for us newbies to read.

The 'time passage' thing has already really hit me; exciting things always seem to pass in a minute, but this has it's own running-trough-water pace. It's interesting you've felt the same.

I've always preached to my kids that there's no reason to grow up too quickly; if he takes a chunk of his twenties to have the kinds of experiences you're describing, there are many benefits for him throughout his life ---- not the least of which is No Regrets.

TxMom's post is one of the most insightful and informative posts that I've read here.
It's been noted by many that life in pro ball can be a struggle. Her reminder of why that is brings some needed clarity to that premise.
We're always hearing about players learning to keep an even keel, and the point about parents learning to maintain a steady balance was not missed.
Thanks TxMom, and I hope to see more of Daniel in Bochy's line-up in the second half.

TXmom ...

As always, another gem from Texas !!!

I especially relate to this comment:

quote:

Finally, I now better understand that it’s important for me as a parent to portray a genuine sense of peace with everything that happens in his world...especially for his sake.

Our son hasn't been where your son has already gone but I have learned well over the past 3 years that whatever happens for him on the field, in the clubhouse, in the bullpen, whether he makes it to 'the Show' or becomes a pharmacist or chemistry teacher, I am now at peace with that because I know God has a plan for AJ's life (as well as Katie's) and that may or may not be on the field. It makes listening to his games all the easier when it sounds like he is struggling, it makes sleep calmer at night after a game, and it makes me realize that AJ can only control a certain amount of factors in his life and the rest is left up to God (and, in some cases, the perceptions of the personnel in the Front Office )

I love reading your posts because I love your perspective on life and the game we all love called baseball. Thanks for sharing.

njbb,

They played Burlington at home last week.

But, they go back there for two days in a few weeks.

I'll tell him to check things out.

Thanks for the heads up.


TxMom,

Thank you very much for your help and perspective.

Txmom,
Thank you for the wonderful post.
I also thank you for your pm's in suppoort of Dave.

Good news, no break! Tomorrow they will begin therapy under Doc's orders. He will have to be pain free before he can hit the mound again, would mess up his mechanics. He has been throwing on his KNEES to keep the arm loose, something he learned last time he klutzed out. Why are pitchers so clumsy?
I keep thinking about what you said, he was really tired after this year and what happened was a way of giving the arm a longer rest. I am a firm beleiver all things happen for a reason.

About a better sense of peace, funny that you two moms should mention that. For the first time that I can remember, when Dave had his first start last week, I was calm, no anxiety. I think I figured out that he has gotten to where he has and I had no control over it, only he did. The rest is up to him and whatever happens will be his destiny, and I just want him to enjoy this time. I can only speak for myself, not his dad.

Thanks for the posts!

TPM ...

quote:

something he learned last time he klutzed out. Why are pitchers so clumsy?

Maybe if they had to get around using just their arms and hands they would be better off ... something about those feet ... perhaps a pair of these could be included in their equipment contracts

"Now you can easily move handsfree around a darkened house reducing the risk of tripping over objects or running into doors, furniture or anything not easily seen in the dark. Lighted Slippers are nightlights for your feet. They are ideal for night time trips to the bathroom, kitchen, kid’s room or anywhere in your house! Power outage? Use High-Tech Sleeppers to locate candles, flashlights and other emergency lighting sources."

ROFLMAO

Can you get those on ebay?

According to my friend Orlando, if he were a catcher he would have been back behind the dish the very next day!

I see that Robert Woodard (Pepster's pitcher) has joined the Ems!

Way to go Robert!

Three webster families representing in Eugene. Obviously, it's the baseball place to be!

Now here is an article on a very understanding baseball wife - living in a batting cage! Hope the link works! Article about Reggie Willits.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/01/sports/01cage.html?ex...=rssuserland&emc=rss

"But Amber Willits, the wife of Angels outfielder Reggie Willits, has taken hardball devotion to a new level. For the past three years, she has made a home, raised a son and helped develop a .300 hitter — all in an indoor batting cage"

quote:

One of the pics was of my son catching as a former AAU teammate (when they were 10 - 12) was batting. Way cool.

Orlando - That is a very special image! Witnessing my son play against childhood friends in college has been very touching... to see that go beyond college to a higher level would be very cool!

AJ's team competes against the Dodgers' AA affiliate, the Jacksonville Suns. There are two players on the team ... IF/OF David Nicholson and LHP Greg Miller ... who were high school teammates, all having been on the team in 2001. Interestingly, David was also a little leaguer with AJ and traveled all the way to Williamsport for the LLWS in 1995. Tho AJ has not been on the mound against Miller this year, he has faced David several times and says it is always like a chess game between them, each trying to figure out what the other was going to do. Yesterday, David finally got a hit off of AJ ... and it was an infield hit (David is fast as the wind at times). Hubby and I chuckled about it because we know AJ hates to give former teammates and opponents any chance to get on base.

It is amazing, as I see several of you are all realizing, how many players our sons compete against and with that are part of their baseball history. Too much fun (most of the time).

quote:

It is amazing, as I see several of you are all realizing, how many players our sons compete against and with that are part of their baseball history. Too much fun (most of the time).

It really is............

Facing former teammates went on for DK while at school and at the cape last summer.
Someday soon he will be facing his former Clemson teammates, that's gonna be strange, though the hitters have seen enough of him in practice, pitchers facing each other should be weird.

Who is your son Orlando? Michael is with the Padres too!

Just wanted to mention about the signing process.

The milb contract is the same for everyone.
Addendums are added to each contract. Addendum A is the organization, players name, birthdate and what league he is rostered to. This changes, most players are initially rostered to a close facility or rookie camp. Mine was rostered to the GCL cardinals in Jupiter but he never made it there. Other addendums (B,C, etc.) include bonus and payout dates, etc., and the specifics of the college scholarship plan if one chooses or has that option. Up front money can be negotiated for any remaining college however you would pay taxes and most likely it might be gone by the time one goes. My son opted for the money to be put in the plan. Also included is whatever else that may be negotiated, but the overall contract remains the same for everyone.

Included is the monthly salary and bonus incentive plan. Salary remains the same for every level, whether you move up or down it stays the same $1100.00 per month. The bonus plan is a bonus everytime a player moves up one class to another, with the highest bonus of 5K making the ML roster. I am not sure what transpires when a player moves up to MLB then down and is placed on the 40 man roster.

The contract, as required by MLB, has to be delivered to the draftee within a certain time frame (14-15days). DK got his the 9th of June. One can (if they desire) sign without bonus addendums, etc, but ours was advised not to. If your son is NOT 21, the parent has to sign too. That contract can also be voided without hurting eligibility. What hurts players is signing with an AGENT before you have signed with the team. So therefore, best thing to do is not sign anything before one signs the milb, even if a physical or xrays are required. I am not sure of the implications once one receives a salary.

After signing, every contract must head it's way to NY for approval from MLB, who has the right to negate any addendums that have been added. This usually happens when a large bonus has been given to a player who is out of slot (eg, last years 7million dollar bonus). The team has to justify with good cause. It takes two weeks, sometimes 3.
So if you notice that some players bonus were posted asap that means most likely a predraft deal was made and signed sealed and deliverd a day or two after the draft and approved asap.

Any bonus (as stated in the contract) is usually a split. They do this for 2 reasons, one, in case the player doesn't show up next season and two, many teams are not that liquid at this time. An addendum was added to DK's contract for specific amounts and dates. A player can ask for a split anyway he wants or no split at all. The split, some payable this year, next year or the following year if you wish to extend is better for tax purposes. But remember all of that has to be approved.

That's pretty much how it goes, not too complicated, just some basic info for anyone interested.

i believe in order to get the bonus noney you have to be up for 90 days. kind of funny if you stay in the bigs for 90 days you'll get 5 grand bonus, but you made about 90 grand in that time. go figure.

quote:

Any bonus (as stated in the contract) is usually a split. They do this for 2 reasons, one, in case the player doesn't show up next season and two, many teams are not that liquid at this time.

Nice presentation TPM.

Gees...I'm stunned.

Which teams are not liquid enough to pay modest bonus money while they are paying millions to hamburgers on the MLB rosters?

quote:

paying millions to hamburgers on the MLB rosters?

That must make a rookie equal to the smaller and cheaper White Castle hamburger.

A little rz1 trivia... I've never had a sip of coffee, a fork full of Maci-cheese, or a White Castle slyder. Sounds like a great epitaph on the steps of my eternal dugout.

quote:

Originally posted by BeenthereIL:

Nice presentation TPM.

Gees...I'm stunned.

Which teams are not liquid enough to pay modest bonus money while they are paying millions to hamburgers on the MLB rosters?

BT,
Take all that may sign within the next 2 months including drafted players, international signees, draft and follows for this year, free agents and it adds up. Seemed silly to me, but that was what we were told.

Got his first Pro triple. Go D Go!

Exciting!

iitg,
DK's friend former Clemson pitcher Alan Farina joined the Doubledays tuesday night.

WTG D!

iitg's "D" doubles up the middle, RBI breaks the tie against Batavia!

TPM,

His first game winner. That was cool!

Good for him!

Now you guys have another really top notch pitcher.

I heard the Doubledays manager got ejected last night, I missed the fun!

The Muckdogs have the most losses in the NY Penn league. We are in the basement. Pitching is good, no run support.

Have no clue when DK will get back on the mound.

TPM,

Hopefully, DK will be back very soon. I am glad to hear that he is feeling better.

BTW - I was at Clemson this past weekend (with the monkey) - that place is just awesome.

I figured you were at camp.

Yes, it is AWESOME!

I miss my paw.