If asked about how MUCH $$ would it take to sign, the best answer would be fair market value. FAIR MARKET VALUE IS A POOR ANSWER. UNLESS YOUR SAYING YOU WILL SIGN FOR THE VALUE THAT THE TEAM PUTS ON YOU. FOR EXAMPLE IT MAY BE 50 GRAND IN THE 10TH ROUND.
As an example, fair market value for a HS, RHP throwing 92 committed to such and such school. THIS IS INCORRECT AS WELL. THROWING 92 HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. UNLESS THE TEAM THINKS YOU HVAE PROJECTION REMAINING AS WELL AS SOME PITCH ABILITY AND SOME LOOSNESS WITH A GOOD ARM ACTION AND DELIVERY.
You can search scouting reports and compare where HS RHP throwing that veocity might have signed for last year. ITS NOT ABOUT VELOCITY. UNLESS THEY THINK YOU WILL THROW EVEN HARDER THAN THAT.
This would be done taking into consideration your son's position. You can also determine by where your son fits in the overall scheme of his HS year (rankings) and the state (rankings) you reside in. It takes a bit of work, but will give you a better understanding of the draft and how it works.
THE BEST ANSWER IS THIS:
I REALLY WANT TO SIGN AND WILL SIGN FOR NO LESS THAN THE SLOT AMOUNT THROUGH ______ ROUNDS. or I REALLY WANT TO SIGN, BUT COLLEGE IS IMPORTANT TO ME, SO UNLESS I GET A ________ BONUS AMOUNT I WILL ATTEND COLLEGE. or I HAVE NO INTEREST IN PRO BALL AT THIS TIME BUT DO WANT TO WORK TOWARDS THAT GOAL WHILE PLAYING IN COLLEGE. THANKS FOR THE INTEREST. or I HAVE NO IDEA AT THIS TIME BUT PRO BASEBALL IS IMPORTANT TO ME AND SOMETHING THAT I WILL WORK AT. or
Just be honest. Do what YOU want and not what others suggest. Answer the question from your heart. Scouts will be at your sons games if he is a prospect no matter what the answer is. They are a valuable tool. Use them to gain your answers.
The reason for that question on the questionaire is as important as any question that you will answer. Its asked to gain interest. Its asked to see how realistic you have evaluated your abilities. If your evaluation is to high the scouts will tell you and help you with becoming more realistic and if not then a team will either pay you what you want or you will be going to college. Just be prepared for the worst case situation, but also be prepared for someone to like you more than you even like yourself. Meaning, there will be a time that you will have to sign and send your son away to begin his career. Some get cold feet even after they are drafted and change their minds because the reality of leaving home is RIGHT NOW.
Actually its an old one. The major issue is "Self Evaluation" meaning the dollar sign that parents and the son himself put on his ability. Scouts will tell you in many suttle ways if you have over valued yourself. They do this because they like the player but realize that the self evaluation has more than likely taken the player off the draft board.
The key thing to look at is this. For example, the player says I will sign for 850 grand and no less or I am going to college. That amount would put the player at about pick 35 to 40 in the area of the draft. So ALL(30) of the TEAMS will have to move that players name card on the draft board over to the unsignable board after those 1st 35 to 40 picks. Then the calls begin while the draft is going on, will you sign for 600, will you sign for 550, will you sign for this and this and this.
If pro baseball and working to become a major league player is the #1 goal and its more important than going to college. Then DO NOT let money get in the way and make you settle for your 2nd option and not what you really wanted to do. If you want to sign, say it. If your not sure and college is what you want, then say it. If its MOSTLY about the money then say it. Then be prepared to go to college. Playing pro baseball and working to become a major league player has to be a passion or you will not stand a chance.
The key thing to look at is this. For example, the player says I will sign for 850 grand and no less or I am going to college. That amount would put the player at about pick 35 to 40 in the area of the draft. So ALL(30) of the TEAMS will have to move that players name card on the draft board over to the unsignable board after those 1st 35 to 40 picks. Then the calls begin while the draft is going on, will you sign for 600, will you sign for 550, will you sign for this and this and this.
If pro baseball and working to become a major league player is the #1 goal and its more important than going to college. Then DO NOT let money get in the way and make you settle for your 2nd option and not what you really wanted to do. If you want to sign, say it. If your not sure and college is what you want, then say it. If its MOSTLY about the money then say it. Then be prepared to go to college. Playing pro baseball and working to become a major league player has to be a passion or you will not stand a chance.
OS,
Being through the process, twice, both different situations, I tend to agree with Vance.
Being through the process, twice, both different situations, I tend to agree with Vance.
quote:Originally posted by Tiger Paw Mom:
OS,
Being through the process, twice, both different situations, I tend to agree with Vance.
Being thru it once, I have to say each scenario is different.
having to go through it about 100 times each May and June I'd say there are different situations and scenario's for each.
Sure old slugger you could throw a couple hundred scenario's in the mix. But the question about the question on the team questionaire is only 3 fold.
Its either about
1. I want to sign
2. I want to go to college
3. I want this amount of money
If a team wants the player they will pick him no matter the situation. (ASK RICK PORCELLO)It boils down to that. There are, however, situations where a youngman does not want to sign. thats why the question is there. For example, Mark Texeria said in Jan. before the year he was drafted out of HS that he would sign for 9 million dollars. He ended up at Georgia Tech and was a late round pick just in case he might change his mind. If he had said fair money in the 1st round he would have been a 1st round pick. He could have just as easy said, I wanta go to school. BUT if a team wanted him they knew what it was gonna take and they did not have to waste a drfat pick. So sure its different for each but whatever your scenario is make sure that the teams know what it is so they will know what to do. Thats only fair.
Sure old slugger you could throw a couple hundred scenario's in the mix. But the question about the question on the team questionaire is only 3 fold.
Its either about
1. I want to sign
2. I want to go to college
3. I want this amount of money
If a team wants the player they will pick him no matter the situation. (ASK RICK PORCELLO)It boils down to that. There are, however, situations where a youngman does not want to sign. thats why the question is there. For example, Mark Texeria said in Jan. before the year he was drafted out of HS that he would sign for 9 million dollars. He ended up at Georgia Tech and was a late round pick just in case he might change his mind. If he had said fair money in the 1st round he would have been a 1st round pick. He could have just as easy said, I wanta go to school. BUT if a team wanted him they knew what it was gonna take and they did not have to waste a drfat pick. So sure its different for each but whatever your scenario is make sure that the teams know what it is so they will know what to do. Thats only fair.
Some really great posts here. I really think 20dad has hit it on the head that there are many, many scenarios and each team has their own way of approaching the draft.
From our standpoint I really think it came down to matching my son's true value with the what the team thought he was worth. Yes, there were constant questions about money pre-draft but we just said he would sign if he got what he was worth.
Somewhere however, a lot of teams for what ever reason, thought he would not sign because of his scholarship to college. Not really sure where that all came from because we were very clear on our intentions early on. I found that rumors fly like crazy among many of these guys. Another story for another day.
With another team, it could have been completely different.
From our standpoint I really think it came down to matching my son's true value with the what the team thought he was worth. Yes, there were constant questions about money pre-draft but we just said he would sign if he got what he was worth.
Somewhere however, a lot of teams for what ever reason, thought he would not sign because of his scholarship to college. Not really sure where that all came from because we were very clear on our intentions early on. I found that rumors fly like crazy among many of these guys. Another story for another day.
With another team, it could have been completely different.
Good post and what you are saying is what I was trying to get across, "pay me for what I am worth".
quote:Somewhere however, a lot of teams for what ever reason, thought he would not sign because of his scholarship to college. Not really sure where that all came from because we were very clear on our intentions early on. I found that rumors fly like crazy among many of these guys. Another story for another day.
Now that scenario rings a Bell
quote:"pay me for what I am worth".
Ha
Who determines that? The advisor? The Team? The Coach, The Preacher? The friend of the family? Granddad? Mom? Older Brother? Girlfriend? Friend of a friend who played? Who?
ALmost every HS kid and his camp think he is worth a million. If kids would sign for what "they are worth" there would be alot less kids going to college.
VALUE is in the eye of the beholder. The beholder would be the player and his camp(family). If I have a Tony Gwynn rookie baseball card and I want say 10 grand for it but the value placed on it is only 1 grand. Then someone will either pay me what I am asking or I will not sell it for that.
The draft is a **** shoot. You can predict all you want. Means nothing. A scout nor an agent can tell you where your son will be picked. The beholder says I'll sign in this range. The draft process is for players who want to go play and who have the ability to do so.
quote:a lot of teams for what ever reason, thought he would not sign because of his scholarship to college.
Passing blame, thats all that is. If you tell the scouts you want to sign it does not matter what school you choose to go to.
Think about it Please, Your the President of a large corp firm. You are trying to hire a young up and coming graduate but he has enrolled for his doctorate at Stanford and not U of Houston. That would indicate his intentions are I want to get my Doctorate degree instead of come to work at your firm.
Choosing Tulane, Rice, Stanford, Duke and schools like that along with a big time advisor who has a reputation of his clients going to college is pretty tell tell.
Again, the biggest issue is communication. Tell the scout what it will take to sign. YOU KNOW WHY PARENTS DON"T DO THAT? Because they think they will under value their son. Thats not the case. Saying you'll sign for no less than 500 grand means your signable, no matter where you go to school. It also doesn't mean you'll just get 500 grand.
Keep in mind there can only be 30 1st round draft picks. Only 30 in the whole country. THIRTY
Overall, I think being a PGA club professional and a scratch golfer can satisfy most any young man as a career.
Pro baseball and the path to MLB is so convoluted these days that I now have a better understanding why some kids don't even try anymore.
College coaches duping kids
MLB teams extending resources outside the borders
Showcases that skew the rankings, and opportunites
Think about it. You can examine recent history and find more "busts" to bonus babies only because the effort was put forth to market these players.
I always say the field of play will determine who stays, and who goes. It is just a matter of time, and perseverance by the others.
When do we tee off??
Pro baseball and the path to MLB is so convoluted these days that I now have a better understanding why some kids don't even try anymore.
College coaches duping kids
MLB teams extending resources outside the borders
Showcases that skew the rankings, and opportunites
Think about it. You can examine recent history and find more "busts" to bonus babies only because the effort was put forth to market these players.
I always say the field of play will determine who stays, and who goes. It is just a matter of time, and perseverance by the others.
When do we tee off??
You know, you have great points.
Keep this in mind. Scouts can go to latin countries and sign many more players for far less money than it takes to sign an American player. Most of those kids over there are far superior with a glove on their hand than most American players. It is really ashamed that the American Market has priced itself out.
What is most difficult to scout is whats inside a player. His heart. I suggest wearing your heart so everyone can see it and not behind a bevy of people.
What would have been satisfying would be to do what it is you want to do. You can not let anyone, anything or any amount of money stand in the way of that. Your only young once and you may only get one chance. Communicate your heart OUTLOUD!
Keep this in mind. Scouts can go to latin countries and sign many more players for far less money than it takes to sign an American player. Most of those kids over there are far superior with a glove on their hand than most American players. It is really ashamed that the American Market has priced itself out.
What is most difficult to scout is whats inside a player. His heart. I suggest wearing your heart so everyone can see it and not behind a bevy of people.
What would have been satisfying would be to do what it is you want to do. You can not let anyone, anything or any amount of money stand in the way of that. Your only young once and you may only get one chance. Communicate your heart OUTLOUD!
i'm not a scout,or a very educated guy for that matter so this is my take on the questionare. if i remember there was a question about your dream or what is your hopes or something like that. my son answered to play pro baseball. that kind of say's it all. and he is lucky ,very lucky to have a shot at his dream. but pro baseball is a big busines disquised as a little boy's dream.
maybe if the mlb teams drafted on ability alone it might be easier to understand. as i said before for most players drafted. money really isn't the issue.don't get me wrong it can be a big issue with some but after the 8th or 9th round it isn't the reason to sign. but every one thinks and rightfully so the more money you get the more of a chance you have.
so in the parents mind we all want a million........chances. just the way i see it from the bleachers.
maybe if the mlb teams drafted on ability alone it might be easier to understand. as i said before for most players drafted. money really isn't the issue.don't get me wrong it can be a big issue with some but after the 8th or 9th round it isn't the reason to sign. but every one thinks and rightfully so the more money you get the more of a chance you have.
so in the parents mind we all want a million........chances. just the way i see it from the bleachers.
My son played with and against Luke Hochevar since they were 10. His asking price coming out of HS was $500 K which is why he dropped to (if I remember right) the 35th round to the Dodgers. He enrolled at TN and "the rest is history".
quote:Originally posted by Tiger Paw Mom:
Good post and what you are saying is what I was trying to get across, "pay me for what I am worth".
Vance, you are correct, most players and families will knock themselves off of the list with their answers. What is so difficult is when a player and family try to determine what they are actually worth and that doesn't come until right before the draft for most. Getting GOOD advice and listening to the advice will help the player and family to determine where they might fall, regardless of who it comes from.
In HS, I know the figure son was looking for (yes it was about the money at that time) and I know after watching the draft, he was not "worth" what he wanted, so we pretty much knew it wasn't going to happen. The figure may not have been realistic, but the approach was for us and when he wasn't drafted it was no big shock and we were not angry or confused about it. He moved on.
Communicating with your heart is the thing to do. Answering the question on the questionaire, do you want to play professional ball, will always be a yes, but 9 times out of 10 that doesn't tell the whole story. Yes, I do, but I think I want to go to college first, yes I do but I want a lot of $$ to sign, yes I do, and nothing will stand in my way no matter where you take me, gives different signals.
I recently saw a ranking list compiled in November before son's HS draft in June. It was interesting to see that some of the first rounders chosen that year were ranked after son. I happen to know two of them gave all indications that they wanted to go play asap. One was Billy Butler. Speaking with his folks on an official visit to UF, they told us he wanted to play out of HS. Interestingly enough, David Price (was he drafted that year?) was lower on the list, and we all know how that turned out.
Vance is correct it is a cr*p shoot but no matter, in the end, talent and willingness to gamble on the odds is up to each individual and when the chips fall, each individual has to accept the decision as the right one for themselves. And a good point is that if the team is unable to find what they are looking for here, they will go elsewhere to do so.
TPM-
Very well said.
This is a free market economy and the market determines the value people are willing to pay for other's services. Like it or not, everyone is willing to work for a different wage & some U.S. players ARE probably pricing themselves out of a chance because the teams can go elsewhere and pick up players for a lot less. These Minor League teams are not all made up of top 5 rounders who get the bigger bonuses either. Some kids just want a chance at their dream & there is nothing wrong with that. Half the world would like to move here for a chance at a better life. My son is totally happy he has gotten the opportunity & we are too.
Very well said.
This is a free market economy and the market determines the value people are willing to pay for other's services. Like it or not, everyone is willing to work for a different wage & some U.S. players ARE probably pricing themselves out of a chance because the teams can go elsewhere and pick up players for a lot less. These Minor League teams are not all made up of top 5 rounders who get the bigger bonuses either. Some kids just want a chance at their dream & there is nothing wrong with that. Half the world would like to move here for a chance at a better life. My son is totally happy he has gotten the opportunity & we are too.
I have been keeping the discussion going because I had been asked to.
Oldsluggers son was not drafted and is not as bitter as he had been, I think he realizes how it works now.
There are a few parents whose sons are pretty much on good radar and so confused. Seeing and hearing how life is in the milb we know ours made a good choice to go to college first and never regretted it. I have somewhat changed my way of thinking, if you have ability and want to go, then go, don't say, we'll see what happens because it might not, do what you feel in your heart is best, if you want lots and lots of money (I mean first 30 pick money) chances, are you won't see it. You and I know how hard it is just to work for the opportunity, let alone becoming a millionaire for life.
My son's roomate this summer while in rehab was a low rounder out of HS who signed for 30K. Dave said he came with the thought by summer he would be a rookie in high A. By the end of summer he was counting the moments until he could head back home. Dave said he feels no one really educated him on how things work, and the player indicated he should have most likely headed to school first. So my advice to folks is, make a decision based upon where you don't want to question if you made a wrong choice, it 's a lot easier to think about it on a college campus than in rookie complex ball with 100 degree heat.
It was tough summer for son, he has never been sidelined ever but for a game or two, so we really not sure of what real life is like for him as he spent it in Jupiter rehabbing. he says he is just glad he went to college first.
The list I am referring to was BA's top prospect in HS. Your son was on it also, funny how most of the ones who where on the list either got drafted or went to college and got drafted. I guess if it was meant to be, it happens at different times.
Oldsluggers son was not drafted and is not as bitter as he had been, I think he realizes how it works now.
There are a few parents whose sons are pretty much on good radar and so confused. Seeing and hearing how life is in the milb we know ours made a good choice to go to college first and never regretted it. I have somewhat changed my way of thinking, if you have ability and want to go, then go, don't say, we'll see what happens because it might not, do what you feel in your heart is best, if you want lots and lots of money (I mean first 30 pick money) chances, are you won't see it. You and I know how hard it is just to work for the opportunity, let alone becoming a millionaire for life.
My son's roomate this summer while in rehab was a low rounder out of HS who signed for 30K. Dave said he came with the thought by summer he would be a rookie in high A. By the end of summer he was counting the moments until he could head back home. Dave said he feels no one really educated him on how things work, and the player indicated he should have most likely headed to school first. So my advice to folks is, make a decision based upon where you don't want to question if you made a wrong choice, it 's a lot easier to think about it on a college campus than in rookie complex ball with 100 degree heat.
It was tough summer for son, he has never been sidelined ever but for a game or two, so we really not sure of what real life is like for him as he spent it in Jupiter rehabbing. he says he is just glad he went to college first.
The list I am referring to was BA's top prospect in HS. Your son was on it also, funny how most of the ones who where on the list either got drafted or went to college and got drafted. I guess if it was meant to be, it happens at different times.
Besides gleening information from this website, how does one educate himself on this process? Is there a handbook? Seriously,...
? Seriously,...
Is it easier for everyone to throw away a 5 cent plastic ring out of a bubble gum machine or a $500,000 diamond ring? 
quote:Originally posted by iheartbb:
Besides gleening information from this website, how does one educate himself on this process? Is there a handbook
Try this compiled by Bob years ago.
http://www.hsbaseballweb.com/pro_scouting.htm
quote:Originally posted by OLDSLUGGER8:
Is it easier for everyone to throw away a 5 cent plastic ring out of a bubble gum machine or a $500,000 diamond ring?
