i
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
This story is fascinating to me. Not everyone will agree with their decision but no one can say that they don't have a plan. 
I wish the kid and his family well.
I wish the kid and his family well.
I wish him the best. I'm simply throwing this out there, but did he do this to avoid all the hype and questions about the draft? This way wont he have to wait until his junior season to be drafted (assuming he stays)? I could be wrong on that.
He will have to wait until his Jr. year, but he'll still only be an old 19 year old or a young 20 year old on draft day 2009. Interesting developments for Mr. Stock!!
He throws 93-94 but is "projected" as a catcher....interesting.
So....why exactly can't he take his girlfriend to the prom???
So....why exactly can't he take his girlfriend to the prom???
and he can SMASH!
The move is intriguing. I'm not sure I would want my son to pass up his senior year in high school. My memories of high school, particularly my senior year, are fond ones, and are the kind that you can never replace. On the other hand, it makes sense as a business/baseball decision.
As for the prom, of course technically there is nothing to prevent him from attending with his girlfriend (as far as we know). He may not be thinking clearly about it (hey, he's only 16, after all!!!). Then again, it could be a question of when his (now former) high school's prom is held. If it is during baseball season, USC's schedule could interfere (team on the road that weekend, or a night game at home, for instance).
As for the prom, of course technically there is nothing to prevent him from attending with his girlfriend (as far as we know). He may not be thinking clearly about it (hey, he's only 16, after all!!!). Then again, it could be a question of when his (now former) high school's prom is held. If it is during baseball season, USC's schedule could interfere (team on the road that weekend, or a night game at home, for instance).
I'm curious to know if he will still be draft eligleable if he redshirts or just attends on academic or no scholarship? Is that possible?
Once he enrolls at USC (I think it happned this week) -- scholarship or otherwise -- he is ineligible for the MLB draft until he completes 3 years at the university (redshirt would count as a year) or when he turns 21, which isn't applicable in this case. There may be certain exceptions if he is granted a release and attends a JUCO or NAIA school.
JWC -- you're right...prom probably occurs during the season...perhaps he can catch Saturday morning and hurry back to the prom that night.
JWC -- you're right...prom probably occurs during the season...perhaps he can catch Saturday morning and hurry back to the prom that night.
A few general points concerning the RS "situation" (well, we are turning it into a "situation")
This kid's family has focused on his baseball career and its progress for several years -- ever since he became somewhat of a phenom when he was 13, probably before that even. His dad has been analyzed and scrutinized for the way he handles the talented youngster....and I have never read a critical word concerning their motives. From all accounts, this is a great kid from a great family. 99.99% of those that have seen him believe him to be an incredible talent and most agree that the sky is the limit regarding his baseball future. But...many disagree with the decision to enroll at USC because it "leaves money on the table".
I suppose there are questions that most of us cannot answer. Regarding the general stance here that the kid should have stayed in HS to get a true picture of his draft status....I agree with the majority. If he is truly "projected" as a catcher, rather than a RHP, then it is unlikely that he is a 2007 top 10 pick.
What are the true benefits of this move? Why not wait to have the following questions answered...
1) where do pro teams see him playing (position-wise)
2) where would he be drafted in '07 and for what money
Wouldn't the opportunity at USC still be there in 2007? But at that time, other options would be clear. He is a young 2007, so why not finish high school...be drafted...then decide? There is no greater risk of injury on either playing field. And will he be ready to play every day at USC?
Is this a case where the kid simply needs a new challenge? He has played on the Youth National team, the Junior National team, at AFLAC, etc., etc..... He seems to be ready to accept new academic challenges.
The situation remains fascinating to me -- money or no money.
This kid's family has focused on his baseball career and its progress for several years -- ever since he became somewhat of a phenom when he was 13, probably before that even. His dad has been analyzed and scrutinized for the way he handles the talented youngster....and I have never read a critical word concerning their motives. From all accounts, this is a great kid from a great family. 99.99% of those that have seen him believe him to be an incredible talent and most agree that the sky is the limit regarding his baseball future. But...many disagree with the decision to enroll at USC because it "leaves money on the table".
I suppose there are questions that most of us cannot answer. Regarding the general stance here that the kid should have stayed in HS to get a true picture of his draft status....I agree with the majority. If he is truly "projected" as a catcher, rather than a RHP, then it is unlikely that he is a 2007 top 10 pick.
What are the true benefits of this move? Why not wait to have the following questions answered...
1) where do pro teams see him playing (position-wise)
2) where would he be drafted in '07 and for what money
Wouldn't the opportunity at USC still be there in 2007? But at that time, other options would be clear. He is a young 2007, so why not finish high school...be drafted...then decide? There is no greater risk of injury on either playing field. And will he be ready to play every day at USC?
Is this a case where the kid simply needs a new challenge? He has played on the Youth National team, the Junior National team, at AFLAC, etc., etc..... He seems to be ready to accept new academic challenges.
The situation remains fascinating to me -- money or no money.
Maybe they decided to go to USC because they were tired of taking calls from 'advisors'?
Maybe since he is a young 2007, he and his dad might not think it is in his best interest to leave high school and start travelling around the country on buses with a lot of old men.
If the kid is as smart as they say he is then going to school could be a good idea. Maybe he might want to do something constructive after his baseball career is over. A degree from USC will go a long way in that endeavor.
If the kid is as smart as they say he is then going to school could be a good idea. Maybe he might want to do something constructive after his baseball career is over. A degree from USC will go a long way in that endeavor.
A 1410 SAT score at 16 years of age shows that this kid is SMART.
And he'll be smart in May 2007. 1410 is awesome -- but that probably isn't enough to get school paid for at USC. Baseball is the key there. So, if going to college is the best choice for the sake of his maturing -- why leave HS early to do it? And there aren't that many "old men" in rookie ball. He would either be doing it at 17...or he will be doing it at 19.
He would either be doing it at 17...or he will be doing it at 19.
He'd actually be doing his rookie ball at 17 if he went the HS route.
I think it's a wise decision myself. Go play some big time D1 baseball and mature a little while you are close to home. Then go off and make your millions either playing pro ball or in the business world.
I personally know a couple of 19/20 year olds that got home sick during their stint in the minors and quit and came home left with few options.
If the kid gets home sick, he can drive home for a weekend or his mom can bring him a home cooked meal. If you are on a bus to BFE at rookie ball in the North East, a California kid just might not make it.
And from the article I read, he's on a full ride academically on an early admission grant.
I think it's a wise decision myself. Go play some big time D1 baseball and mature a little while you are close to home. Then go off and make your millions either playing pro ball or in the business world.
I personally know a couple of 19/20 year olds that got home sick during their stint in the minors and quit and came home left with few options.
If the kid gets home sick, he can drive home for a weekend or his mom can bring him a home cooked meal. If you are on a bus to BFE at rookie ball in the North East, a California kid just might not make it.
And from the article I read, he's on a full ride academically on an early admission grant.
Good point KD. I think we all know of a kid, and a great pitcher, who got homesick--- not to make this about him--- but it's a simple fact of life... it happens.
KD- great point
Dtiger way to expand this about sums up my feelings in these two posts
i think hes an amazing baseball player and seems like a smart kid
best of luck
Dtiger way to expand this about sums up my feelings in these two posts
i think hes an amazing baseball player and seems like a smart kid
best of luck
You're right, KD -- he would have been drafted the spring before his 18th b-day -- my bad.
quote:Originally posted by DBAT GM:
Maybe they decided to go to USC because they were tired of taking calls from 'advisors'?
Amen.