Scout's Workout?

Would he consider signing a pro contract and forgoing the college scholarship? That will give you a good idea of your answer.

I guess it would depend on the offer. I think our family all agrees it would be best to attend college and get the degree, but what if he gets an offer that would be difficult to refuse? Tough decision to make. I guess the "workout" would let him know where he stands as far as his potential as a prospect. Any other thoughts on this situation? Thanks for the help.

A positive could be that he sets himself up with more options. If the scout likes what he sees, there may be a chance of getting drafted in June. The fact that he is committed to a DI would give him potentially more leverage with the ML team with concern to money if he did get drafted high enough. If he's drafted in a higher round and it's not life changing money, then it makes sense to go to school.

Hardball1,

Attend the workout.

It's a no brainer.

They know that he has the D1 scholly and STILL invited him to a workout in January in anticipation of the upcoming June draft.

quote:

He is a lefty and tops off at 90mph with great stuff.

These are the magic words.

We have a friend that was already commited to a D1 and was being scouted by many pro teams.

I think if you're drafted high enough you can guarentee enough $$$ to pay for school if the pro gig doesn't work out.

That's the scary part in dealing that how much $ offered is enough to turn down the scholarship? This is where it gets sticky. I totally agree with you though, if the offer is substantial enough to make it tough to turn down then he may want to reconsider. What % of players do you think turn down the scholarships and go pro out of high school? Just curious. Thanks.

Hardball1,

The percentage of players that turn down the scholarships and go pro out of high school really doesn't matter.

It's not important for you to do what everyone else does.

It's important for you to do what is appropriate for you and your son.

In each year's draft, only about 100 players across the country really get offered enough money to forego educational opportunities.

Many of those players have three years of college behind them already.

I have not seen many high school players with the maturity to handle the riggers of minor league baseball.

The scouts have an idea about your son's maturity and that impacts their decision about when to select him in the draft and the appropriate compensation to offer.

Learn as much as you can about the process and anticipate what your decisions might be.

Then, as the process unfolds, you'll make the correct decisions, as the options are presented.

quote:

I think if you're drafted high enough you can guarentee enough $$$ to pay for school if the pro gig doesn't work out.

Be careful with this one. It may seem comforting at the front end; but, it's the easiest concession for any of the clubs to make.

Why? Two reasons: Statistically, the probability of a player returning to school after several seasons of professional baseball is not good; so, the projected cost to the club is much better than it might seem initially.

Less well known is the fact that college money dissipates as a player progresses through the minor league ranks. One might argue that if the player makes it to the major leagues, he'll quickly make enough that he can sock enough college money away. However, many don't have the opportunity to play long enough in the majors to do that, if at all.

The bottom line is that you shouldn't place too much significance on that "guaranteed" money. It's hard enough to go back and finish your degree after you've played college ball for 3 years, let alone none at all.