Shopping deals

We chose to only answer questions we were asked...honestly. That worked well for us.

I'm not sure I would "shop" deals unless you get down to a 'make-or-break' situation. Otherwise, schools have other options than your son and most won't want to deal with someone wanting to wheel-and-deal.

justbaseball

Great approach and in my mind the correct one

I guess what I am asking is, say your No. 2 choice calls with a good offer but short fuse, do you call your number 1 choice and tell them? In other words, my phrase "shopping deals" is a bit strong - I'm just wondering at what point do you tell one school, "hey, School B is calling and wants me to tell 'em something, but I really want to go with you guys" that sorta thing . . .

If you're sure you would take School #2's offer if #1 won't come through. Then yes, I would make that call. But don't come off as a threat...just say something like, 'hey, son really wants to come to your school, but he has a great offer from his 2nd choice and is afraid he will lose it soon. Could you give us an idea if you might offer him at some point?'

BUT...to me, its awful early to make a 'pressured' decision. School #2 must know something (i.e. that maybe they won't get your son unless they pressure him).

Tough call. However, it is a not an unusual approach for a school to throw in a "reply by" date. With that said, you do not want to get into the signing period and be left out in the cold with no where to go. On the other hand, you do not want to throw all your eggs in one basket to early. I think I would call the choice #1 and let them know of the circumstance being very careful not to put it in a threatening tone, just informational letting them know that they are #1 on your list and you wanted to let them know of the situation out of respect for the program. If they balk or throw out a non-exceptable offer, maybe you are not so high on their list, if they put out a qualifying offer it may be the time to jump in.

One thing to keep in mind is sometimes the #1 choice is the personal favorite, but not necessarily the best "fit". This is a big decision that can happen in the wink of an eye. Sit down with your son and matrix on paper the pros and cons of each school incluing academics, lifestyle, family issues, costs, and baseball program. You would be surprised how the realities of a situation look on paper versus mulling them over in your head.

After posting my reply I see that Justbaseball and I are on the same page

I'm on your pages, too......there is some outstanding advice being given in this thread.

I am on the same page too!

However, while this is great advice, I have come to realize that the recruting process has changed since son was recruited.

Case in point, while up for a game in the spring, there were 4-5 07's there on unofficial visits. This meant, to me, they would be offered early summer, and given a short fuse, because I know that the recruitng coach at son's school offers and then moves on after a short period. Gone are the days of waiting for fall for official visits for decisions.

Since playing rules have changed, obviously, I would definetly make the call, but explain that there has been an offer made (you don't have to tell them what it is unless asked) and ask if there is a possibility of one coming, then you would know up front what to expect.

I am suggesting once again that all parents read "Unofficial Visit" by Ben Harrison. Pretty basic, but he tells candidly how UM withdrew their great offer because his son was waiting for a better offer from another school, which never came.

You also can explain nicely to the school that has offered that you are not ready to do that, but I think nowadays that is taking a chance.