Why are some bonus' listed and others are not, does anyone know why?
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From what I've seen, they usually only list the top 10 rounds.
Too embarrassed to list the lower draft bonus numbers. Likely to avoid kids revolting. $500.00; a ticket to a short-season league; and, $20.00 worth of McDonald's coupons, is tough to talk about when you're a parent telling everyone that he was drafted and then you realize you will have to support him for another 4 years. Can't live on $850.00 per month for 3 months and then try to find a job and then the club gets upset because you can't go to instructional league for even less money for a couple of months.
When will they learn? ...The powers that are MLB. Educated kids are killing the minor leagues. Now filled with Latins chasing a dream as they run from poverty and living in a slum tin shack on a mountainside!
Too embarrassed to list the lower draft bonus numbers. Likely to avoid kids revolting. $500.00; a ticket to a short-season league; and, $20.00 worth of McDonald's coupons, is tough to talk about when you're a parent telling everyone that he was drafted and then you realize you will have to support him for another 4 years. Can't live on $850.00 per month for 3 months and then try to find a job and then the club gets upset because you can't go to instructional league for even less money for a couple of months.
When will they learn? ...The powers that are MLB. Educated kids are killing the minor leagues. Now filled with Latins chasing a dream as they run from poverty and living in a slum tin shack on a mountainside!
TPM,
Where are you looking? I can't find ANY signings...
Where are you looking? I can't find ANY signings...
As Beenthere so eloquently put it - it would probably cost the team more to pay the data entry clerk to post the bonuses on the internet - than to actually pay the "bonuses" themselves.
A bag of bananas and a bus ticket. How do you put that into a statistical format?
A bag of bananas and a bus ticket. How do you put that into a statistical format?
MrsBaseball ...
Baseball America posts the signing bonuses but they have to get the info from somebody ... I would imagine that would be from the MLB clubs. But they just aren't updated on a regular basis.
its ...
Well now ... that might be a whole new meaning for the word "elogent", don't you think? But it is honest. And signing bonuses are a lot like scholarships ... they are better left NOT discussed. The big signings get the notariaty and I think that is all that anybody really cares about.
Baseball America posts the signing bonuses but they have to get the info from somebody ... I would imagine that would be from the MLB clubs. But they just aren't updated on a regular basis.
its ...
quote:
As Beenthere so eloquently put it
Well now ... that might be a whole new meaning for the word "elogent", don't you think? But it is honest. And signing bonuses are a lot like scholarships ... they are better left NOT discussed. The big signings get the notariaty and I think that is all that anybody really cares about.
I find this a fascinating topic. I respect BeenthereIl's opinion because he has been there with his experience and his son's as well. Sometimes it is the way that you look at an opportunity and what your particular priorities are.
Beenthere is correct here, but it also opens up many opportunities for those who want to work hard to get ahead.
quote:
When will they learn? ...The powers that are MLB. Educated kids are killing the minor leagues. Now filled with Latins chasing a dream as they run from poverty and living in a slum tin shack on a mountainside!
Beenthere is correct here, but it also opens up many opportunities for those who want to work hard to get ahead.
you are correct, the 1st ten rounds the commisioner's office holds teams accountable to sign players in the round selected to slot money for that round.... after the 10th round you will see players selected signing for more money as in the case of my son who was selected past the 10th rd but recieved 7th rd money to sign.. you also have to remember that most senior's selected past the 10th rd recieve the $1000.00 bonus and a plane ticket because they have no leverage... Also I will say that with the negotiations that we went through although stressful I must agree with Bighit that this has been our sons dream and he is taking his shot.... I must also say that in the coming years the signing bonuses are going to decrease due to the commisioners office drawing the line and if you notice from years past the ridiculous amount's of money just isn't there
raiders3604 ...
I think the signing bonus negotiations can be pretty tough on these kids. Our son was beginning to wonder if the scout had heard him when they spoke before the draft about what he would consider a fair amount.
But the bottom line for him (he was drafted in the 9th round) was that he was ready for the next level of competition, he wanted the opportunity to show people what he could do, and he might have even considered paying them to have the chance to play his game and live his dream.
I think the signing bonus negotiations can be pretty tough on these kids. Our son was beginning to wonder if the scout had heard him when they spoke before the draft about what he would consider a fair amount.
But the bottom line for him (he was drafted in the 9th round) was that he was ready for the next level of competition, he wanted the opportunity to show people what he could do, and he might have even considered paying them to have the chance to play his game and live his dream.
baby back momma, not trying to turn this into a debate but just trying to let people know about things we had learned through-out the process. I could go on about things that went on through the entire process and our son was never involved in the negotiations. He through the entire process wanted to sign but not for slot money and held his ground and luckily everything worked out.
raiders3604, congrats. You know how I feel about your son. I am so proud. When does he get his first start?
Hey Big; Congrats on litte E's 1st win but I get so tired and fed up of visiting this site because you have folks giving advice that have no clue what in the hell is going on.... Hopefully he will go next week and will let you know how it goes.... keep in touch....
quote:
I get so tired and fed up of visiting this site because you have folks giving advice that have no clue what in the hell is going on....
Gee, what a nice sentiment.
Why don't you straighten them (or me) out if you know something being posted here is incorrect? Don't think anyone would have a problem with that. We're all just trying to help each other afterall.
Beenthere,
Thanks, however I know of a player who signed for a million right away and it is still not listed. I was curious as to why.
BBMomma,
I think Raider didn't notice that you have just been through the process also so I know that you do have a clue as to what the **** is going on.
MrandMrs,
You are too sweet! And yes I feel like an ATM myself here or better put The Bank of OFF to College.
Big,
You are getting mellow! I agree with you on this, it opens opportunities that may not be possible after three-four years of college.
Raiders,
You are correct, the commissioner's office holds the teams accountable for the first 10 rounds for the slot money and most of us who have been through the process at sometime or another know after the 10th round signing is not about the bonus $$$.
Thanks, however I know of a player who signed for a million right away and it is still not listed. I was curious as to why.
BBMomma,
I think Raider didn't notice that you have just been through the process also so I know that you do have a clue as to what the **** is going on.
MrandMrs,
You are too sweet! And yes I feel like an ATM myself here or better put The Bank of OFF to College.
Big,
You are getting mellow! I agree with you on this, it opens opportunities that may not be possible after three-four years of college.
Raiders,
You are correct, the commissioner's office holds the teams accountable for the first 10 rounds for the slot money and most of us who have been through the process at sometime or another know after the 10th round signing is not about the bonus $$$.
The Commissioner's office should hold itself accountable for what it hasn't done for baseball.
Bud...In my opinion...What a joke!
Bud...In my opinion...What a joke!
I am not going to argue with Beenthere and his personal experiences. Though I don't view it exactly as he does, I certainly respect his and his son's experience. Though Beenthere is correct in his assessments to some degree, I just don't see it as that negative. Firstly, the competition is pretty good and by the 3rd year if you are to high A or A ball, you are definitely playing a significantly better brand of ball than most colleges. Colledge coaches like to say that college ball is equal to AA. If it was then why do only a handful of college draftees go to high A or AA ball. I think for the hs pitcher, that pitching in the minors has the wood bat as a great equalizer. I think that position players might gain an advantage by staying in college and playing college summer ball like Cape Cod, etc.
I think that it gives the HS grad the ability to compete right away at a high level. I know guys who were drafted and did not sign last year that got 15 innings in d-1 ball and are miserable about the lack of development. The emphasis in college is on winning now and not on development. So some guys sit even though they can compete. JMO
I think that it gives the HS grad the ability to compete right away at a high level. I know guys who were drafted and did not sign last year that got 15 innings in d-1 ball and are miserable about the lack of development. The emphasis in college is on winning now and not on development. So some guys sit even though they can compete. JMO
BigHit
This is a good observation.
I think the expectations you have outlined
are realistic with regards to time frame
and the advantages that pitchers have with the use of wood while hitters make their adjustments.
This is a good observation.
I think the expectations you have outlined
are realistic with regards to time frame
and the advantages that pitchers have with the use of wood while hitters make their adjustments.
Great topic. Now, how much does a player from short season to AAA make a year? Do they get paid throughout the year or just during the season? Do they sign mutli-year contracts or yearly. Thanks.
GoGo ...
Directly from MinorLeagueBaseball.com's FAQ:
Note: Class A (short-season) ... I believe this also applies to "rookie" short season, not just "A"
Also, my understanding ... the players are only paid while they are actually playing and during spring training, but somebody like Chill may know more about that.
If your are interested in more information, here is a direct link to the FAQ section of MinorLeagueBaseball.com:
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/help/faq/
Directly from MinorLeagueBaseball.com's FAQ:
quote:
4) What do Minor League players earn?
Minor League Baseball player contracts are handled by the Major League Baseball office. Here are the salary ranges:
First contract season: $850/month maximum. After that, open to negotiation
Alien Salary Rates: Different for aliens on visas--mandated by INS (Immigration).
Triple-A--First year: $2,150/month, after first year no less than $2,150/month
Class AA-First year: $1,500/month, after first year no less than $1,500/month
Class A (full season)--First year: $1,050/month, after first year no less than $1,050/month
Class A (short-season)--First year: $850/month, after first year no less than $850/month
Dominican & Venezuelan Summer Leagues--no lower than $300/month
Meal Money: $20 per day at all levels, while on the road
Note: Class A (short-season) ... I believe this also applies to "rookie" short season, not just "A"
Also, my understanding ... the players are only paid while they are actually playing and during spring training, but somebody like Chill may know more about that.
If your are interested in more information, here is a direct link to the FAQ section of MinorLeagueBaseball.com:
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/help/faq/
GoGo,
Can't answer all your questions, but here is what I found on the Minor League site:
What do Minor League players earn?
Minor League Baseball player contracts are handled by the Major League Baseball office. Here are the salary ranges:
First contract season: $850/month maximum. After that, open to negotiation
Alien Salary Rates: Different for aliens on visas--mandated by INS (Immigration).
Triple-A--First year: $2,150/month, after first year no less than $2,150/month
Class AA-First year: $1,500/month, after first year no less than $1,500/month
Class A (full season)--First year: $1,050/month, after first year no less than $1,050/month
Class A (short-season)--First year: $850/month, after first year no less than $850/month
Dominican & Venezuelan Summer Leagues--no lower than $300/month
Meal Money: $20 per day at all levels, while on the road.
Can't answer all your questions, but here is what I found on the Minor League site:
What do Minor League players earn?
Minor League Baseball player contracts are handled by the Major League Baseball office. Here are the salary ranges:
First contract season: $850/month maximum. After that, open to negotiation
Alien Salary Rates: Different for aliens on visas--mandated by INS (Immigration).
Triple-A--First year: $2,150/month, after first year no less than $2,150/month
Class AA-First year: $1,500/month, after first year no less than $1,500/month
Class A (full season)--First year: $1,050/month, after first year no less than $1,050/month
Class A (short-season)--First year: $850/month, after first year no less than $850/month
Dominican & Venezuelan Summer Leagues--no lower than $300/month
Meal Money: $20 per day at all levels, while on the road.
FrankF ...
Hey, I guess "great minds think alike" is a truism !!!!!
Mary Ann
Hey, I guess "great minds think alike" is a truism !!!!!
Mary Ann
Yep, your mind just thinks a little faster than mine. 
Also found this from an old Pawtucket letter:
Salaries are not popular topics of conversations with ballplayers.
They will talk in general terms about how the numbers vary. They may get paid either monthly or bi-weekly. They may get paid for just the months they are playing or year-round.
Also found this from an old Pawtucket letter:
Salaries are not popular topics of conversations with ballplayers.
They will talk in general terms about how the numbers vary. They may get paid either monthly or bi-weekly. They may get paid for just the months they are playing or year-round.
Minor Leaguers get paid on the 1st and 15th of the month during the season. Big Leaguers will get paid whichever way their agent and the club set it up.
What do big leaguers get as a per diem on the road?
I am not sure of the exact amount, but it is in the $70 range.
Per diem differences make sense ... it doesn't cost nearly as much $$ to eat dinner in Yakima or Spokane as it does in the Big Cities ... 
Geez bbscout...thats more than we get working for the government!
Amen!!!!! 
Guys.......you have to remember that the players have to get by on about a 2 million dollar average salary, so they need the $70 meal money. 
The guys making $850 per month are used to being poor, so they only need $20 per day to eat on.
When I first signed in 1965, the money was $3.50 per day in "A" ball, $5 in "AA" and $7.50 in "AAA". The big leaguers got $12.50, but that was before they had a Union.
The guys making $850 per month are used to being poor, so they only need $20 per day to eat on.
When I first signed in 1965, the money was $3.50 per day in "A" ball, $5 in "AA" and $7.50 in "AAA". The big leaguers got $12.50, but that was before they had a Union.
Throw in the free clubhouse meals, and yeah, I can see why they need more than me. 
Doug, remember...... way back then a hotdog only cost $.05 and a coke was $.02!
I probably shouldn't post this under my "real name" because my kid will kill me if he ever finds out ... but his piddly monthly salary saved him from getting a speeding ticket last week.
When the officer stopped him ... kind of late, on his way "home" after a game ... the conversation on the shoulder turned to the fact that our son played for the local minor league team. The officer chatted with him quite a bit (I am sure the kid was nervous as all get out because he has never had a traffic ticket) and even asked him what kind of $$ they make playing baseball. The officer realized that by the time our son had to cover living expenses (rent, meals, laundry, car expenses, etc), the ticket would have really eaten up what little was left. Finally, the officer told him that he was not issuing our son a ticket for several reasons ... he seemed like a really good kid; he had a very large Christian decal on the rear window that the officer liked (let's hear a good old "Praise the Lord" on this one); and the officer felt that the players were practically "playing for free" and the ticket was just too expensive for that.
So ... it may not seem like much by some standards (and may seem like a fortune by other standards) ... but it saved my kid $168 traffic ticket ...
When the officer stopped him ... kind of late, on his way "home" after a game ... the conversation on the shoulder turned to the fact that our son played for the local minor league team. The officer chatted with him quite a bit (I am sure the kid was nervous as all get out because he has never had a traffic ticket) and even asked him what kind of $$ they make playing baseball. The officer realized that by the time our son had to cover living expenses (rent, meals, laundry, car expenses, etc), the ticket would have really eaten up what little was left. Finally, the officer told him that he was not issuing our son a ticket for several reasons ... he seemed like a really good kid; he had a very large Christian decal on the rear window that the officer liked (let's hear a good old "Praise the Lord" on this one); and the officer felt that the players were practically "playing for free" and the ticket was just too expensive for that.
So ... it may not seem like much by some standards (and may seem like a fortune by other standards) ... but it saved my kid $168 traffic ticket ...
quote:
Originally posted by bbscout:
I am not sure of the exact amount, but it is in the $70 range.
It was based on $76.50 for the '03 season & cost of living increases figured in every year after that. Any MLB player who has a Son should name him Marvin in honor of Marvin Miller.
My kids are too old, but I am going to insist that the grandsons be named Marvin.
quote:
(let's hear a good old "Praise the Lord" on this one)
PRAISE THE LORD, AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!
Continued good fortune.
Enjoyed the story about the ticket, but my son was not so lucky. He lived less than a 1/2 mile from the field when playing his first summer of short season ball, he was running late one morning and there was road construction and he got NO brake-he got the ticket! I seem to recall we had to front him the money to pay for it. (double fine in construction zone)
1st year for my son was $850.00(rookie),the next year was $950.00 (low A) - repeated low A and made $1020.00 his 3rd year, and is now at High A making $1200.00 - so seems with his club it is not so much the level, but just that you get an increase each year no matter. He is eligible for his incentive bonus when he advances to AA, took that instead of the college they offered to pay for (we hope he never needs it!).
They do not get paid in Spring Training. They are put up in hotels, or given money to live on their own, (they have to be a third year player to live on their own) and meal money of $20.00 a day. No pay during instructional league either except they are put in hotel and same meal money. Don't foget they have club dues to pay too.
In some cases host families are available and don't charge much, but this year in CA they were non-existant. Rent is high, roommates come and go, my son started with three and due to injuries, promotions and demotions, he is down to one, and they have to cover the apartment rent as well as renting furniture so they have a bed and a couch. Oh, and they eat off a coffee table.
We are headed out for the second visit of the season later next week. He always likes when Mom and Dad come to town as we feed him while we are there.
It has been a good life non the less. He has met some great coaches and players, travelled from the East coast to the West coast and a couple places in between. After Instructs in AZ, he is looking for a chance to play Winter ball, outside the USA - he was on the DL for almost two months, so the arm will still be fresh.
His team is headed for the play offs, it has been a good season. This year he may opt to buy a place in AZ so he is near the complex, (he wants to invest some of the signing bonus-he was an 8th round draft pick out of high school, but got between 4-5 round money) and Mom and Dad might finally be able to turn his bedroom into a guest room.........
Last year he gave pitching lessons in the off season and made some good money doing that. He also ran a Christmas baseball camp with some other local minor and major league players and the kids love it. They are still taking about the experience
8 months later. It was good for all and I am so proud these guys want to give back to the community in that way.
It's had it's ups and downs, but I know he would not trade his life for any other and his dream of making the show is as strong as ever, even though he plays for peanuts.
1st year for my son was $850.00(rookie),the next year was $950.00 (low A) - repeated low A and made $1020.00 his 3rd year, and is now at High A making $1200.00 - so seems with his club it is not so much the level, but just that you get an increase each year no matter. He is eligible for his incentive bonus when he advances to AA, took that instead of the college they offered to pay for (we hope he never needs it!).
They do not get paid in Spring Training. They are put up in hotels, or given money to live on their own, (they have to be a third year player to live on their own) and meal money of $20.00 a day. No pay during instructional league either except they are put in hotel and same meal money. Don't foget they have club dues to pay too.
In some cases host families are available and don't charge much, but this year in CA they were non-existant. Rent is high, roommates come and go, my son started with three and due to injuries, promotions and demotions, he is down to one, and they have to cover the apartment rent as well as renting furniture so they have a bed and a couch. Oh, and they eat off a coffee table.
We are headed out for the second visit of the season later next week. He always likes when Mom and Dad come to town as we feed him while we are there.
It has been a good life non the less. He has met some great coaches and players, travelled from the East coast to the West coast and a couple places in between. After Instructs in AZ, he is looking for a chance to play Winter ball, outside the USA - he was on the DL for almost two months, so the arm will still be fresh.
His team is headed for the play offs, it has been a good season. This year he may opt to buy a place in AZ so he is near the complex, (he wants to invest some of the signing bonus-he was an 8th round draft pick out of high school, but got between 4-5 round money) and Mom and Dad might finally be able to turn his bedroom into a guest room.........
Last year he gave pitching lessons in the off season and made some good money doing that. He also ran a Christmas baseball camp with some other local minor and major league players and the kids love it. They are still taking about the experience
8 months later. It was good for all and I am so proud these guys want to give back to the community in that way.It's had it's ups and downs, but I know he would not trade his life for any other and his dream of making the show is as strong as ever, even though he plays for peanuts.
I am curious. After 4 years and making 1200 when does one say, enough is enough? Or is this a natural progresson?
I got a ticket in 1967 in Fresno and it cost me $90. at the time I was making $525 per mo.
I enjoyed BaseballMom244's post, as it brought back some memories. In 1966, I was 19 and playing in the Midwest League and 7 of us rented a big old 3 story house that was about 100 years old and looked like it was haunted. No furniture or AC. I bought a pillow and matress at the Salvation Army store and bought a blanket and one sheet at a store. That was it for the summer. We all chipped in and bought a 1952 Chevy for $150 that had black smoke coming out of the rear end and we drove it all season and then gave it to the local priest at the end of the season.Times were much different then....I used to go to a pay phone and call home collect about every three weeks.
I enjoyed BaseballMom244's post, as it brought back some memories. In 1966, I was 19 and playing in the Midwest League and 7 of us rented a big old 3 story house that was about 100 years old and looked like it was haunted. No furniture or AC. I bought a pillow and matress at the Salvation Army store and bought a blanket and one sheet at a store. That was it for the summer. We all chipped in and bought a 1952 Chevy for $150 that had black smoke coming out of the rear end and we drove it all season and then gave it to the local priest at the end of the season.Times were much different then....I used to go to a pay phone and call home collect about every three weeks.
quote:
I am curious. After 4 years and making 1200 when does one say, enough is enough? Or is this a natural progresson?
Natural progression in what way? I am not sure that I understand the question. Could you elaborate? Thanks
AH yes...the glamour of the minors 
SO much has changed in the way we follow the players and I'm not so sure it's all good.
I remember the phone calls too, every couple of weeks and the emphasis was on the player's "heart space" away from home...not all the numbers.
His last year he came straight to see his new nephew and when I asked him if he had any money I remember him saying he never had any money. I gave him $100 and he thought I was Queen.
SO much has changed in the way we follow the players and I'm not so sure it's all good.
I remember the phone calls too, every couple of weeks and the emphasis was on the player's "heart space" away from home...not all the numbers.
His last year he came straight to see his new nephew and when I asked him if he had any money I remember him saying he never had any money. I gave him $100 and he thought I was Queen.
You know, to some, 4 years seems like a long time to work at it....remember the first season is just two months long, almost like a summer camp. You have to work your way up and in his organization as there are many levels, there is low Rookie, high Rookie, low A, high A, AA and then AAA before the bigs. My son skipped one level, then repeated a level,and then rebounded and got promoted this year and is having a great season after being sidelined on the DL for awhile.
He is obviously not in it for the money,(well long term maybe), it is what he feels he was born to do. He saw a few of his fellow players hang it up. Some who played in college, and I guess after college play, the minors is pretty depressing. If their heart is not in it, then it is time to move on, as it does require a lot of sacrifice.
He is obviously not in it for the money,(well long term maybe), it is what he feels he was born to do. He saw a few of his fellow players hang it up. Some who played in college, and I guess after college play, the minors is pretty depressing. If their heart is not in it, then it is time to move on, as it does require a lot of sacrifice.
