wow.
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Mrs. Gempp,
This post kind of reminds me of Bod Howdeshell's post about 3 years ago under similar circumstances. Bob is the founder of the hsbaseballweb (for those who didn't know).
While I have never seen your son play, it sure looks like he is quite a player!
Started 55 games for UIC, batted .388 with 7 dingers and 54 RBIs. You should be very proud.
I don't know a whole lot about scouting...sometimes it befuddles all of us. This seems like one of those cases to me.
Don't know what your son plans to do next...but I am quite certain that he will never forget his college career nor the great season the Flames had.
Give him a hug and tell him he has a fan on the left-coast!
This post kind of reminds me of Bod Howdeshell's post about 3 years ago under similar circumstances. Bob is the founder of the hsbaseballweb (for those who didn't know).
While I have never seen your son play, it sure looks like he is quite a player!
Started 55 games for UIC, batted .388 with 7 dingers and 54 RBIs. You should be very proud.
I don't know a whole lot about scouting...sometimes it befuddles all of us. This seems like one of those cases to me.
Don't know what your son plans to do next...but I am quite certain that he will never forget his college career nor the great season the Flames had.
Give him a hug and tell him he has a fan on the left-coast!
.
To be brutally honest...and I have taken heavy criticism for this view in the past...there are times on the HSBBW here when it seems that the board is comprised exclusively of parents with sons who get NLI's, make big time collegiate names for themselves, and then get drafted...
...This is one of those times...
Hang tough, the reality is that there is a lots of company out there...and those who are much smarter than me and way ahead of mine in the process will tell you that there are options if a player has a real passion to continue. Two of which I heard thrown around in the stands a few weeks before draft week by parents of star players who were not likley to get drafted.
Your son obviously has talent...If the fire remains....I would research both independent leagues and playing overseas, as well as any other "free agent" options for players not taken...
44
.
To be brutally honest...and I have taken heavy criticism for this view in the past...there are times on the HSBBW here when it seems that the board is comprised exclusively of parents with sons who get NLI's, make big time collegiate names for themselves, and then get drafted...
...This is one of those times...
Hang tough, the reality is that there is a lots of company out there...and those who are much smarter than me and way ahead of mine in the process will tell you that there are options if a player has a real passion to continue. Two of which I heard thrown around in the stands a few weeks before draft week by parents of star players who were not likley to get drafted.
Your son obviously has talent...If the fire remains....I would research both independent leagues and playing overseas, as well as any other "free agent" options for players not taken...
44.
O44, you make a good point. How many kids wanted to play college ball, but didn't make it? How many never had a hope of being drafted?
SW's son already has accomplished a great deal, more than so many.
SW's son already has accomplished a great deal, more than so many.
Very good post 44. No criticism coming from this camp.
You have offered stickwatcher some excellent suggestions.
You have offered stickwatcher some excellent suggestions.
Great post O44
O44 - 
Most of the guys I know who were drafted a few years ago are back playing senior elite ball. There are some amazing talented players who eventually got cut. Most were smart enough to get a college degree. Some times they are victims of the numbers. I watch a lot of senior ball and it is full of these guys.
Very few make it.
Very few make it.
quote:...there are times on the HSBBW here when it seems that the board is comprised exclusively of parents with sons who get NLI's, make big time collegiate names for themselves, and then get drafted...
...This is one of those times...
quote:the reality is that there is a lots of company out there...
Yep, it's a roller coaster.
.
Thanks.
For the record I want to say that by no means do I undervalue or underappreciate the wonderful things that are happening to the talented and lucky few...
But when you not one, it can feel pretty lonely...when the reality is that there are many others in the same way...and the good news is that there are options and opportunities for those with a passion to continue...
44
.
Thanks.
For the record I want to say that by no means do I undervalue or underappreciate the wonderful things that are happening to the talented and lucky few...
But when you not one, it can feel pretty lonely...when the reality is that there are many others in the same way...and the good news is that there are options and opportunities for those with a passion to continue...
44.
It's actually Mrs. Gempp, and I truly apprecite the words of compassion...
Never underestimate the days you have.
Never underestimate the days you have.
Name change! Name change!
Observer 44 will now be known as Wise Observer 44.
Another wise and great post!
And stickwatcher...thank you for getting this thread started.
Observer 44 will now be known as Wise Observer 44.
Another wise and great post!
And stickwatcher...thank you for getting this thread started.
Stickwatcher...you have a PM
I think the NCAA television spot where a student-athlete says, "There are 360,000 NCAA student-athletes and just about all of us will be going pro in something other than sports” pretty well sums it up.
I wish your son success in all his life pursuits.
I wish your son success in all his life pursuits.
I think I am missing the opening post in this thread - anyway I don't see the one that started it.
I might be able to offer a little commiseration, if it's not off base:
Our son was drafted 25th round last year out of high school. We felt pretty good about it, all things considered. Thought his stock had risen this year from the indications he got. He went to a JUCO this year and then did not sign with the team that had him as DFE from 2006, but had many indications that he would be redrafted and go maybe 10th - 15th and he was totally ready to sign this year, really wanted to, had a good year out there, is a great kid with good work ethic, had a NLI to a D1 if he wanted to go that route, etc.
Yesterday when the 30th round was reached and his name hadn't been called, we turned off the computer and went on to other things and thought, oh well, that's weird. Then he learned he got taken in the 48th. Ouch. Slid 23 rounds.
Though we can speculate forever, we'll probably never know why. He is grateful that he was drafted at all, but his thoughts now are all mixed up wondering what message was the MLB sending him with this slide.
After a day of feeling weird, he went out to hit and work out this a.m. make plans to get on with summer league.
Rollercoaster is the best metaphor I have ever heard for this process. A big hug to stickwatcher's family. Best of luck with whatever lies around that next corner.
I might be able to offer a little commiseration, if it's not off base:
Our son was drafted 25th round last year out of high school. We felt pretty good about it, all things considered. Thought his stock had risen this year from the indications he got. He went to a JUCO this year and then did not sign with the team that had him as DFE from 2006, but had many indications that he would be redrafted and go maybe 10th - 15th and he was totally ready to sign this year, really wanted to, had a good year out there, is a great kid with good work ethic, had a NLI to a D1 if he wanted to go that route, etc.
Yesterday when the 30th round was reached and his name hadn't been called, we turned off the computer and went on to other things and thought, oh well, that's weird. Then he learned he got taken in the 48th. Ouch. Slid 23 rounds.
Though we can speculate forever, we'll probably never know why. He is grateful that he was drafted at all, but his thoughts now are all mixed up wondering what message was the MLB sending him with this slide.
After a day of feeling weird, he went out to hit and work out this a.m. make plans to get on with summer league.
Rollercoaster is the best metaphor I have ever heard for this process. A big hug to stickwatcher's family. Best of luck with whatever lies around that next corner.
Thank you for sharing that with us ktcosmos.
stickwatcher's original post was simply...
wow.
I thought it was very well stated actually! The brevity of the message was powerful...something I have yet to learn with my posts!
stickwatcher's original post was simply...
wow.
I thought it was very well stated actually! The brevity of the message was powerful...something I have yet to learn with my posts!
Best of luck to all the players who were drafted, but maybe in the end the luckiest ones are those not drafted. They can get to the business of real life sooner and still find outlets for their love of the game.
Everyone is offering soul-searched thoughts regarding NOT being drafted. I think 44 has it right when he refers to "luck"...I think luck is even more important than "talent". We all know extremely talented kids who don't ever get to sign a D1 National Letter of Intent or get to play baseball in college (even if they are "on the team") or get to hear their name on the computer.
And I think that jemaz has it right, too, about the "luckiest ones are those not drafted. They can get to the business of real life sooner..."
My heart goes out to all whose dreams were shattered this year. Either by way of their college choices or the draft.
44 has it right when he refers to "luck"...I think luck is even more important than "talent". We all know extremely talented kids who don't ever get to sign a D1 National Letter of Intent or get to play baseball in college (even if they are "on the team") or get to hear their name on the computer.And I think that jemaz has it right, too, about the "luckiest ones are those not drafted. They can get to the business of real life sooner..."
My heart goes out to all whose dreams were shattered this year. Either by way of their college choices or the draft.
No one ever wants to see their children's dreams end. Sometimes I really don't know who suffers more, the child or the parent. As parents, we can only continue to love and support our kids in what ever career path or life decisions they choose. One only has to read the "The Odds on Playing College/Pro Baseball" in the HSBBWeb Articles for a reality check.
"When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us."
Alexander Graham Bell
"When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us."
Alexander Graham Bell
That was no pint-sized comment! You're absolutely right eddiegaedel..."No one wants to see their children's dreams end" and parents don't want to see their own dreams end either. Many, many young and enthusiastic ballplayers from the very start dream of being a major leaguer and the parents often times dream right along with the player...I know...I've had those dreams.
But, alas, the dream ebbs away for most over time...it's inevitable and realistic for this to happen. For some, this comes early, for others it comes later, but it does happen for almost every player... and his parents.
The fact that the major leagues do indeed exist is the reason why these dreams exist of course. The amateur draft last week is an exciting part of the process and will always undoubtedly stoke the fires which warm the dreams of older and younger players alike...their parents too.
It shouldn't be a sad realization...it should just be a realization. I can understand the frustration being at it's highest as the dream is at it's longest.
And it is true that "you won't know unless you try." And the 'trying' takes an immense amount of time and hard work. It takes a toll on the player and his family, but it is necessary...and sometimes...on occasion...it pays off.
For those players who worked hard, invested the time, had perseverance to stick with it, and were blessed by God to have what the scouts are looking for...you have my utmost respect...and that includes your parents as well.
Those dreams should always be allowed to flourish...isn't this a big part of the attraction and allure of baseball? The inevitable end of the dream is also a part of baseball...yet baseball remains. The dreams are forever and baseball is forever as well.
And to you eddiegaedel...welcome to the HSBBW. I'm looking forward to more of your input!
But, alas, the dream ebbs away for most over time...it's inevitable and realistic for this to happen. For some, this comes early, for others it comes later, but it does happen for almost every player... and his parents.
The fact that the major leagues do indeed exist is the reason why these dreams exist of course. The amateur draft last week is an exciting part of the process and will always undoubtedly stoke the fires which warm the dreams of older and younger players alike...their parents too.
It shouldn't be a sad realization...it should just be a realization. I can understand the frustration being at it's highest as the dream is at it's longest.
And it is true that "you won't know unless you try." And the 'trying' takes an immense amount of time and hard work. It takes a toll on the player and his family, but it is necessary...and sometimes...on occasion...it pays off.
For those players who worked hard, invested the time, had perseverance to stick with it, and were blessed by God to have what the scouts are looking for...you have my utmost respect...and that includes your parents as well.
Those dreams should always be allowed to flourish...isn't this a big part of the attraction and allure of baseball? The inevitable end of the dream is also a part of baseball...yet baseball remains. The dreams are forever and baseball is forever as well.
And to you eddiegaedel...welcome to the HSBBW. I'm looking forward to more of your input!
OB44, great post. My son has many friends who play college baseball who were not drafted, many cape players as well. It may seem like everyone was drafted but they were not.
The draft is based largely on teams needs, finding the best players (exposure) and a players INDICATION OF HIS INTENTIONS. Unfortunetly it is not always based on talent first.
ktcosmos,
If your son had an opportunity to sign with his drafting team before this year's draft, by not signing he most likely indicated to MLB that he was going to go to school, it was the message he sent, not the other way around. If they did not offer him anything, then he needs to work harder for the next time around. Your son will still have the opportunity to be drafted again, he most likely made the right choice to head out to his new school.
No more draft and follow, but if a team drafted a player and really interested and he does not sign they most likely will be watching this year.
SW,
If your son has no eligibilty left, there are many options. One of my son's BF did not get drafted last year (no eligibilty left) and is now playing in an independent league and doing well. The independent leagues are swarming with scouts looking for talent they missed. One can play independent ball, get signed with a nicer signing bonus than if they were drafted late. That is why the issue of eligibilty is so very important, and the importance of red shirting comes into the equation. So many dread the reshirt thing, but I know of some players who took that year and came out so much better in the draft as an older player. My son's roommate a good example, he redshirted due to TJS and elected to tell scouts last year he wasn't interested, after a successful year he was drafted much higher than he would have. He has no school or eligibility left, so money will most likely not be as high as he would like, but he will gladly settle for being taken quickly this year.
Some players feel because it is their draft year, they will be a consideration, this is not true. If one has not spoken to anyone to let their intentions be known, or had exposure, then one has to find a way to get that done. As gotwood said, it takes a huge amount of time and effort.
In the end, it's not about hearing your name or your son's name come draft day, but what one intends to do when his name is called.
The draft is based largely on teams needs, finding the best players (exposure) and a players INDICATION OF HIS INTENTIONS. Unfortunetly it is not always based on talent first.
ktcosmos,
If your son had an opportunity to sign with his drafting team before this year's draft, by not signing he most likely indicated to MLB that he was going to go to school, it was the message he sent, not the other way around. If they did not offer him anything, then he needs to work harder for the next time around. Your son will still have the opportunity to be drafted again, he most likely made the right choice to head out to his new school.
No more draft and follow, but if a team drafted a player and really interested and he does not sign they most likely will be watching this year.
SW,
If your son has no eligibilty left, there are many options. One of my son's BF did not get drafted last year (no eligibilty left) and is now playing in an independent league and doing well. The independent leagues are swarming with scouts looking for talent they missed. One can play independent ball, get signed with a nicer signing bonus than if they were drafted late. That is why the issue of eligibilty is so very important, and the importance of red shirting comes into the equation. So many dread the reshirt thing, but I know of some players who took that year and came out so much better in the draft as an older player. My son's roommate a good example, he redshirted due to TJS and elected to tell scouts last year he wasn't interested, after a successful year he was drafted much higher than he would have. He has no school or eligibility left, so money will most likely not be as high as he would like, but he will gladly settle for being taken quickly this year.
Some players feel because it is their draft year, they will be a consideration, this is not true. If one has not spoken to anyone to let their intentions be known, or had exposure, then one has to find a way to get that done. As gotwood said, it takes a huge amount of time and effort.
In the end, it's not about hearing your name or your son's name come draft day, but what one intends to do when his name is called.
Talk about interesting screen names - eddie did you get your first job working for Bill Veeck up in gotwood4sale's neck of the woods? 
Nice post Woodrow, OB44, and everyone else in this thread.
I don't have any magic words to say.
I followed the draft this time and examined "stats" on many players who also played my son's position. This guy had more hits and that guy had a higher fielding percentage and another guy had more homeruns and that guy had more stolen bases and that guy had more rbi's and that guy over there was five inches taller and 30 pounds heavier....
Then I read some of the scouting reports and watched some of the videos. Sometimes, a kid was drafted because he had one truly outstanding tool such as speed. In those cases, the scouting reports said that the team that drafted them would have to work to develop the other tools. Can drive yourself nuts trying to figure it all out.
If it were just stats, we wouldn't need scouts at all. The computers could figure it out perfectly and we would all have certainty. Clearly there is more to it than that.
Many of our new members who join have younger pre-highschool players who are all stars for their age group. Some of those never even succeed at the high school level. Some of our most successful highschool players never succeed at the college level. Some of our most successful college players never get the chance unfortunately to see if they can succeed at the final levels of the game. That is the heartbreaking part.
At least give my boy a chance. As a parent, those thoughts have indeed entered my mind.
Nice post Woodrow, OB44, and everyone else in this thread.
I don't have any magic words to say.
I followed the draft this time and examined "stats" on many players who also played my son's position. This guy had more hits and that guy had a higher fielding percentage and another guy had more homeruns and that guy had more stolen bases and that guy had more rbi's and that guy over there was five inches taller and 30 pounds heavier....
Then I read some of the scouting reports and watched some of the videos. Sometimes, a kid was drafted because he had one truly outstanding tool such as speed. In those cases, the scouting reports said that the team that drafted them would have to work to develop the other tools. Can drive yourself nuts trying to figure it all out.
If it were just stats, we wouldn't need scouts at all. The computers could figure it out perfectly and we would all have certainty. Clearly there is more to it than that.
Many of our new members who join have younger pre-highschool players who are all stars for their age group. Some of those never even succeed at the high school level. Some of our most successful highschool players never succeed at the college level. Some of our most successful college players never get the chance unfortunately to see if they can succeed at the final levels of the game. That is the heartbreaking part.
At least give my boy a chance. As a parent, those thoughts have indeed entered my mind.
Great posts 
Stickwatcher...There is more than one way to skin a cat! You have a pm.
......(not that I'd ever want to see a cat skinned)
Stickwatcher...There is more than one way to skin a cat! You have a pm.
......(not that I'd ever want to see a cat skinned)
"Can drive yourself nuts trying to figure it all out." 
CDad, That's the ONLY thing you can be sure of concerning the draft.
BTW, Tyler looked good in the one game I was able to see him. Congratulations on a great
year for him and Coastal.
Also, Guess they finally saw the light at UT. Just sorry we didn't know about it beforehand.
CDad, That's the ONLY thing you can be sure of concerning the draft.
BTW, Tyler looked good in the one game I was able to see him. Congratulations on a great
year for him and Coastal.
Also, Guess they finally saw the light at UT. Just sorry we didn't know about it beforehand.
quote:there are times on the HSBBW here when it seems that the board is comprised exclusively of parents with sons who get NLI's, make big time collegiate names for themselves, and then get drafted...
quote:...This is one of those times...
Forgive me for quoting that...twice now.
My son signed an NLI, made a big time collegiate name for himself, and then got drafted, in the 14th round on Friday by the Oakland A's.
But, I've been a member here for a long time now.
I've been through "one of those times before."
In 2003, I was disappointed/surprised that my son had not received an Area Code invitation. He ended up getting to go. I think that is the first time that you realize that there are a lot of boys that are bigger, better, stronger, faster, and have better luck than your son.
As the pitcher cuts were made, I saw was shocked as I saw boys leaving that I knew were tremendously talented pitchers dejected and with tears in their eyes leaving the ballpark.
Corey Kluber was one of the ballplayers that got cut and Thursday he was the 134th pick in the MLB draft.
I could name several others and my son, too.
Like all of us, we expected the phone to ring off the wall on July 1st. It didn't. It didn't ever ring, until about two weeks before November the 1st. It only rang then because a school had decided to sign a catcher after going through there fall practices.
Now, I've been throught waiting on the phone to ring from July 1 to November twice............
I'm gonna skip three years of college baseball and three years of high school baseball here. I can tell you though there are ups and downs during those years, our own, and, now, many, many other baseball friends.
I'm gonna fast forward to last Thursday.
There was a slight possibility and indications that Matt's name might get called that day. But, it didn't.
When it started on Friday, his mother went to wake him, and he said, "I don't want to listen......."
But, now we are to the rounds where there was definite interest. And, as the rounds came up and the time came for the team's that had indicated interst his name didn't pop up.
As we passed the rounds where it might make sense to forego a senior year of college baseball in the Big 12 conference, I gave up, too, although I enjoyed seeing all the young me that I know get picked.
Maybe he won't get picked at all. What happened? Did we say something wrong?
quote:Can drive yourself nuts trying to figure it all out.
As I was leaving, Matt came into the room, and said, there was a message on his phone from Oakland, I am going to call them back.
"We're going to select you in the 14th round"
"How much is the money?"
"Not very much"
"I know, I can tell you that I am going back to school"
"OK, thanks"
There in the time frame of thirty seconds he rejects what he has been trying to accomplish since he was 12 years old.
That quick and the decision is made..........
On the way to my office, my phone rang, "Dad, they picked me anyway..."
Now he's been picked.
He still has a nice opportunity to finish more school and play another year, and, as a senior, a relatively comfortable position with far more college experience than most.
And, like all of us he still faces the end of the ride...........................
The longer you ride. The bumpier it gets.
"You can't steal second base with one foot on first"
Give it all you've got and when it's over you know you did. You will have a ton of memories, and, a lot of
..friends.
Another great post on this thread. Thanks for sharing that FO.
FO - classic post and honest.
We never received a phone call on July 1st. I didn't even realize phone calls were made then - a blessing I might add. I never heard of early signs until we were lucky enough to get an offer in early November.
If it were about the money, we would be playing at another school. When my son's high school coach found out about the offer he was upset because he felt we could hold out for more. We looked at the location, the schedule, the school, and the results and determined it was perfect for us. We couldn't believe the opportunity and I am still thankful to this day.
This game is all about humility. You don't have to look hard to find it - no matter how talented you are.
Moc1 thanks for the kind wishes - sent you a pm.
We never received a phone call on July 1st. I didn't even realize phone calls were made then - a blessing I might add. I never heard of early signs until we were lucky enough to get an offer in early November.
If it were about the money, we would be playing at another school. When my son's high school coach found out about the offer he was upset because he felt we could hold out for more. We looked at the location, the schedule, the school, and the results and determined it was perfect for us. We couldn't believe the opportunity and I am still thankful to this day.
This game is all about humility. You don't have to look hard to find it - no matter how talented you are.
Moc1 thanks for the kind wishes - sent you a pm.
quote:This game is all about humility. You don't have to look hard to find it - no matter how talented you are
So true CD
.
Great thread...a gem...
TPM...CD...FO...JB..TEXAN..WOODMAN..KTCOSMOS...PLAYBASEBALL...EDDIEG...
...finding great value in the posts and the stories...
Thanks to all..
44
And this from CD...
...is front of the frige material
.
Great thread...a gem...
TPM...CD...FO...JB..TEXAN..WOODMAN..KTCOSMOS...PLAYBASEBALL...EDDIEG...
...finding great value in the posts and the stories...
Thanks to all..
44And this from CD...
quote:This game is all about humility. You don't have to look hard to find it - no matter how talented you are.
...is front of the frige material
.
Don't ever try to figure out the draft.
One of our most celebrated HS players from this area was not drafted out of HS, signability, he suffered an injury and redshirted, then slighty hurt again this year, he was drafted in the 28th round.
Another player we are all familiar with, Andrew Brackman, had not played in a month, elbow and arm issues, but taken 30th by the Yankees.
One former player from CU, not happy with lack of playing time because he was young and others more experienced, left and returned to a JUCO and drafted this year in the 3rd round.
If you try to determine the draft by college stats, it is deceiving. If one went soley by stats, I can assure you mine would not have been drafted so high.
Tools, athleticism, projection, physical attributes, signability and sometimes overall health all play a large part into drafting a player. So does a teams need for that position at the ML level and within their farm systems. So does the ability for a player to be moved from one position to another. Having success in HS does not always lead to a big college scholarship, having success in college does not lead to being drafted.
For future reference, never have your player tell a team no because of $$$. Maybe 5 before you will not sign, making more available to you in the end if the team really wants you. If they didn't want you they wouldn't have drafted you.
I didn't like the live coverage because it was so drawn out (then a very large compensation round to follow that was as big as the first round) and it put what should have been the first day rounds into the second day making some feel disappointed. If I remember corectly the first day was usually up to 15, maybe 20?
JMO
One of our most celebrated HS players from this area was not drafted out of HS, signability, he suffered an injury and redshirted, then slighty hurt again this year, he was drafted in the 28th round.
Another player we are all familiar with, Andrew Brackman, had not played in a month, elbow and arm issues, but taken 30th by the Yankees.
One former player from CU, not happy with lack of playing time because he was young and others more experienced, left and returned to a JUCO and drafted this year in the 3rd round.
If you try to determine the draft by college stats, it is deceiving. If one went soley by stats, I can assure you mine would not have been drafted so high.
Tools, athleticism, projection, physical attributes, signability and sometimes overall health all play a large part into drafting a player. So does a teams need for that position at the ML level and within their farm systems. So does the ability for a player to be moved from one position to another. Having success in HS does not always lead to a big college scholarship, having success in college does not lead to being drafted.
For future reference, never have your player tell a team no because of $$$. Maybe 5 before you will not sign, making more available to you in the end if the team really wants you. If they didn't want you they wouldn't have drafted you.
I didn't like the live coverage because it was so drawn out (then a very large compensation round to follow that was as big as the first round) and it put what should have been the first day rounds into the second day making some feel disappointed. If I remember corectly the first day was usually up to 15, maybe 20?
JMO
Former Observer,
My son and I thank you for giving us a personalized close view of how things happen.
To the average HS baseball player,
the draft is a lifetime dream with no real tangibles to hold on to. Most read and hear
the headlines from afar, but rarely to they get to watch/read how events unfold, first hand.
Your brutal honesty is a true treasure and the life lessons within your story are enormous.
We are most gracious.
My son and I thank you for giving us a personalized close view of how things happen.
To the average HS baseball player,
the draft is a lifetime dream with no real tangibles to hold on to. Most read and hear
the headlines from afar, but rarely to they get to watch/read how events unfold, first hand.
Your brutal honesty is a true treasure and the life lessons within your story are enormous.
We are most gracious.
quote:Originally posted by CatSureMom:
...(not that I'd ever want to see a cat skinned)
That's completely understandable CatSureMom considering your screen name.
How about a cat skinner? Would you want to one of those?
Yes you say?
You're in luck CatrSureMom!
The guy staring at you is the cat skinner.
A dozer operator is often called a 'cat skinner' which bears some explanation. First off understand that the 'Cat' is really a reference to Caterpillar Tractor, largest American manufacturer of dozers and something close to the inventor of them. It happens to be a trade name of theirs but is often used generically to describe all dozers, though the latter use will get you 3 lashes by Cat's trademark police.
The 'skinner' part of the description is really a 19th century term. The bull teams that were used extensively prior to the 20th century as beasts of burden where driven by 'bull whackers' or 'bull skinners'. Both terms refer to the fact that the team driver used a leather whip to control the team. It is only natural that if the guy driving a bull team is a bull skinner, then the guy driving the cat is a cat skinner. Oh, well! From: www.vanattabros.com
Now there are fewer seats, but the music still plays..............
06/10/2007 5:18 PM ET
Notes: Suzuki arrives, ready to learn
SAN FRANCISCO -- Catcher Kurt Suzuki was called up from Triple-A Sacramento to join the A's on Sunday and became the sixth member of the club's 2004 Draft class to reach the Majors.
Oakland traded backup catcher Adam Melhuse to the Texas Rangers on Saturday, and veteran starter Jason Kendall is in the last year of his contract, so Suzuki, 23, appears to be the catcher of the future.
06/10/2007 5:18 PM ET
Notes: Suzuki arrives, ready to learn
SAN FRANCISCO -- Catcher Kurt Suzuki was called up from Triple-A Sacramento to join the A's on Sunday and became the sixth member of the club's 2004 Draft class to reach the Majors.
Oakland traded backup catcher Adam Melhuse to the Texas Rangers on Saturday, and veteran starter Jason Kendall is in the last year of his contract, so Suzuki, 23, appears to be the catcher of the future.
FO - It seems like yesterday that I was watching Kurt Suzuki catching for Cal State Fullerton in the 2004 College World Series (on TV).....time flies....
Thanks for sharing your experience this week....I am sure it is a roller coaster ride. I hope some chairs opened up for MS.
Thanks for sharing your experience this week....I am sure it is a roller coaster ride. I hope some chairs opened up for MS.
The cousin of one of my son's teamates was called and told he be taken in the 4th round if he'd sign for about $170K. He turned it down and wasn't drafted until somewhere around the 20th round. Fortunately, he's got a good D1 scholarship. I'm guessing he won't be signing unless someone is going to go well over slot money.
quote:Originally posted by CADad:
The cousin of one of my son's teamates was called and told he be taken in the 4th round if he'd sign for about $170K. He turned it down and wasn't drafted until somewhere around the 20th round. Fortunately, he's got a good D1 scholarship. I'm guessing he won't be signing unless someone is going to go well over slot money.
Good for him. 4th round slot money is a lot more than that.
It was a rough two days
By all the interest, questions about signability, round etc... we thought our youngest son would get drafted too.
My only regret is that we spent two days listening to it. Looking forward to college ball!
By all the interest, questions about signability, round etc... we thought our youngest son would get drafted too.
My only regret is that we spent two days listening to it. Looking forward to college ball!
I know its disappointing to the players not selected in this years draft.
But remenber for every player selected there will be one released.
Baseball ends for every player, some sooner some later.
But remenber for every player selected there will be one released.
Baseball ends for every player, some sooner some later.
quote:Originally posted by wvmtner:quote:Originally posted by CADad:
The cousin of one of my son's teamates was called and told he be taken in the 4th round if he'd sign for about $170K. He turned it down and wasn't drafted until somewhere around the 20th round. Fortunately, he's got a good D1 scholarship. I'm guessing he won't be signing unless someone is going to go well over slot money.
Good for him. 4th round slot money is a lot more than that.
Not sure if there is a solid answer on this but since the supplemental round was bigger this year and for example the 4th round this year finished with selection 154 last year was 136...I assume that slot $ is based on selection not round??? Just wondering...
Last year 154 selction signed for 154K. Meanwhile 1st pick in 4th last yr was 850K and last pick was 100K. Not sure what it all means except because each player drafted has a different situation
stickwatcher,
I have waited a few days to post because your post was, to me, very powerful, with so few words.
I will say, that whenever MLB ultimately says "No," it hurts... a lot.
A very close friend/teammate of my son heard it in April, when he was released. It was crushing news because it was so sudden and it seems to dash every hope and belief you have about yourself as a baseball player.
With that said, that player has signed with an Independent league team and, the last time I looked, had a 19 game on base streak. He is looking to have the type of season that will create interest in one of those other teams.
If your son does try and pursue free agency or the independent leagues, he needs to remember that he is playing for 30 teams, not one.
I wish your son the very best!
I have waited a few days to post because your post was, to me, very powerful, with so few words.
I will say, that whenever MLB ultimately says "No," it hurts... a lot.
A very close friend/teammate of my son heard it in April, when he was released. It was crushing news because it was so sudden and it seems to dash every hope and belief you have about yourself as a baseball player.
With that said, that player has signed with an Independent league team and, the last time I looked, had a 19 game on base streak. He is looking to have the type of season that will create interest in one of those other teams.
If your son does try and pursue free agency or the independent leagues, he needs to remember that he is playing for 30 teams, not one.
I wish your son the very best!