What else besides round money?

You may ask for the college scholarship plan where the club agrees to pay the cost of college tuition, room, board, books, etc.
As an alternative you could request the equivalent dollars in cash, since there are time restraints on the college scholarship plan and the value may lapse over time.
This would be a tax consideration on the players part, since the cash is taxable.

You do not need an advisor to accomplish this.

There are a lot of other things that can be negotiated, a lot depends upon round and if the player is truely considered a prospect. They may include invitations to major league spring training until placement on a major league roster, or negotiate call up to the major league when rosters expand in septmenber after a specific number of years after signing. There are also incentive bonus plans as you move up in the system.
Of course most of this depends upon where one falls in the draft and the club that signs a player, most likely within the first few rounds, after that it is pretty basic.

Hoovmom15 --

Welcome to this site!

You are correct that at your son's age you would also need to negotiate college money. In fact, this is probably more "negotiable" than the "round money" bonus.

What most folks don't understand is that the club agrees to a specific amount for college expenses. MLB administers this fund with very strict rules that can make it somewhat difficult to use, so make sure you understand as much as you can about how you can and cannot use the money when the time comes. Two items we wished we'd known more about:
1. The club gave our son a specific amount they would cover each semester, and a specific amount of semesters they would cover. Keep in mind that college tuition has been going up on average by 6% a year -- so make sure you negotiate an amount that will cover college costs a few years out.
2. There is often a big delay between submission of expenses (tuition bill, etc.)and the actual check being cut and sent. You may end up having to cover the costs yourself and then wait for reimbursement from the club. Each school will handle this problem differently.

Also, make sure you understand that some of the college money might be taxable, which can prove to be another unexpected "cost" of using the "MLB Scholarship Plan."

Don't get me wrong -- it's great that they offer it. But it's not as "user-friendly" as accepting an athletic scholarship from a school.

And, yes, it can be done without an advisor.

Welcome!
http://www.hsbaseballweb.com/pro_scouting.htm
This link will take you to an article and a copy of the MLB Scholarship Plan.
Look under "Pro Scouting" to find a copy of "Uniform Minor League Contract"...only 3 things are negotiable: bonus $, college $, & equipment (I think).
Lots of great info under "Recruiting Tips" that will really give you an education!
Although this "process" can be done alone...It would be wise to use an advisor/agent...They are experienced, neutral, where as, depending on the situation ($$$'s offered), parents may be too close or "emotional" about things.
Good luck & have fun!

Thanks to all three of you for your information. It has helped to clarify some of my questions.

Baseballmom - Fun?!?!? I'm not to sure about that! It all honesty - it is kind of fun - but quite the 'rollercoster' ride - emotional ups and downs. We are trying to keep our heads on straight, have our 'ducks' all in a row (I think and hope)and just enjoy his last highschool season without getting preoccupied with what the 'visitors' to his game are thinking.
Thanks again!!!

You also get to listen to all of the communities opinion on what you should or shouldn't do. We have found we just listen because we know we have done our homework and they aren't sure what they are talking about.

quote:

Originally posted by LHPitcher:
You also get to listen to all of the communities opinion on what you should or shouldn't do. We have found we just listen because we know we have done our homework and they aren't sure what they are talking about.

Ain't that the truth!!!

BONUS

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PLAN
not taxable, it's not money in your hand, once you register for school the school bills MLB commissioners office and the commissioners office in return sends the payment to the school. If there is money left over, you do not get that. So no money in hand.

Incentive Bonus plan
a small bonus for reaching A ball, AA ball, AAA ball and Big Leagues

Why would you give money to an advisor who just came in during your son's HS Junior or Senior season. Does he really know you and your son? or does he just want to get a part of you for your bonus? Sign with an advisor after the draft and pay him on your 1st big league contract.