After looking thru the 03 draft bonus money I found it hard to believe some of the huge differences between players within a few draft slots of each other.

I know each situation can be unique based on team needs, player leverage, players health etc. but why some of the huge differences?

I know in other sports players are basically slotted and money goes on a sliding scale from player to player and round to round.

quote:

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Originally posted by dennisr400:
After looking thru the 03 draft bonus money I found it hard to believe some of the huge differences between players within a few draft slots of each other.

I know each situation can be unique based on team needs, player leverage, players health etc. but why some of the huge differences?

I know in other sports players are basically slotted and money goes on a sliding scale from player to player and round to round.

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1) Leverage which was used to their benefit by:

2) Better Agents

Well, college seniors have no bargaining power. Some took $1000 to sign and get their careers started. Juniors have more power, but often pro teams know they don't want to go back to school. HS seniors have the most to bargain with, as most have solid D1 offers.

VC,
You are funny.

vc, are your initials A.L.? I think I know who you are...the mystery might be coming to an end...just kidding.

After the 2nd round or so, the money is fairly consistent accordingly to round and player's draft age. HS players get the most, then JUCO and college juniors, with college seniors getting the least amount. Occasionally a player further down the list appears to get more money, but that is often due to a prior agreement with the drafting club (for instance, they say that they will be drafting you in a later round if you are still available and promise to give you higher round money).

Is there a single source to look at to see what all of the '03 signees signed for? Thanks.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/draft/2003draftdb.html

Try this

the Florida Bombers
"I love the HSBBW"

Thanks Big E; should have gone straight to you with the Q!

There are many factor involved in bonus's but among them are Agents, Colleges, Background, Grades, What the family says or doesn't say.

TBross - and how do you suggest that those factors impact bonus $$$? Please be more speicific - for example, if you have signed with a top D1 baseball and academic program and you have good grades and test scores does that get you more or less $$$? As your comment stands it's not very helpful - tell us the treatment of your factors that result in the most $$$. Thanks.

"Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is." - Bob Feller

i was a 7th round draft...60 g bonus....but that level is totally different from college...get a degree than go to the draft....trust me...an eduaction is far more important than baseball...if you arnt drafted in the top 5 rounds....even if you are still get your degree

Jonesin

Did you attend college? What level D1, D2,? What are some of the key differences between college level baseball and lower minor leagues? Talent? Team spirit? Just curious.

Dad04 ...

On a light hearted note ... one of the big differences is that college ball will be the last time anybody cares if the team wins or loses until they get to the Bigs.

Hmom

So I hear.

Highlandermom,

I tend to disagree.

My son has cared about every "W" or "L" he has had in his minor league career. He really cares when he is removed from a game(due to pitch count limits) in a position for a "W" and then has to watch from the bench while others turn his "W" into a "L". He also cares every time he takes a "L" due to poor defense or lack of run support. And... he cares extreemly much about the couple of times that he has not been able to be on top of his game and feels that his performance has let his team down.

Those in charge who are watching the minor league performances also care about which players display a winning attitude- even if the team is not always doing so hot. Ultimately, the really successful MLB players are the "winners" who make it through the tough years while others may not have as great of a winning attitude.

At least this has been my experience through my son's 2 minor league seasons. Attend a minor league post-season play-off game and see if you see anyone caring.

OPP ...

I am sure you are right, and I would be the last person to ever question whether a player had a "winning attitude". Even our son, who is just draft eligible this year, wants to "win" in his scrimmages.

I was just sharing some thoughts that I have heard expressed by friends whose sons play minor league ball ... as they feel that the emphasis there is on development, not necessarily winning.

04 Prospect there is no simple answer for your question every case is different. the premiss being the teams must buy you out of and education and way of life. lets be honest here if you are from a good middle class back ground and have the ability to go to college and the team believes you will go, then you are in a much stronger bargaining position. But it is not that easy. You have to know who you are dealing with and what their hot buttons are and also how far you can push the envelope before you lose the deal. A good agent can only get you what you get for yourself on and off the field. We can only make sure you get what the market will bear you getting. We are not magicians we are business men. I will tell you now if you are anxious to sign or don't have options you are going to get hurt in the process.

dad 04

college ball is a experience to really learn about yourself and actually how good you really are....college is a real political aspect of the game, but when you get drafted it becomes even more political and competitive....the low minor leagues is about players just trying to make it...college level is far more advance by the way of fundamentals compared to all around talent....you can notice a talented player in the minors but they really look for attitude...if you are not a high pick they will cut you...plain and simple....any more questions feel free to ask....

jonesin, can you explain what they mean by they look for attitude. Are you saying that in the low minors, mental makeup is almost as important or more important than skills?

Thanks