How exactly does the draft work? I know people can get drafted out of high school, but what are the schools that you can be drafted from?

Catch,

Can fill a book about the subject...maybe the http://www.mlb.com site can help you, too.

Generally (and it is not intended to be all inclusive, folks).

1) Graduate from high school;
2) Any junior college player;
3) After your junior year or reaching age 21 if you are attending a 4 year school;
4) Anytime as a free agent if you didn't attend college and are 21 years old.

Held by Major League Baseball usually on the first Tuesday and Wednesday in June.

Actually, we have received word that the draft will be moved back to the end of June. I believe starting next year.

PG ...

Is that to accomodate the plans to change the college season start dates?

What do you see as the impact on the first year, short season players? I know it will also affect the players put in extended spring training that then are assigned to short season teams a second time. (It would be a financial hardship for those players in extended if they are not paid their salary until they are on a roster and some don't get reimbursement for expenses during extended. Ouch !!!)

Just wondering what your thoughts were.

I'm really suprised this has not happened sooner. Doesn't it make sense due to timing of
the College World series......another opportunity to see the best of the best going head to head against the best. No adjusting of college stats there....certainly no perception of weak competition.

Will Crouch is a perfect example. During the series (MVP) I saw that he was not drafted and called a friend...lol...my friend quickly showed me what he thought of MY info and let him get picked up by another MLB team!

too phunny

FBMom,

I haven't really thought about all the difficulties and adjustments that will be needed.

I'm not sure how they will deal with the short season leagues, especially the first year (next year)... That's a very good question.

Also interesting is that it will cut nearly a month out of the previous signing window.

I do know we, among others, will need to make adjustments in scheduling.

PG, is this a done deal? Doesn't MLBPA have to also sign off on the deal to move the draft, reduce signing time, eliminating minor league teams? I had heard that this was a proposal and was going to be discussed at the GM meetings this week, but had no idea it was a done deal? Thanks for the info in advance.

dad, it is not yet a done deal. I am not sure the MLBPA has to sign off. It still is being discussed and needs a vote by the MLB owners themselves.

Here is Baseball America's opinion:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/news/051028devupdate.html