I am fairly green as far as the draft process goes. My '06 son just recieved his first pro prospect questionnaire in the mail, and he nearly fell over. He's still unsigned (D1) and hadn't given the draft much thought at all. We were wondering how many he should get before he starts thinking seriously about getting drafted. Is one a fluke? A sign that more will likely be coming? Any thoughts or comments will be appreciated.

Sizzlepop,
There is nothing wrong with trying to come up with an alternate plan using “what ifs” but you do have to take everything at face value. A professional questionnaire means a scout wants to know more about your son. That’s good! Don’t attempt to read into it something that doesn’t exist. There are no flukes or omens in the professional draft. MLB uses a well established method of determining the best prospects that will best satisfy their needs. By the time you and I figured out how they do that, our sons will either be in the hall of fame or working a real job. Go ahead with your (his) immediate plans and IF something else presents itself, evaluate it at that time and make a decision.
Fungo

Fungo,
Thanks for your sage advice. I gotta admit that it's been tough at times, trying to keep things objective when the focus has been strictly on college, and so far that hasn't gone as well as hoped for. Now another window appears to open, or does it? I guess that's what I was seeking out. When can you anticipate rising interest? Or should one even bother trying? I guess he'll just know when it starts. Duh.
I know I've gotten caught up in the excitement, but geez, it's hard not to. The real challenge for me is how to keep him focused right now.
Sorry for the random thoughts, but I find it helpful to bounce things off others who've been there.

spizzlepop....
Your random thoughts are bouncing around in the heads of many parents right now! I don't think you should ever hesitate to ask this great group of baseball fanatics for advice. We all have our son's best interests at heart and are wishing for a perfect outcome. Its the getting there that's tough!

Sizzlepop,
I think you know there is no real answer to your question. You have to go with your gut feelings most of the times in these situations. You can ask some frank and pointed questions to the scouts and knowledgeable baseball people that are familiar with your son and see what they say. If your son is an 06 and he’s getting his first questionnaire I wouldn’t allow that to alter any plans for college but it does indicate there is interest. Proceed on with your plans and everything will remain an option until your son starts his classes next fall. I have always said the most difficult job a parent has is trying to evaluate where your son stands when it comes to being recruited and/or being drafted. Understand this is a PROCESS and not a single event. We need to focus on the process and trust there will be a good solution. We probably never fully understand where we ARE or where we’re GOING, but we can look back and see where we WERE and realize we are making progress!
Fungo

KC I think you and I just said the same thing you just did it with less words...
Fungo

Sizzlepop,

Congratulations to your son. IMHO I would say it enjoy the moment but also be realistic and grounded.

As the letters come in I try to remind my Son that it is part of a process that may continue through College and not necessarily end in June. In some respects (I don't know if it's accurate) it is like a college letter, a coach casts out a wide net, there may be some interest but it is a one step, a good one though!

For obvious reasons he needs to keep focused on getting accepted to college and plan the next 4 years...

quote:

Originally posted by Fungo:
KC I think you and I just said the same thing you just did it with less words...
Fungo

Fungo Same here! I was typing while you were posting!

Respond to the questionnaire similarly to hitting a homerun, just do what is required and move forward without much incidence. I think the sooner anyone can push past any emotional exuberance and remain even keel the better for all concerned. The questionnaire requires a response and that should be taken care of, but it should not consume your thought or provoke you to prioritize that possible component at the end of this playing year. Play the game with a focus determined by your sons interest in contributing to his team, improving his game and enjoying the season. You can begin a preliminary investigation into the draft process, but to place emphasis in this direction could be a mistake. Allow you son and all involved to enjoy and isolate the senior year on the field and minimally look at the rest. Outs and Homeruns should be handled the same during a game, and outside the game.

My son, an 03 hs grad received as many as 10 questionairs and even had a psychological all during his senior year.He had already signed with a top 30 D-1 college, but was expected to be drafted. He was not. Never heard from anyone regarding it. So you just can't predict anything. He is draft eligible again for the 06 draft. He has received 4 questionairs so far this season. Since he goes to school in another state he would be drafted by the scouts in that state and area. I say expect nothing and remain calm, you couldn't figure the draft out if you tried.

PCX,
Your post was awesome, and the great advice probably couldn't be stated or framed any better. You got all of that one.

Much thanks to all who have replied. My feet are back on Terra Firma now. My son and I will do well to heed all the advice given, and thanks for sharing your own experiences.

You gotta love the HSBBW.

We received the following advice from another parent in our area that has a son that I believe signed in the '00 draft. Would be curious to see if this is accurate based on other's experiece.

His recommendation was to focus more on who's actually seeing the games. Is it local scouts, area scouts, cross-checkers, directors of scouting or other high-level organization staff? He indicated that if you see an increased number of scouts and particularly more of the cross-checkers and/or scouting directors that you're moving up on someone's radar.

Hope to see this spring if this holds true in our case. Just thought I'd throw this out for add'l comments. Really enjoy the site by the way.