In 2005, there was a player who did not make a team in April and actually stayed in extended Spring Training until June. Due to an injury, he got a call up to a low A team. Had a nice 2nd half hitting just over .280 while playing 2B. But he was still very low on the prospect list for in the organization and being in his 5th year, he needed to be protected by the club.
When he was not on the 40 man come December, he was a lower round Rule V pick by an organization known to have major gaps in the quality of minor league position players. In 2006 he had a huge season repeating low A and then was moved to the outfield.
On Wednesday, he had his first AB in MLB while most every player ahead of him in 2005 remains log jammed amongst the depth of talent in the former organization.
Milb can be truly fascinating. A player can spend 5 years with a club and still be a role player at low A in a system loaded with depth. He gets out of that through the Rule V, and in 2 years is swinging the bat at the major league level.

Infielddad,
I know a player that was in a similar situation. But he fell into a trade this year and I am expecting to see him as a closer one of these days.

This is an important part of understanding milb, even when you don't ever see yourself getting to the drafting teams ML ballpark. Do your best everyday, every season, be a winner, because chances are most likely you will never play for the team that drafted you.

My son's agent was second pick of Cardinals his draft year, he wore a MLB uniform but not for that club. For many the trade or rule 5 is a good thing

I also fee that is why it is so very important to be involved with a knowledgeable agent that represents you on a daily basis.

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quote:

I also feel that is why it is so very important to be involved with a knowledgeable agent that represents you on a daily basis.

This raises still a further question. When does it make most sense to hire an agent? I understand that kids who went in the top ten rounds, most had their choice and simply had to do their homework on who fits best... but what about kids doing well in MiLB who have not yet hired representation?

Our situation is obviously "different", but the question is still worth asking...

cadDAD

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quote:

Originally posted by AcademyDad:
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quote:

I also feel that is why it is so very important to be involved with a knowledgeable agent that represents you on a daily basis.

This raises still a further question. When does it make most sense to hire an agent? I understand that kids who went in the top ten rounds, most had their choice and simply had to do their homework on who fits best... but what about kids doing well in MiLB who have not yet hired representation?

Our situation is obviously "different", but the question is still worth asking...

cadDAD

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When a player drafted later looks to become a top prospect, he will have plenty to choose from. He can do his homework from there.

while lower round players may not NEED an agent .it doesn't cost anything to talk to a few. and they can get players good deals on equip. sunglasses etc. maybe not free like the studs but still a deal. it is another world to open yourself up to as well.

Good story, infield.

Goes right along with the advice: play first for yourself, as that will give the best you've got to the club you're playing for. But never forget you're playing every day for every organization in the pro's.

AcademyDad you have a PM