2012 draft bonus pool

by bobr on Feb 22, 2012 8:17 AM EST

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/2012/02/2012-aggregate-bonus-pools/

The Rays have a very small bonus pool for the draft this year. Looking at the amount spent last year compared to the recommended bonuses then, the Rays went over by very little. Had the new rule been in effect, they would probably not have hesitated to pay out as much as they did since it would have meant a 75% tax on a rather small amount. Of course, they would have had a much bigger pool in 2011.

I have read many analyses of the impact the new rules will have on the Rays, most of them very negative. Some are less pessimistic, and I am not convinced yet either way. It will be interesting to see how Friedman works the system and whether the Rays are harmed or not. We also do not know yet whether the Rays will get any lottery picks. Nor can we be sure of the ancillary effects-apart from signing draftees-of the rules.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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I don't think it has that big of an effect, besides for way more kids going to college to try to get in the top 15 or so picks.

Hopefully it means they get signed earlier.

by mr. maniac on Feb 22, 2012 8:25 AM EST reply actions

That last part would be the greatest positive externality out of all this. I get that some guys could use the rest after playing all the time, but

they can get that rest on a short season or XST team while getting great coaching for both on the field and off. It’s why so many kids try to graduate high school early so they can get to college faster for football. Even if they can’t play yet in the spring they’re working with teammates off the field and learning all the positive habits that help you to excel at the next level. You can say college kids are a bit more refined, but I’d beg to differ as they’ve had plenty of bad habits crammed down their throats for 3-4 years.

I got away from the one thing that kept me on the straight and narrow, and that was my relationship with the Lord

by Sandy Kazmir on Feb 22, 2012 9:24 AM EST up reply actions

Agreed.

Let the year they graduate and are drafted be the transition year, the year in which they adjust to the rigorous schedules of pro ball and get a sense of what they will be doing for their lives. That way they don’t waste the whole next year being unprepared for what is coming at them.

by mr. maniac on Feb 22, 2012 9:42 AM EST up reply actions