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Originally Posted by eriqjaffe
Did he get a signing bonus? If so, he should give it to his folks, 'cause they really need to redecorate.
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Let me explain how a signing bonus for a guy drafted in the 6th round works:
Setting: The local restaurant. Bailey, his parents, his agent, and the advance scout for the Athletics are seated in a corner booth. The discussion revolves around where Bailey will play.
Andrew Bailey: "Well, I'd really like to play professionall ball for the A's. Where would I start?[/b]
A's Scout: "Vancouver. It's the short season low-a team, you'd be there since you just finished your college schedule recently and we don't want to overwork you."
AB: "Sweet! I'm ready to pitch."
Idle chit chat ensues as dinner is brought to the table. Everybody has an enjoyable meal and soon the server brings the check. The Scout opens his briefcase, and proceeds to take out a sizeable contract for Bailey to play minor league ball for the Athletics organization.
Bailey's Agent: "Whoa, hold on a second. Now, I know that we're going to be signing a minor league contract here, but we need to talk about what kind of bonus Andrew will be getting for signing."
Scout: "Bonus?"
AB: "Bonus?"
AB's Parents: "Bonus??"
Bailey's Agent: "Of course.
Nobody signs a contract after they're drafted without a signing bonus."
Scout: "Hmm... I'm not sure that I'm qualified to offer a signing bonus. What did you have in mind?"
At this point, the contract is already in front of Bailey, ready to sign. There is no mention of a signing bonus at all.
Bailey's agent looks at the Scout, then looks down at the table. Then looks back at the Scout, and raises his eyebrows.
With a heavy sigh, the Scout slowly pulls his wallet out of his back pocket and reaches for the bill that the server had left on the table.
Scout: Atta kid. Sign away, Andrew!