[RobSox]

I'm new to the forums but have lurked for some time now - this has always been a valuable source of info. I first starting playing OOTP back when it was in version 3, but I took a break for some time several years ago. Last year, I randomly found myself curious curious to see how the game had evolved (if it was even still around), and OOTP15 sucked me back in again.

This past offseason, I picked up a stud CF prospect who had entered the MLB as a free agent from Taiwan. He's 23 and still has a little bit of growing to do, so he'll start in AAA but he could make his debut some time this year. He was willing to sign a minor league contract with a significant signing bonus. After an extended bidding war with the Yankees, I won his contract with a $13.5 million bonus offer.

I made a similar signing last year, for a 22-year old Korean starter, but that was only for a few million and I honestly didn't pay attention to how it affected my financials. This year, though, with less budget room and a much higher investment I was curious how the game was going to make me pay the bill.

Surprisingly, I can't find this money anywhere. It's not listed under salary, because it wasn't a salary - it's bonus money. My cash is the same as it was before I signed the guy. I even added up all my players' salaries to make sure the total on the salary report was correct.

Did I just sign the next Griffey for free? And if so, why did I bother with a protracted bidding process? Seems like I should have just bid $100 million since it was apparently Monopoly money. When and how does the bill come due?