Should I give into the demand of my #1 overall pick? please help

md5423 · 05-10-2010, 09:25 AM

Hi guys, I would really appreciate your opinions on this one.

So, I'm playing as the Pirates in 2012. We have been the worst in the Majors for 2 years in a row... soon to be 3. I really need to turn around my franchise. With my first round pick this year I took a 21 yr old SS out of LSU. He looks like he is going to be a stud, but he wants a major league contract and very large bonus...

Here are screen shots of his ratings, demands, and my finances

Do you guys think hes worth it? can I afford it?

CD1083 · 05-10-2010, 09:31 AM

If you have plenty of money, I say go for it.

If you're running tight or will have to make financial decisions in the future I say pass. He looks like he'll be solid but not #1 worthy.

md5423 · 05-10-2010, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chase Davis

If you have plenty of money, I say go for it.

If you're running tight or will have to make financial decisions in the future I say pass. He looks like he'll be solid but not #1 worthy.

I'm thinking I might pass on him and take the compensation pick next year... Also, I wanna be able to sign a big player in the FA market this off season... I'm just going to get some more opinions

Dave Hansen · 05-10-2010, 09:52 AM

Check his BNN page...work ethic is a HUGE concern for me.

He doesn't have great offensive numbers...defensive ratings okay.

I'd pass in a heartbeat on this guy and his salary demands for a franchise player.

md5423 · 05-10-2010, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Hansen

Check his BNN page...work ethic is a HUGE concern for me.

He doesn't have great offensive numbers...defensive ratings okay.

I'd pass in a heartbeat on this guy and his salary demands for a franchise player.

Looks like im gonna pass on him... his work ethic is "very low"

Isura · 05-10-2010, 01:31 PM

Passing would be a pretty big mistake imo.

Kelric · 05-10-2010, 01:37 PM

I'd pass on him just looking at your budget. He'd be eating 10% of your budget, 14% of your payroll once he is signed, and is completely unproven. From a pure talent standpoint, I'd sign him if I had the money.

RamMan12 · 05-10-2010, 01:59 PM

I'm actually the Pirates in 2011 right now and doing terribly too. I say spend the money and sign him. If you are lacking in money later, trade for someone whose contract is at league minimum.

Pdubya64 · 05-10-2010, 02:37 PM

If the guy had a better work ethic then I would say most likely worth it. But with that complacency tag I think your money would be better spent elsewhere.
Just as a rule of thumb, I don't ever sign problem kids- attitudes, work ethic issues... BAH! Let someone else draft them. It's longterm you look for and that label doesn't exactly scream "superstar" imo.

Mattymo · 05-10-2010, 05:18 PM

I think you probably shouldn't have drafted this guy #1 if you weren't willing to meet his demands. Obviously you didn't know that he wanted a major league contract, but the bonus demands were right there for all to see.

If I have a top draft pick I either meet their demands or draft a more signable player.

kckid4u · 05-10-2010, 05:25 PM

I'd sign the guy. It looks like you don't have much money to really get into a FA bidding war for a top player. This guy is a safer bet IMO.

Plus, with his defense, you can have him on your active roster right away to develope him, so he would be earning his ML contract at least.

SmoothGentleman · 05-10-2010, 06:51 PM

Is this his last eligible year at LSU? If you don't sign him will he just turn into a FA? If you set the age for the feeders for 22, it does change things a bit for me.

I'm bothered by his low work ethic. His offensive and defensive ratings to me scream Leadoff hitter. His eye and contact abilities seem to be excellent (if your scouts are spot on). He has good speed, and his lack of arm strength makes me believe he'd make a good second baseman for you.

If he'd return to LSU for one more year, I'd keep an eye on him for the next years draft and possibly take him again if he keeps a good batting average (.320 in the SEC isn't bad at all) and his defensive numbers look good. You'd get a composition this way and could sign a cheaper player that can help you in a few years.

If not, I would sign him. Bring him in for Spring Training and see how he does. If he struggles, I'd send him down to Double A to start the season (since you're the GM) and force start him at lead off. If he lights things up, call him up a month or so in the season and start a youth movement and have him earn his contract.

If you can sign a veteran IF with good leadership skills that could possibly tutor him and maybe help him work harder. He's expensive, but could help you down the road by getting on base.

md5423 · 05-11-2010, 12:59 AM

i passed on him.... I'm gonna go with the two first round picks next year

funkadillo · 05-11-2010, 03:12 AM

For me it's hard to imagine ever taking a guy with NO power whatsoever #1 overall (particularly without elite speed, defense, and intangibles). And there's absolutely no way I would've taken him with the work ethic concerns. I don't even take 4th round picks with horrible work ethic.

I think you made the right decision because I don't think he's worth the pick at all, let alone the financial cost.

You should be able to get a potential #3 or #4 hitter with great intangibles #1 overall next year, possibly even at a premium position.

I always drool over the top rated guys and wish I had one of those picks. I wouldn't drool over this guy.

md5423 · 05-11-2010, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattymo

I think you probably shouldn't have drafted this guy #1 if you weren't willing to meet his demands. Obviously you didn't know that he wanted a major league contract, but the bonus demands were right there for all to see.

If I have a top draft pick I either meet their demands or draft a more signable player.

It wasn't the bonus demand that i was concerned about, it was more the major league contract. If he didn't wana a big league contract also, I probably would have given him the bonus

funkadillo · 05-11-2010, 07:18 AM

Was this just a horrible draft or what? I can't imagine this guy being the best available player.

funkadillo · 05-11-2010, 07:21 AM

Dola,

He wanted 32.56 mil guaranteed! That's like NFL money. Combined with the work ethic this guy just had potential disaster written all over him.

md5423 · 05-11-2010, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkadillo

Was this just a horrible draft or what? I can't imagine this guy being the best available player.

Ya, it was pretty bad.... OSA had him rated #1 and there wasn't as many 5 star guys as usual

Cowboys3356 · 05-11-2010, 11:15 AM

I see he went to LSU, are you sure his name wasn't JaMarcus Russell??

SmoothGentleman · 05-11-2010, 12:30 PM

Let us know what he does next year at LSU, he probably will lower his demands after being passed on. I think he can turn into a solid lead off guy. Hopefully, you found some good talent in the later rounds.

05-10-2010, 05:25 PM	#11
kckid4u All Star Reserve Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pictured Above: Buck Barnett - Best Pitcher in OOTP History! Posts: 957	I'd sign the guy. It looks like you don't have much money to really get into a FA bidding war for a top player. This guy is a safer bet IMO. Plus, with his defense, you can have him on your active roster right away to develope him, so he would be earning his ML contract at least. Last edited by kckid4u; 05-10-2010 at 05:26 PM.

05-11-2010, 03:12 AM	#14
funkadillo Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 246	For me it's hard to imagine ever taking a guy with NO power whatsoever #1 overall (particularly without elite speed, defense, and intangibles). And there's absolutely no way I would've taken him with the work ethic concerns. I don't even take 4th round picks with horrible work ethic. I think you made the right decision because I don't think he's worth the pick at all, let alone the financial cost. You should be able to get a potential #3 or #4 hitter with great intangibles #1 overall next year, possibly even at a premium position. I always drool over the top rated guys and wish I had one of those picks. I wouldn't drool over this guy. Last edited by funkadillo; 05-11-2010 at 03:13 AM.

05-10-2010, 09:25 AM	#1
md5423 All Star Reserve Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 556	Should I give into the demand of my #1 overall pick? please help Hi guys, I would really appreciate your opinions on this one. So, I'm playing as the Pirates in 2012. We have been the worst in the Majors for 2 years in a row... soon to be 3. I really need to turn around my franchise. With my first round pick this year I took a 21 yr old SS out of LSU. He looks like he is going to be a stud, but he wants a major league contract and very large bonus... Here are screen shots of his ratings, demands, and my finances Do you guys think hes worth it? can I afford it? Attached Images

05-10-2010, 09:31 AM	#2
CD1083 All Star Starter Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,590	If you have plenty of money, I say go for it. If you're running tight or will have to make financial decisions in the future I say pass. He looks like he'll be solid but not #1 worthy.

05-10-2010, 09:52 AM	#4
Dave Hansen Major Leagues Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 345	Check his BNN page...work ethic is a HUGE concern for me. He doesn't have great offensive numbers...defensive ratings okay. I'd pass in a heartbeat on this guy and his salary demands for a franchise player.

05-10-2010, 01:31 PM	#6
Isura Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 361	Passing would be a pretty big mistake imo.

05-10-2010, 01:37 PM	#7
Kelric Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Greater Boston Area Posts: 3,992	I'd pass on him just looking at your budget. He'd be eating 10% of your budget, 14% of your payroll once he is signed, and is completely unproven. From a pure talent standpoint, I'd sign him if I had the money.

05-10-2010, 01:59 PM	#8
RamMan12 Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Maine Posts: 482	I'm actually the Pirates in 2011 right now and doing terribly too. I say spend the money and sign him. If you are lacking in money later, trade for someone whose contract is at league minimum.

05-10-2010, 02:37 PM	#9
Pdubya64 Major Leagues Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Staunton, VA Posts: 496	If the guy had a better work ethic then I would say most likely worth it. But with that complacency tag I think your money would be better spent elsewhere. Just as a rule of thumb, I don't ever sign problem kids- attitudes, work ethic issues... BAH! Let someone else draft them. It's longterm you look for and that label doesn't exactly scream "superstar" imo.

05-10-2010, 05:18 PM	#10
Mattymo All Star Starter Join Date: May 2002 Location: Colchester, CT Posts: 1,448	I think you probably shouldn't have drafted this guy #1 if you weren't willing to meet his demands. Obviously you didn't know that he wanted a major league contract, but the bonus demands were right there for all to see. If I have a top draft pick I either meet their demands or draft a more signable player.

05-10-2010, 06:51 PM	#12
SmoothGentleman Major Leagues Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 429	Is this his last eligible year at LSU? If you don't sign him will he just turn into a FA? If you set the age for the feeders for 22, it does change things a bit for me. I'm bothered by his low work ethic. His offensive and defensive ratings to me scream Leadoff hitter. His eye and contact abilities seem to be excellent (if your scouts are spot on). He has good speed, and his lack of arm strength makes me believe he'd make a good second baseman for you. If he'd return to LSU for one more year, I'd keep an eye on him for the next years draft and possibly take him again if he keeps a good batting average (.320 in the SEC isn't bad at all) and his defensive numbers look good. You'd get a composition this way and could sign a cheaper player that can help you in a few years. If not, I would sign him. Bring him in for Spring Training and see how he does. If he struggles, I'd send him down to Double A to start the season (since you're the GM) and force start him at lead off. If he lights things up, call him up a month or so in the season and start a youth movement and have him earn his contract. If you can sign a veteran IF with good leadership skills that could possibly tutor him and maybe help him work harder. He's expensive, but could help you down the road by getting on base.

05-11-2010, 12:59 AM	#13
md5423 All Star Reserve Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 556	i passed on him.... I'm gonna go with the two first round picks next year

05-11-2010, 07:18 AM	#16
funkadillo Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 246	Was this just a horrible draft or what? I can't imagine this guy being the best available player.

05-11-2010, 07:21 AM	#17
funkadillo Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 246	Dola, He wanted 32.56 mil guaranteed! That's like NFL money. Combined with the work ethic this guy just had potential disaster written all over him.

05-11-2010, 11:15 AM	#19
Cowboys3356 All Star Starter Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,571	I see he went to LSU, are you sure his name wasn't JaMarcus Russell??

05-11-2010, 12:30 PM	#20
SmoothGentleman Major Leagues Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 429	Let us know what he does next year at LSU, he probably will lower his demands after being passed on. I think he can turn into a solid lead off guy. Hopefully, you found some good talent in the later rounds.