(Updated 7/13) 2021 MLB Draft and Roster Management Discussion Thread

[OldTimer]

I have friends who grew up in the area that became NYM fans because of their Kingsport affiliate. Those same connections won’t be made anymore, unfortunately.

My Aunt in Kingsport use to rent out some efficiency-type apartments to players of the Kingsport Mets. I was 10 or 11 at the time and never really realized they were professional ballplayers at the time.

 

[OldTimer]

Just a hunch, unless Jackosn Leath gets paid 9th round type money, he could possibly return..........highly doubt he does but we still have a chance. Let the memes begin.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

Just a hunch, unless Jackosn Leath gets paid 9th round type money, he could possibly return..........highly doubt he does but we still have a chance. Let the memes begin.

I'm thinking the same thing, OT. I assume he's being counseled by CTV and staff as to what his ceiling might be in next year's draft. Let's say he thinks he could get 1.2 million in signing bonus next year. So, if he came back, he would essentially be working a year at school for a million dollar salary. But if he doesn't think his ceiling is anywhere near that high for next year, he might sign with the pros. So that's the critical question: How much would he reasonably be worth in next year's draft?

 

[cncchris33]

I'm thinking the same thing, OT. I assume he's being counseled by CTV and staff as to what his ceiling might be in next year's draft. Let's say he thinks he could get 1.2 million in signing bonus next year. So, if he came back, he would essentially be working a year at school for a million dollar salary. But if he doesn't think his ceiling is anywhere near that high for next year, he might sign with the pros. So that's the critical question: How much would he reasonably be worth in next year's draft?

The issue becomes him losing his leverage by returning to school, but the question really is how much leverage does he really have as a 12th round pick in the first place?

 

[Volunteer08]

Just a hunch, unless Jackosn Leath gets paid 9th round type money, he could possibly return..........highly doubt he does but we still have a chance. Let the memes begin.

If Leath comes back, we will have the best pitching staff in the nation...we could arguably have that already.

 

[OldTimer]

The issue becomes him losing his leverage by returning to school, but the question really is how much leverage does he really have as a 12th round pick in the first place?

his leverage next year is a gamble, but if you're throwing 96-98 and shutting the other team down, your leverage is that some other wants you first and isn't going to pass you up in the earlier rounds.

 

[TN_gal]

Coach V was on The Swain Event this morning. ,Great interview with Ben and Swain.




Interview from 31:32-44:57.

• Talked about his extension, MLB Draft results, and NIL.
• Talked about Burns, Spikes, Stephenson, Hunley, Russell, Lipicius, and Walsh.
• He thinks Spikes will sign with Tampa Bay.
• Excited about Burns and Stephenson.
• He says that Russell, Lipicius are looking into free agent deals, but are also considering returning next year. Walsh is too, but probably will return.
• Coach V thinks there's a great chance that 2 out 3 will return. I like what he said about any of them returning in that it's important to have "a link in the chain" back to this year's team. It reminds me of men's hoops and Fulky's and Pons ties back to the previous teams.
• He talked about stadium renovations. Talks are ongoing, but they didn't want to hold up the announcement of the extension for recruiting purposes, and easing fan base anxiety / reassuring the fan base.
• He talked about the role and importance of the fanbase (in the NIL, passion, etc.). He says the passion will motivate the staff even more moving forward.

 

[Volprofch05]

Coach V was on The Swain Event this morning. ,Great interview with Ben and Swain.




Interview from 31:32-44:57.

• Talked about his extension and MLB Draft results.
• Talked about Burns, Spikes, Stephenson, Hunley, Russell, Lipicius, and Walsh.
• He thinks Spikes will sign with Tampa Bay.
• Excited about Burns and Stephenson.
• He says that Russell, Lipicius are looking into free agent deals, but are also considering returning next year. Walsh is too, but probably will return.
• Coach V thinks there's a great chance that 2 out 3 will return. I like what he said about any of them returning in that it's important to have "a link in the chain" back to this year's team. It reminds me of men's hoops and Fulky's and Pons ties back to the previous teams.
• He also talked about stadium renovations. Talks are ongoing, but they didn't want to hold up the announcement of the extension for recruiting purposes, and easing fanbase anxiety.

Great, I will check this out later, but in the meantime I appreciate your notes!

 

[TN_gal]

Great, I will check this out later, but in the meantime I appreciate your notes!

Sure thing! Happy to share. It was a great listen.

 

[Volprofch05]

Coach V was on The Swain Event this morning. ,Great interview with Ben and Swain.




Interview from 31:32-44:57.

• Talked about his extension, MLB Draft results, and NIL.
• Talked about Burns, Spikes, Stephenson, Hunley, Russell, Lipicius, and Walsh.
• He thinks Spikes will sign with Tampa Bay.
• Excited about Burns and Stephenson.
• He says that Russell, Lipicius are looking into free agent deals, but are also considering returning next year. Walsh is too, but probably will return.
• Coach V thinks there's a great chance that 2 out 3 will return. I like what he said about any of them returning in that it's important to have "a link in the chain" back to this year's team. It reminds me of men's hoops and Fulky's and Pons ties back to the previous teams.
• He also talked about stadium renovations. Talks are ongoing, but they didn't want to hold up the announcement of the extension for recruiting purposes, and easing fanbase anxiety.

Also, announcing the extension in part to ease fanbase anxiety, haha! Seems like our paranoia (read: obnoxiousness) has paid off!

 

[TN_gal]

Also, announcing the extension in part to ease fanbase anxiety, haha! Seems like our paranoia (read: obnoxiousness) has paid off!

LOL! I definitely think it was a factor....it was hard not to notice because he was constantly asked about extension talks in every interview.

I was also about to add that he emphasized the role and importance of the fanbase (in the NIL, passion, etc.). He says this will motivate the staff even more moving forward. I still think he's blown away by how the fanbase embraced the team and program.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

The issue becomes him losing his leverage by returning to school, but the question really is how much leverage does he really have as a 12th round pick in the first place?

Yep. Things to consider: He may have been promised an above-slot payout this year, and it may be enough to entice him to sign a minor league contract. But if not, then is his leverage next year after a very productive season so much better than his leverage this year as a 12th rounder?

 

[TheMookieMonster]

The issue becomes him losing his leverage by returning to school, but the question really is how much leverage does he really have as a 12th round pick in the first place?

I agree with @OldTimer. I’m not sure leverage IMO will matter much if he just returns, stays healthy, and shows his stuff. The leverage will be that some teams will want to draft him before he is off the board. I can’t speak for the kid obviously, but I truly think if he returns and stays healthy he’ll play his way into that Round 5-8 category even as a Senior who can’t return. Teams will want his electric stuff and they’ll draft him early to ensure they get it.

Right now, in the 12th round, he’s going to get pennies on the dollar.

 

[cncchris33]

his leverage next year is a gamble, but if you're throwing 96-98 and shutting the other team down, your leverage is that some other wants you first and isn't going to pass you up in the earlier rounds.

The leverage surrounds slot money negotiations, not draft position, necessarily. He loses that next year by returning because he doesn't have the option of returning to college to squeeze the MLB organization that drafts him for every penny. It's basically a take it or leave it situation.

My point is that while he has that option and leverage, right now, he can't possibly have much leverage as a 12th round pick. It isn't like some team is going to pay him 2-3x his slot value at that draft position.

 

[cncchris33]

Yep. Things to consider: He may have been promised an above-slot payout this year, and it may be enough to entice him to sign a minor league contract. But if not, then is his leverage next year after a very productive season so much better than his leverage this year as a 12th rounder?

He has zero leverage, next year. He's out of options.

 

[Halph66]

Elizabethton was my team. Iconic American ball park with the Blue Ridge Mountains for a backdrop.

@txbo I grew up in Elizabethton. 1985 graduate of EHS. We always went to the Twins game especially when Darrel Strawberry would play there (Bristol Tigers).

The Twins had a basketball goal in the out field sponsored by Grindstaff Chevrolet I think. If a player hit a ball in the goal during a game he won $1,000. I was at a game in the late 80's when a player hit the ball in the goal.

In 2006 I lived in Kennesaw, GA. My son was playing Dizzy Dean Baseball. There was a Dad that was a player for Minnesota. His name was Sandy Diaz from the Dominican Republic. We were talking during practice, I mentioned the Elizabethton Twins, he said that he played in Elizabethton. He said that he worked with the pitching staff at ETSU were I also graduated in 89. I mentioned the basketball goal and said that I was at the game when a player hit the ball in the goal. He lite up and said you were at the game when that happened. I said yes it was the greatest thing that I have ever seen. He said well then you have seen me pitch. I threw that ball. He said after the game he told the batter that he owed him half the money. The batter asked how so. Sandy replied I threw that pitch right over the plate.

It's an extremely small world sometimes. Here's the news paper article.

 

[cncchris33]

I agree with @OldTimer. I’m not sure leverage IMO will matter much if he just returns, stays healthy, and shows his stuff. The leverage will be that some teams will want to draft him before he is off the board. I can’t speak for the kid obviously, but I truly think if he returns and stays healthy he’ll play his way into that Round 5-8 category even as a Senior who can’t return. Teams will want his electric stuff and they’ll draft him early to ensure they get it.

Right now, in the 12th round, he’s going to get pennies on the dollar.

Again, the leverage isn't in his draft position. It is in his ability (option) to return to school if he doesn't like the bonus money. He loses that leverage, next year.

But as you said for him, and which was my original point, any leverage he currently has is really mitigated by lasting to the 12th rd.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

He has zero leverage, next year. He's out of options.

As OT and I have pointed out, a stelllar college year next year gives him plenty of leverage in the 22 draft. Supply vs demand. A great pitcher is a rare commodity.

 

[txbo]

Wow! I grew up in Mountain City. Spent many a day of my youth in Elizabethton. I remember the basketball goal. Didn't know anybody ever hit it.

Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Again, the leverage isn't in his draft position. It is in his ability (option) to return to school if he doesn't like the bonus money. He loses that leverage, next year.

But as you said for him, and which was my original point, any leverage he currently has is really mitigated by lasting to the 12th rd.

I know that the leverage is the threat to return school. The point I was trying but failed to make was that at the end of the day this is all about money, right? According to Baseball America, they have a chart that says Pick 312 in the 10th Round has a Slot Value of $142,200. So, I assume a 12th round pick is probably around $135,000. I feel like it is very unlikely he gets double that money. If he returns to school and improves his draft position, that is kind of his de facto leverage. I think a lot of people see him as having Round 5-6 type stuff before injury, which is a much better pay day.

It's all kind of moot thought because he might not care that much about increasing the draft day pay day, and he might just prefer getting started on his trek through the minors rather than being another year older.

 

[VolGee4]

Best college park…. Appalachian State.

View attachment 380462

FYI….not a rendering. Real pic taken by drone.

I have a family friend whose daughter will be playing softball at App State after next year. I may have to make that trip.

 

[Halph66]

I have a family friend whose daughter will be playing softball at App State after next year. I may have to make that trip.

That's a beautiful part of the world. I could disappear in Blowing Rock or Boone. We used to snow ski 2 or 3 nights a week in high school. We could make it to Hawks nest in about 45 mins.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

It's all kind of moot thought because he might not care that much about increasing the draft day pay day, and he might just prefer getting started on his trek through the minors rather than being another year older.

True that. But if that desire to move on isn't overpowering, it comes down to just how much he can improve his draft in 22. 1st round, 2nd round? eigth round? 4th? I think the best ones to tell him that is CTV and his staff.

 

[txbo]

I have a family friend whose daughter will be playing softball at App State after next year. I may have to make that trip.

If they have a Fall season, that would be the time to go. Place is gorgeous in autumn.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

I have friends who grew up in the area that became NYM fans because of their Kingsport affiliate. Those same connections won’t be made anymore, unfortunately.

Yeah. I'm a Braves fan but I don't hate the Mets as much as others because some of thr guys who are in NY now, were in KPT when I worked there. So it's cool to see them succeed