lol, this thread is just getting laughable on all fronts.

 

Good luck at UK next year. I'm sure he is going to have a good career there and in 3 years i'm sure we will see him again drafted higher than this time around and likely where he hopes to be.

So by that logic, every kid taken higher than Maile, (some 1300+ kids or whatever) is more talented than he is? :ohbrother: If you believe that, then you really don't understand this process very well.

 

He already passsed on some "pretty good" money, and that is a relative term, I realize. So, I'm saying he could have signed for between $350K-$550 for sure; which, if you look at my previous post, is middle to high 3rd round money (which is the top 110 picks overall!!...(may end up being be low 2nd round money this year, we'll see).

 

The point is, those kids who went ahead of him and have similar or even less talent/projection, but maybe they are not great students, or for whatever reason, they are willing to sign for $200-$450 when he wouldn't. So they go in the 6th, 10th, or 14th or whatever, and he goes 43rd. (btw there were 26 catchers taken in the top 10 rounds...only 4 have signed in or above that range to date!!!)

 

Where do you think Maile would have gone if he was in the $50K - $250K range?? (which is were most of this year's signees are)...There'd be a line....a BIG line!

 

But look at it this way...they want to pay a kid like maile $350K now...he looks at the kids his played against from Texas to California to Boston to where ever and sees that he stacks up real darn well. He's bigger than most, just as strong an arm, bat speed, pop times, etc.

 

Then he looks at these 1st round catchers and sees that they are getting

(09 numbers and all college kids btw) pick 4=$2.5m; pick 33=$980K; pick 38=$858K; Physically/mentally etc he's at or above where they were as h.s. seniors...so is it that tough of a decision really? A couple hundred thousand after taxes now and go to the minors and play at 10:00 am in 98 degrees with no one in the stands and nobody truly cares about anything except for you failing and them moving past you...VERSUS... SEC Baseball and a college degree?:idunno:

 

These teams don't just rank the kid by talent, draft them, and then hope they can sign them. Don't forget, these kids have probably not gone more than a couple of days without at least one club calling or stopping by to 'chat'. Just talk about things, and 'stay in touch'. "Whadya eat today after the game kid?... oh you ate out..where'd you go?"...

 

So, clubs ask up front what kind of money you want. Not always directly, but they find out your value system as best they can. They come to where you live; where they work, talk to parents, level of education; things you like/dislike..always putting a label on a kid's values. If you have great grades and a high percentage scholly...if you are mature and articulate, if you read books, if you parents are educated, etc, etc, etc. They investigate everything they can, and then they make a decision and if they think you will not take what they want to pay for a slot, or they have somebody who will sign for less, they move on. You were both crap shots anyway, risk the least money you have to.

 

Do they make mistakes...yes; do kids lie and say "I'll take X" then get drafted and say "no, I want Y"..yes; do they pay too much for one kid, and pass on one they should have paid more...sure. Do kids pass on offers they should have taken...sure; take offers they should have passed...definitely!

 

If they knew what they were doing, wouldn't the percentage of kids drafted who make to the majors be a little better ?!?!

 

 

Dang you must be Maile's agent if you know all this so well!:sssh:

 

Come on your telling me that he is passing on 400k?! If so how do you know he is going to be guaranteed that when he gets out of college? How do you know if he goes to UK and doesn't play right away? Or what if he goes to UK and someone plays ahead of him? He could even pass on 400k now and then get drafted in three years and not even get 400k! I have a hard time believing a catcher drafted in the 43rd round was later offered close to half a million? If that was the case why wouldn't they just select him right away in a good round give him his money and be done with it. He's that good right?

 

From the way you talk this kid is predestined no matter what. You act as if there is no way possible something can interfere. You have no idea what is going to happen in three years there is no guarantees! That's why people take the college route! Baseball doesn't work out he has an education to make it in the real world. I feel for this kid with all the pressure the way you talk. What if he doesn't make it?!

 

I'm not wishing him bad luck or saying he won't one day make it. In fact I hope he does! However, if Luke was as good as you are making him out to be to date then he would have gotten his money and would have been drafted in the top five rounds.

 

Also, I'm not saying that every catcher drafted ahead of him is better but obviously the scouts saw something in all of those 26 catchers that they didn't see in Maile hence why they were taken infront of Maile. And if your going to say well they only did that because they thought they could sign them lower etc. That wouldn't make any sense because major league baseball is a business. Good players get good contracts because they put fans in the seats and produce. I doub't the major league teams are taking the cheap route in finding players. That's right John Smoltz a future Hall iof Famer was cut today by the Boston Red Sox! Why? Because he wasn't producing well enough! They don't care who you are as long as you produce!

 

He's better off going to college and improving his draft stock while getting a good education. If he gets his money and goes to A ball that's great too. I wish him the best of luck! But imo he needs to go to college. It's a win win.

 

P.S. Very seldom does a player come out of high school or college and make a major league ball club. Ben Revere (sp?) was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the first round. He played rookie ball after being drafted in the first round! If you want to make it in the big leagues face it your going to have to one day wake up at 10 a.m. and play in 98 degree weather. It's the way the system works and there is probably less then a 1% chance of players beating that system!

What certain number? Are you talking about the $100,000 figure? You quoted that, not me! What schools did I say he could be sent to? You really need to go back and read my post. Here, I'll save you the time:

 

"Because the Mailes are not hurting for money. Mr. Maile can afford to write the check to send him to most any school he wants to attend, so $50K in that sense is nothing. He's going to college. His arm and his bat are serious, but the still has to improve his overall catching game. He's going to play against a different breed of player at UK. He's gonna see more speed and skill than he's ever played against before"

 

Now you're running interference for the fathers of the world? I need to run and tell my kids. Bye!

 

I'm done after this comment. You clearly stated "Mr. Maile can afford the check to send him to most any school he wants to attend, so $50K in that sense is nothing." You just denied mentioning that he could go to any school he wanted, and also I was saying $50k is not all college costs, and even if it did they still have 4 more kids through college.

Dang you must be Maile's agent if you know all this so well!:sssh:

 

Come on your telling me that he is passing on 400k?! If so how do you know he is going to be guaranteed that when he gets out of college? How do you know if he goes to UK and doesn't play right away? Or what if he goes to UK and someone plays ahead of him? He could even pass on 400k now and then get drafted in three years and not even get 400k! I have a hard time believing a catcher drafted in the 43rd round was later offered close to half a million? If that was the case why wouldn't they just select him right away in a good round give him his money and be done with it. He's that good right?

 

From the way you talk this kid is predestined no matter what. You act as if there is no way possible something can interfere. You have no idea what is going to happen in three years there is no guarantees! That's why people take the college route! Baseball doesn't work out he has an education to make it in the real world. I feel for this kid with all the pressure the way you talk. What if he doesn't make it?!

 

I'm not wishing him bad luck or saying he won't one day make it. In fact I hope he does! However, if Luke was as good as you are making him out to be to date then he would have gotten his money and would have been drafted in the top five rounds.

 

Also, I'm not saying that every catcher drafted ahead of him is better but obviously the scouts saw something in all of those 26 catchers that they didn't see in Maile hence why they were taken infront of Maile. And if your going to say well they only did that because they thought they could sign them lower etc. That wouldn't make any sense because major league baseball is a business. Good players get good contracts because they put fans in the seats and produce. I doub't the major league teams are taking the cheap route in finding players. That's right John Smoltz a future Hall iof Famer was cut today by the Boston Red Sox! Why? Because he wasn't producing well enough! They don't care who you are as long as you produce!

 

He's better off going to college and improving his draft stock while getting a good education. If he gets his money and goes to A ball that's great too. I wish him the best of luck! But imo he needs to go to college. It's a win win.

 

P.S. Very seldom does a player come out of high school or college and make a major league ball club. Ben Revere (sp?) was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the first round. He played rookie ball after being drafted in the first round! If you want to make it in the big leagues face it your going to have to one day wake up at 10 a.m. and play in 98 degree weather. It's the way the system works and there is probably less then a 1% chance of players beating that system!

 

Without going into details, you're off on many of your points.

 

Don't get hung up on the round. The kid made it known that it was going to take a lot of jack to get him to pass up on his scholarship. Many teams, like the Reds, backed off at the point. Most can't step up to that level on more than one player.

 

Boston, however, is a team that can and has stepped up to an extent. Will they step up more by 8.17? We'll see. However, in their minds, he's a top 5 round talent or they would not be where they are with their offer. IF they can't get him to agree then all they lost was a player in the 43rd round.

 

Its a cat and mouse game that BOTH sides play. Luke is playing it well.

Without going into details, you're off on many of your points.

 

Don't get hung up on the round. The kid made it known that it was going to take a lot of jack to get him to pass up on his scholarship. Many teams, like the Reds, backed off at the point. Most can't step up to that level on more than one player.

 

Boston, however, is a team that can and has stepped up to an extent. Will they step up more by 8.17? We'll see. However, in their minds, he's a top 5 round talent or they would not be where they are with their offer. IF they can't get him to agree then all they lost was a player in the 43rd round.

 

Its a cat and mouse game that BOTH sides play. Luke is playing it well.

 

Your right they only step up on the players they feel can get the job done. That's why they're selected in the top five rounds and given large signing bonuses!

 

If I'm so off on many of my points please tell me how! Remember this is a website of opinions and just because you may not agree with what I have to say doesn't mean your right or I'm wrong.

 

I don't understand this whole philosophy. If they want the kid then they will get the kid. That's how it works. If they want him so bad then he will get his money. If he doesn't get his money obviously they didn't want him as bad as your saying. If he truly has passed up on 500k I don't see how he could possibly sign more then that as a 43rd round pick. I've never seen that happen before.

 

Also, from what your saying he really isn't a 43rd round player so the label doesn't really apply here.

Lots of spin going on in this thread. Gool luck to Luke on whatever he decides. He is talented and doesn't need to be covered by smoke and mirrors. He is either a 43rd round pick who signs or a player at UK.

Your right they only step up on the players they feel can get the job done. That's why they're selected in the top five rounds and given large signing bonuses!

 

If I'm so off on many of my points please tell me how! Remember this is a website of opinions and just because you may not agree with what I have to say doesn't mean your right or I'm wrong.

 

I don't understand this whole philosophy. If they want the kid then they will get the kid. That's how it works. If they want him so bad then he will get his money. If he doesn't get his money obviously they didn't want him as bad as your saying. If he truly has passed up on 500k I don't see how he could possibly sign more then that as a 43rd round pick. I've never seen that happen before.

 

Also, from what your saying he really isn't a 43rd round player so the label doesn't really apply here.

 

I'll keep it simple. You're placing way too much into where he was drafted and trying to tie that to talent. Its been explained quite a few times. Many teams simply passed on him due to him letting them know he was looking for a huge payday. My guess is at least half the teams dropped out simply due to that (and them not seeing him as a first round pick). Add in his scholarship and his stated desire (leverage? negotations?) to play at UK.

 

Its not rocket science to figure out that a small pool of teams are willing to take a run at him due to those reasons alone. Not many can afford to "miss."

 

The negotiations have proven that the Sox view him as a top 5 round talent.

 

Will there be a point they can both agree to? Maybe. We'll see on 8.17.09.

 

Some might see that as "spin." I have nothing in this one way or the other. I have probably spoken 20 words to Luke in the last 12 months so we're not exactly "family."

 

I just understand how things work.

I'll keep it simple. You're placing way too much into where he was drafted and trying to tie that to talent. Its been explained quite a few times. Many teams simply passed on him due to him letting them know he was looking for a huge payday. My guess is at least half the teams dropped out simply due to that (and them not seeing him as a first round pick). Add in his scholarship and his stated desire (leverage? negotations?) to play at UK.

 

Its not rocket science to figure out that a small pool of teams are willing to take a run at him due to those reasons alone. Not many can afford to "miss."

 

The negotiations have proven that the Sox view him as a top 5 round talent.

 

Will there be a point they can both agree to? Maybe. We'll see on 8.17.09.

 

Some might see that as "spin." I have nothing in this one way or the other. I have probably spoken 20 words to Luke in the last 12 months so we're not exactly "family."

 

I just understand how things work.

 

Your exactly right it isn't rocket science to understand that a player drafted in the 43rd round doesn't sign for half a million or more. Please show me someone that that has happened too. You can say all you want that he technically isn't a 43rd round pick. But really when it comes down to it he is. That is where he was drafted. Just because what you say or what other people say doesn't mean it's necessarily true. Remember it's opinions here bud your not anymore right then anyone else who posts on bgp!

 

I'm sorry but I'm not gonna believe that he was a top five round pick. If your a top five round pick you get picked and you get a large sum of money. You don't fall all the way to the 43rd round. It's just the way it is.

 

I've had first hand experience. A player was drafted in the top five rounds and he wanted 500k but they weren't willing to give him that until the very last minute. They called and offered as he stepped foot on the college campus. He said no thanks because he told them once I'm at college don't call me with a last minute offer ahead of time. In three years he reapplied and was drafted in the top ten rounds and ended up signing for 300k. So if a player selected twice in the top 10 rounds had a hard time getting half a million I don't possible see how a 43rd round pick can get it.

 

People like to embellish things like this instead of just being content with the accomplishment of being drafted out of high school. Farris was a stud in high school and was drafted in the 43rd round just like Maile. Both players are around the same caliber hence why they were taken in the same round two different years!

 

To be honest with you I don't see how the Red Sox are going to sign a 43rd round pick to half a million dollars after he went 0 for 5 on their field! Luke is a fine young man and a great player but he needs to go to UK work on his skills and re apply in three years. His stock will do nothing but improve. However, this is MY OPINION and your entitled to your own! You can agree or disagree it makes no difference to me. But we will see what happens on august 17th.

Your exactly right it isn't rocket science to understand that a player drafted in the 43rd round doesn't sign for half a million or more. Please show me someone that that has happened too. You can say all you want that he technically isn't a 43rd round pick. But really when it comes down to it he is. That is where he was drafted. Just because what you say or what other people say doesn't mean it's necessarily true. Remember it's opinions here bud your not anymore right then anyone else who posts on bgp!

 

I'm sorry but I'm not gonna believe that he was a top five round pick. If your a top five round pick you get picked and you get a large sum of money. You don't fall all the way to the 43rd round. It's just the way it is.

 

I've had first hand experience. A player was drafted in the top five rounds and he wanted 500k but they weren't willing to give him that until the very last minute. They called and offered as he stepped foot on the college campus. He said no thanks because he told them once I'm at college don't call me with a last minute offer ahead of time. In three years he reapplied and was drafted in the top ten rounds and ended up signing for 300k. So if a player selected twice in the top 10 rounds had a hard time getting half a million I don't possible see how a 43rd round pick can get it.

 

People like to embellish things like this instead of just being content with the accomplishment of being drafted out of high school. Farris was a stud in high school and was drafted in the 43rd round just like Maile. Both players are around the same caliber hence why they were taken in the same round two different years!

 

To be honest with you I don't see how the Red Sox are going to sign a 43rd round pick to half a million dollars after he went 0 for 5 on their field! Luke is a fine young man and a great player but he needs to go to UK work on his skills and re apply in three years. His stock will do nothing but improve. However, this is MY OPINION and your entitled to your own! You can agree or disagree it makes no difference to me. But we will see what happens on august 17th.

 

 

Again, you've proven me correct.

 

Using an 0/5 "on their field" shows ignorance (and I mean that using the literal definition of the word). What's the #1 thing on the list when looking for a catcher in the bigs? Hint: Its not hitting. In that same game when he was "0 for 5 on their field" he also turned their head a bit with a throw to 2nd. THAT's what MLB teams look for at THAT position. They can teach him how to hit MLB pitching. Heck, he already has a strong base for that. However, what you can't teach is arm strength and he has that. If he had blooped 2 singles in and gone 2/5 would you think he's suddenly ready? Scouts look at the swing and project. I was told he hit the ball hard 4 of the 5 times. Scouts will take that from a backstop.

 

Farris: Farris did not get the same offer as Maile has/will due to position. Farris is an OFer while Maile plays the position with the 2nd biggest shortage: catcher. Its all about leverage and being a catcher gives you leverage.

 

The Sox have already shown that they do not consider him to be a 43rd round talent. They've shown that they think he's a top 5 round talent. I realize that shoots a hole in your theory but...

 

 

Just because what you say or what other people say doesn't mean it's necessarily true. Remember it's opinions here bud your not anymore right then anyone else who posts on bgp!

 

In this case, mine is.

 

You may ultimately be right in what avenue he chooses to take. He has two "can't go wrong" options. We should all be so fortunate.

Again, you've proven me correct.

 

Using an 0/5 "on their field" shows ignorance (and I mean that using the literal definition of the word). What's the #1 thing on the list when looking for a catcher in the bigs? Hint: Its not hitting. In that same game when he was "0 for 5 on their field" he also turned their head a bit with a throw to 2nd. THAT's what MLB teams look for at THAT position. They can teach him how to hit MLB pitching. Heck, he already has a strong base for that. However, what you can't teach is arm strength and he has that. If he had blooped 2 singles in and gone 2/5 would you think he's suddenly ready? Scouts look at the swing and project. I was told he hit the ball hard 4 of the 5 times. Scouts will take that from a backstop.

 

Farris: Farris did not get the same offer as Maile has/will due to position. Farris is an OFer while Maile plays the position with the 2nd biggest shortage: catcher. Its all about leverage and being a catcher gives you leverage.

 

The Sox have already shown that they do not consider him to be a 43rd round talent. They've shown that they think he's a top 5 round talent. I realize that shoots a hole in your theory but...

 

 

Just because what you say or what other people say doesn't mean it's necessarily true. Remember it's opinions here bud your not anymore right then anyone else who posts on bgp!

 

In this case, mine is.

 

You may ultimately be right in what avenue he chooses to take. He has two "can't go wrong" options. We should all be so fortunate.

 

I'm sorry but in your case you are not right! All I said was that they are the same caliber of player hence why they were both chosen in the same exact round and just happen to be from the same exact state.

 

Also, he only threw out one of a few runners! When Luke played in the area code games he was passed up by the Yankees because they felt his catching skills weren't ready...I guess that really shoots a whole in your he already has the arm and skills theory...

 

I don't know what gives you the right to make what you say gold>:confused:

 

I'm not saying if he goes 5 for 5 he is ready. But that is much more impressive going 5 for 5 then going 0 for 5 and saying well I hit the ball hard. I still don't think he is ready even if he actually went 5 for 5. I don't think he is ready by where he was drafted. If he was truly the stud you were making him out to be then he would have been PICKED in the top 5 rounds and gotten that 500k plus signing bonus! Someone who is that good doesn't slip past all MLB clubs to the 43rd round. It just doesn't happen and it's that simple!

 

And if you know he was asking too much then exactly how much was he asking for?:confused: Must have been over a million or two because if he was top 5 round talent he would have gotten somewhat close to that!

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/?p=417

 

Luke Maile, c, Covington Catholic HS, Crestview Hills, Ky., 2009:

 

Maile has the type of arm strength from behind the plate that causes heads to whip around. His POP times, which currently sit in the 2.00 range, can be decreased with better footwork and a quicker release. Maile needs to improve with the bat, but he does flash a decent swing.

Here's the other problem with the "he's a 43rd rounder" argument.

 

43rd round picks get a phone call TELLING them that they get a $1,000 bonus and a plane ticket. Take it or leave it.

 

The fact that both sides are still talking SHOULD tell you that they're not talking chump change. When you put it out there that its going to take a lot of jack to get you to forgo UK and you are STILL talking to the team that drafted you, you're talking big $$.

 

That's just common sense. There would be no conversation if they were talking $1,000 or even $50k.

 

Its not that difficult .

I don't think he is ready by where he was drafted. If he was truly the stud you were making him out to be then he would have been PICKED in the top 5 rounds and gotten that 500k plus signing bonus! Someone who is that good doesn't slip past all MLB clubs to the 43rd round. It just doesn't happen and it's that simple!

 

 

Lets see if can simply this.

 

Lets say you are interested in this seriously smoking hot female(I'll assume you're a male but if not I don't have a problem with how you swing).

 

You're at the club and she's standing there and you're obviously interested. Your wingman informs you that she's already shot down every brother in the club tonight and made it clear that if you don't roll in a Bentley and live the high life, you might as well keep on going.

 

You take his advice and pass on your well-worn rap due to a small wallet and a 2004 Camry in the parking lot.

 

Now, does it mean that she's not smoking hot since you passed? Or does it mean you didn't want to waste the time and effort knowing she's out of your league?

 

She's still smoking hot but only a few players even have a chance at "signing" her, right?

Wow! First, I think Legacy misunderstood pretty much everything I wrote, but I concede to his expertise as he obviously knows much more than I about this process.

Second, I was simply sharing what I've learned as I enjoy following this process and thought some of you may find some of what I've learned interesting and / or relevant. I don't think for a minute that he's that great, or that he's deserving or should expect anything. However, much of what I wrote is accurate and was shared for the sake of discussion, there was/is no intention to 'spin' or convince anybody of anything. Hopefully he is lucky enough to get a few more at bats somewhere...good luck Luke.

 

Also, he only threw out one of a few runners!

 

The lessons continue.

 

Lets say you're the catcher and I'm the pitcher. 5 guys steal successfully despite your POP time of 1.9 or 2.0 with throws right on the bag.

 

Your fault? Or mine?

 

Like your use of "0 for 5" previously you fail to recognize here that the final results tell us nothing without seeing it. I never mentioned anything about the final result. I just said that the throw itself was impressive to them. If all we needed was to look at the box score why have scouts?