64.33 Bonus Babies

[Bob Breum]

Bob Breum asked, "Do you know where the term Bonus Baby originated?"

Erik replied, "No, but I imagine that you are about to tell me."

"Yep. Back in the day, like way back, five years before I was born, there was a professional baseball league that called itself Major League Baseball. This was before MLB had a draft, so it was open season on prospects. They came up with this bonus rule. It was designed to prevent a very rich team from signing all the top young players.

"Like Nashville."

"Exactly. The rule was simple. If you gave a signing bonus to a player that exceeded a certain threshold, you were required to carry that player on your active roster. Naturally, the other players on the roster resented these kids who hadn't proved themselves in the minor leagues but received giant cash bonuses. Needless to say, the term 'bonus baby' was not a term of endearment."

"Why are we talking about this obscure piece of history?"

"I was thinking about the Baby Blazers that we are carrying on our big league roster."

"It seems like our entire roster is either prospects who are out of options or veterans who won't consider a demotion."

"Not quite, but close. It does tie our hands a bit."

"It is very annoying."

"Sorry about that. Anyway, have you looked at our trio of BBA Baby Blazers lately?"

"No, should I?"

"Well, I think our investments are beginning to yield results. I'll preface this with the usual small sample size disclaimers, but I am greatly encouraged after the first third of the season. This is Teddy Bullock's third season in the BBA. You will recall that he is a former first overall pick that we claimed off waivers."

"I remember."

"When he came to us, he was a shadow of his prospect glory days. Our coaches set to work; they were confident that they could turn him into a productive regular, if not a superstar. You'll recall that we even assigned him a personal trainer to improve his work habits. Then we sent him to the development complex and he impressed the staff with his improvements with his contact."

"But I thought he disappointed after that."

"Yes, he didn't set the league on fire in 2063. But he did show improvement. His slash numbers were up 30 or 40 points across the board, albeit from a sub-Mendoza line starting point. But our most recent scouting report, which noted improved power, correlates with his on-field results. He's hitting .286/.335/453 (122 OPS+) with 7 home runs so far this season. Last month (May), he hit .302/.358/.562 (157 OPS+). Right now he is DHing, but he is putting up positive zone ratings in both corners. If he can maintain the 122 OPS+ pace, he is a legitimate BBA regular at corner outfield."

"That's very encouraging."

"Our scouts tell me that he's still growing into his power and say that he is still learning to control the zone and take his walks. They think that he might still realize that #1 overall draft pick potential. If that happens, that'll be one heck of a reclamation project, eh?"

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

"Did you notice that Pedro Hernandez is batting .300?"

"Small sample size alert!"

"Not that small. He's been getting regular work at third base. He's logged 30 hits in 100 at-bats. I'm telling you; he's going to win a batting championship someday."

"That seems highly unlikely."

"We'll see. He's a scrawny 22-year-old kid with fewer than 200 at-bats in the big leagues. He went straight from rookie ball to the BBA. He's doing this on pure native ability. Give him a couple more years of coaching and at-bats and he'll be our two-hole hitter."

"Why not lead-off?"

"How many times do you think he has walked since he got here?"

"Oh. Is that an issue?"

"Once. He's walked once."

"How is that even possible?"

"Beats me. Like I said, the kid is all talent and no skill right now. Give him time."

"Sounds like a long-term project."

"I figure it'll take another two seasons. But I like where our Bonus Babies are headed."

[Trebro]

Those gambles appear to be working out well for you.