The Brewster

FRANCO RUMORED TO BE LEVERAGING COLLEGE OFFERS

June 16, 2037
Long Beach, CA

With the amateur draft wrapped up, negotiations are now taking place with the young men selected by the teams of the BBA. The Surfers supplemental first rounder, Francisco Franco is rumored to be demanding a bonus well north of $10 million.

The 17 year old Valedictorian of Brussels Royal Guard High School is known to have a number of scholarship offers from prestigious colleges all over the world. Known as much for his intelligence as his curveball, Franco is not going to sign with the Surfers for the $1 million dollar slot amount.

"Let's just say his starting point was an order of magnitude above slot" said a team source who remained anonymous due to BBA restrictions on discussion of negotiations. "The team has not ruled out making an offer, but this is the highest demand I've ever seen from an amateur since I've been around the league" he elaborated.

With potentials of 8/7/9 and a three pitch mix, the well developed (4/4/4) righty could be a BBA contributor within a few seasons if his development goes smoothly. For a team struggling with their rotation, he seems a good fit. The Surfers should have no problem finding the cash, as they were outbid on all IFA's this season, leaving nearly $20 million in the coffers in addition to the estimated $8 million profit for 2037.

Insiders report that most other draftees are demanding bonuses in the range of their slots, but that there are two late-rounders demanding seven figures. Sources familiar with the negotiations declined to name the draftees, but stated that deals were unlikely.

Yikes. He must know that you don't get comp picks for supplemental picks and is trying to extort you. Tell him you'll give him 1M now and put 9M in an escrow account if he can manage to get his changeup out of the gutter and become an actual starter.

That's a tough one. My usual take is just pay 'em if you have the cash. Even the biggest draft signing bonuses are usually lower than IFA prices. But there's a decent chance he's not a starter. That's a lot of money for a reliever. I'd probably still do it, but I could get it if you don't.

I feel your pain...but not quite as intensely.

I'm definitely going to try to sign him. Don't want to lose out on the pick. Even at $11 million, he's cheaper, and I'd say safer than an IFA signing. I see a clear path to starting for him, but even if not, I'd still say it's worth it for a reliever.

I signed Sosa for 2M off IFA not too long ago, so what... 3.9M total after penalties? That's almost 3 Sosa's you could sign for 1 Franco. As a reliever I prefer Sosa, but I guess you can justify paying a bit more for the offhand chance Franco can cut it as a SP. There is also the opportunity cost of not being able to sign IFAs next season if you get one this year (though that is mitigated if you go all in this year and get a bunch). A couple variables to consider - food for thought.

agrudez wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 10, 2019 11:56 am

I signed Sosa for 2M off IFA not too long ago, so what... 3.9M total after penalties? That's almost 3 Sosa's you could sign for 1 Franco. As a reliever I prefer Sosa, but I guess you can justify paying a bit more for the offhand chance Franco can cut it as a SP. There is also the opportunity cost of not being able to sign IFAs next season if you get one this year (though that is mitigated if you go all in this year and get a bunch). A couple variables to consider - food for thought.

I see what you're saying. I'm far more confident in Franco's ability to be a BBA SP than you are, and I think that's why we're valuing them so differently.

It's especially easy to spend the money if it's all going away anyway.