Draft Status: Waiting for Bud

Two of the reasons I liked baseball growing up were the clear-cut rules and transparency.  Four balls constitute a walk, unless the umpiring crew is Sleepless in Seattle.  You can look at the scoreboard and be up-to-date on how the game has progressed.  My team has rarely had any success whatsoever, but that's how life is sometimes.  It wasn't until 'far later' that I realized why my team has been horrid so much of the time.  By then, it was too late.

 

In reality, this year I haven't watched or listened to many big-league games.  Last night's All-Star Game started just as this third-shifter got sleepy.  Sleep won.  For me, the big-league club isn't worth a spike in blood pressure this year.  Each of our minor league squads have had their moment in the sun/under the lights.  

The Cubs future success will be keyed on a various number of factors, very few of which have to do with Blake DeWitt's OF starts in 2011's second half, or how well Koyie Hill gets along with the pitchers.  I think the team needs to assess (note, I didn't say re-assess) their priorities for the future.  If having front office types that are 'popular' trumps those that look to make the team 'successful in the standings', Cubs fans have a longer future of frustration coming.

 

Our Draft Class of 2011 will be fairly telling.  I think the guys we drafted have the potential to contribute to the Cubs future success, as that will be.  They can't do that until signed.

 

Imagine, if you will, a school teacher telling his students that they would not be allowed to read ahead in the textbook.  If you really enjoy the story/experiments/hypotheses, you are welcomed to revisit what's been read already, but you are not allowed to progress.  If you violate protocol, it will lower your grade.  Sounds stupid, no?  Nonetheless, that is the negotiating standard in baseball draft process.

 

If a team and a player come to a financial agreement, if the cash outlay is too much (going overslot), only the league can announce it.  On their timetable, or a fine will be levied (see Cerda, Matt).  So Cubs Draft Pick Taylor Scott, who wants to be the first MLB player from South Africa, gets to wait for approval.  Apparently, getting bonuses 'in line' is more important than players getting more proficient at their studies.  It's sort of conveniently ironic that Selig is leaving at about the time his former team has realized a good way to succeed in baseball is to get better players.  Also, pay them what they're worth.

 

So while I pick a game or two to follow tonight, young pros-to-be in our system and others have to look back.  They can work out alone, or in groups.  They can't get into camp and get better.  Why not?  For some, it's because Bud Selig doesn't want their signing bonus to become public.  So much for clear-cut rules and transparency.  At least we know Bud will be good at preventing a strike/lockout in the offseason.  He is very good at seeing someone else's persrective.

 

At least the Draft Picks will be playing next April.

Poll

Least favorite Bud Selig decision

25%

This time, it counts

13 votes

15%

Slotting draft bonuses

8 votes

56%

Still being in charge

29 votes

1%

Other, list below

1 votes

51 votes | Poll has closed