Just when we think Ed Wade has no desire whatsoever to shore up his minor league system, he goes and does something remarkable. Supplemental pick Ross Seaton from Houston's Second Baptist High School has signed a record contract for a player chosen 119th in the draft. The $700,000 signing bonus is the highest ever agreed to, and allows the Astros to start Seaton on the path to the majors sooner rather than later.
This is a landmark signing for this club, because maybe, just maybe, Drayton McLane finally sees the importance of signing and developing young talent. He spared no expense in getting Seaton to sign, and first round selection Jason Castro was the second top 10 pick to sign on the dotted line with the club that drafted him. Baby steps. But steps nonetheless. Here's an article from Baseball Prospectus written before the June Draft. They list their top 50 prospects, and Mr. Seaton ranks 39th on their list. Impressive that the Astros got him 80 choices after that in the actual draft. He doesn't have a lot of experience, and he really only pitched lights out his senior season, but nonetheless, he has the sort of build, mechanics, and command that project him to be something special.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Astros Take a Step In the Right Direction
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3 comments:
This is the sort of signing the Astros should be making with every draft round we can.
It's possible to get 1st and 2nd round talent much later in the draft. What it requires is an understanding of what a prospect wants. Any kid out there will sign, provided their organization gives them enough cash. If Drayton and Wade are willing to spend, they can go after "unsignable" draftees (those offered significant scholarships, those with talents in other, more highly paid sports, and those represented by Boras) if they are willing to spend.
What's really remarkable about this is not just the over-slot signing bonus Seaton received. He's also getting a $250,000 scholarship, courtesy of Uncle Drayton. The Astros spent a million dollars on this kid.
And if the Astros are willing to consistently do this, they can build the best farm system in baseball. It requires cash and a willingness to tell Bud Selig to go shove it, but it will cost significantly less in the long run.
And as a Tulane student, I'm sorry to see a guy leave, especially one who might have improved the Green Wave. But I want the Good Guys to win a whole lot more.
I hadn't seen the part about the scholarship. My hats go off to Drayton for the scholarship. That is something which makes a great deal of sense for a high-schooler forgoing his college eligibility.
Ditto on the consistency point. I'm thrilled that we've locked up the majority of our 30-40 picks. We definitely can't rest on our laurels though.
I've ragged on Ed Wade for about two weeks solid now, but however he and Bobby Heck have convinced Drayton to give Buddy the ol' middle finger, I'm in awe of them. Bud's slot system has been the achilles-heel in our farm system for the past 4-5 years and with Drayton joining the other 29 managers in blowing him off, we now stand a fighting shot and developing our own talent.
However, we need not forget that last point. It's one thing to bring the prospects to the organization. It's another thing entirely to provide them the environment and resources to succeed. If it comes down to spending a million on a veteran bench guy, or hiring top flight instructors/coaches, we need to make the wise investment the later.
Sorry for your loss at Tulane, but I think you guys will soldier on just fine.
I need to read your blog and learn about the Astros to impress my boyfriend. I hear umm...they won on Friday. Yeah, that's all I've got. Sorry.
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