Gerritt Cole Turns Down Yankees for UCLA

[Mr. Mxylsplk]

I can understand wanting to go to college rather than jump straight to the pros. But it's a pretty big commitment in baseball, where you can't leave as early as you can in football or basketball. And as a pitcher, the risk is so great that you'll suffer serious injury. His choice, but it's a little surprising to me.

[hatfieldms]

I can understand wanting to go to college rather than jump straight to the pros. But it's a pretty big commitment in baseball, where you can't leave as early as you can in football or basketball. And as a pitcher, the risk is so great that you'll suffer serious injury. His choice, but it's a little surprising to me.

You cant leave for the NFL until after your Junior season either

[effdamets]

f*ck him

[CaptainCargo]

I haven't seen anybody mention this, so I'll ask this question: If you were undecided whether to go to college or turn pro, and it's not about the money, why would you hire Scott Boras as your agent. He is known as an agent that gets his clients the most money. If you have all this money, where you can afford ta pass up Yankees offer for college, then you don't have to hire a money shark like Boras.

[MTYankee23]

Is this official yet? Personally, I loved every day of college, but having 4-5 million dollars to pitch for the greateast franchise in sports (and apparently your favorite team) blows any college party away.

Plus, at a school like UCLA, you're hardly big man on campus as a baseball player, since it's a basketball first, football second school.

[THEBOSS84]

Is this official yet? Personally, I loved every day of college, but having 4-5 million dollars to pitch for the greateast franchise in sports (and apparently your favorite team) blows any college party away.

Plus, at a school like UCLA, you're hardly big man on campus as a baseball player, since it's a basketball first, football second school.

Nope, this one will go down to the wire.

[silverdsl]

It's easy to say that he can get a degree at any time but the odds are that if he doesn't go to college now he won't, and if he does it probably wouldn't be at UCLA. Maybe having a college degree and going to UCLA is pretty important to him too. Maybe he'll end up signing with the Yankees after all but as one who works for a university I can't fault him if he chooses going to UCLA over signing.

[mhmajp]

If just going to college is an issue, I think the Yankees structure deals that pay for college and offer a certain window each year to take off and go for a semester or something like that. There is information on this in the Around the Minors forum.

[teknetic]

Is this official yet? Personally, I loved every day of college, but having 4-5 million dollars to pitch for the greateast franchise in sports (and apparently your favorite team) blows any college party away.

Plus, at a school like UCLA, you're hardly big man on campus as a baseball player, since it's a basketball first, football second school.

Plus the fact he's only 17 so the whole "big shot on campus" thing is laughable.

[iWant27]

So this kid is turning down millions of dollars from Yankees to study , which he can even do later in his life ?
Whats his major going to be , Economics ?

[YESSIR!]

It's easy to say that he can get a degree at any time but the odds are that if he doesn't go to college now he won't, and if he does it probably wouldn't be at UCLA. Maybe having a college degree and going to UCLA is pretty important to him too. Maybe he'll end up signing with the Yankees after all but as one who works for a university I can't fault him if he chooses going to UCLA over signing.

I'm with you. I really hope Cole signs, and would be upset if he didn't, but it's understandable to me. A lot of people are really under-stating how great college can be. Maybe they've never been, so it's understandable. But man...I would be hard pressed to trade those 4 years of my life for money, and I don't come from much myself.

If the kid feels like it's in the cards to pursue his education, and take a shot at pro ball in a few years, risks be damned, more power to him. Hopefully he'll be more polished, and ready for the Yankees somewhere down the road.

[YESSIR!]

So this kid is turning down millions of dollars from Yankees to study , which he can even do later in his life ?
Whats his major going to be , Economics ?

I'm was an Econ major, and it was great. (female) Anatomy was my favorite subject, though

[ppa79]

I'm with you. I really hope Cole signs, and would be upset if he didn't, but it's understandable to me. A lot of people are really under-stating how great college can be. Maybe they've never been, so it's understandable. But man...I would be hard pressed to trade those 4 years of my life for money, and I don't come from much myself.

If the kid feels like it's in the cards to pursue his education, and take a shot at pro ball in a few years, risks be damned, more power to him. Hopefully he'll be more polished, and ready for the Yankees somewhere down the road.

Okay, if your favorite baseball team offered you 4-5 million dollars to play for them I think you would. I think anyone of us would. This is a chance of a lifetime that only a few people can get.

[iWant27]

I'm was an Econ major, and it was great. (female) Anatomy was my favorite subject, though

If he comes to Yankees he can get first hand knowledge about that anatomy when he is not playing . He can even pick up some pointers from Jeter .

[Spiker101]

I haven't seen anybody mention this, so I'll ask this question: If you were undecided whether to go to college or turn pro, and it's not about the money, why would you hire Scott Boras as your agent. .

The answer is you wouldn't. This all just the usual tough Boras negotiation. I haven't been that high on the Yanks organization for some time now but even they're not stupid enough to waste a No. 1 pick on a guy who might choose college over the pros.

[YESSIR!]

Okay, if your favorite baseball team offered you 4-5 million dollars to play for them I think you would. I think anyone of us would. This is a chance of a lifetime that only a few people can get.

You're right, I would. I'm also still paying off over $30k in student loans, which is peanuts compared to what some people deal with. And I had a minor athletic shcolarship. My situation is quite different from young Cole's, I'm sure.

But I do agree with your overall point. Unfortunately everyone is different.

[teknetic]

but even they're not stupid enough to waste a No. 1 pick on a guy who might choose college over the pros.

It's possible they played their cards wrong or he did an about face, but I'm holding out until midnight.

[ppa79]

It's possible they played their cards wrong or he did an about face, but I'm holding out until midnight.

I would think he did an about face. I'm assuming the Yanks went in thinking they would have to pay him 4-5 million, and I feel that is what the offer is.

[fivevsone]

Does anyone know if 4-5M is the number or are we just guessing?

Also, the yankees have been burned in the past with bonus babies commanding huge $'s and then never amounting to anything. Perhaps the Ynakees have set a ceiling, and wont exceed it.

If he goes back into the pool, the Yanks get a comp. pick, next year, maybe that fits into the equation.

Or maybe, Cole is just posturing, and will sign for what is offered at 11:30.

[JL25and3]

The answer is you wouldn't. This all just the usual tough Boras negotiation. I haven't been that high on the Yanks organization for some time now but even they're not stupid enough to waste a No. 1 pick on a guy who might choose college over the pros.

The Yankees never get high draft picks, but they increase the value of their picks by drafting high-ceiling players who drop because of injury or signability concerns. They take a risk, and sometimes they're going to lose.

According to Pete Abraham, "Last week came word that the player’s father was running the show instead of Scott Boras."

[hatfieldms]

I'm with you. I really hope Cole signs, and would be upset if he didn't, but it's understandable to me. A lot of people are really under-stating how great college can be. Maybe they've never been, so it's understandable. But man...I would be hard pressed to trade those 4 years of my life for money, and I don't come from much myself.

If the kid feels like it's in the cards to pursue his education, and take a shot at pro ball in a few years, risks be damned, more power to him. Hopefully he'll be more polished, and ready for the Yankees somewhere down the road.

I completely agree with this. I still wish could go back to college

[ieddyi]

The answer is you wouldn't. This all just the usual tough Boras negotiation. I haven't been that high on the Yanks organization for some time now but even they're not stupid enough to waste a No. 1 pick on a guy who might choose college over the pros.

It's not a wasted pick- they get the same pick ( actually 28A ) next year

While it probably won't be a player w/ his potential, it's still an extra first round pick

[Spiker101]

It's possible they played their cards wrong or he did an about face, but I'm holding out until midnight.

Theoretically (because I'm firmly convinced this is just Boras playing the game to the hilt) if an organization has any doubts whatsoever about a player's signability, you pass on him in the first round. It's one thing not to know how much it will cost to sign the 251st player in the draft, but not anybody who's going to be available in the first round. That comes under the category of doing your homework.

[R.V.47]

Its possible I guess that maybe Boras feels he will be a star in college and could raise his value. Still though for a high schooler you would have to think getting drafted by the yanks is like hitting the jackpot. He could be a rich 18 year old.

[ieddyi]

The Yankees never get high draft picks, but they increase the value of their picks by drafting high-ceiling players who drop because of injury or signability concerns. They take a risk, and sometimes they're going to lose.

According to Pete Abraham, "Last week came word that the player’s father was running the show instead of Scott Boras."

If true, he needs to sue for emancipation ASAP

I'm sure the Yankees are still trying but you gotta assume Boras will be putting heavy pressure on also

[Spiker101]

It's not a wasted pick- they get the same pick ( actually 28A ) next year

While it probably won't be a player w/ his potential, it's still an extra first round pick

It's a wasted year of development, not a waste of a pick. When you're talking about the top 100 or so available players you just don't take a chance. They guy they could have gotten if they'd passed on Cole is every bit as good a prospect. Drafting in baseball is pretty much of a crapshoot. It would be silly to be so stuck on a guy that they lose out on a pick entirely.
Again, I don't think that's what's going on here.

[teknetic]

Theoretically (because I'm firmly convinced this is just Boras playing the game to the hilt) if an organization has any doubts whatsoever about a player's signability, you pass on him in the first round. It's one thing not to know how much it will cost to sign the 251st player in the draft, but not anybody who's going to be available in the first round. That comes under the category of doing your homework.

I'm sure they did their homework, but I don't think they were expecting his father to step in and overrule Boras.

[JL25and3]

It's a wasted year of development, not a waste of a pick. When you're talking about the top 100 or so available players you just don't take a chance. They guy they could have gotten if they'd passed on Cole is every bit as good a prospect. Drafting in baseball is pretty much of a crapshoot. It would be silly to be so stuck on a guy that they lose out on a pick entirely.
Again, I don't think that's what's going on here.

Exactly. Draft picks are a nice commodity, but only if they turn into players.

I wouldn't be surprised if they have two first-round picks and three supplemental picks next year even before counting this one. Since they won't be high picks, there's probably a limit to how many high-ceiling players will drop down to them. This extra-extra-extra pick probably won't be worth nearly as much as this year's pick was.

[ieddyi]

Theoretically (because I'm firmly convinced this is just Boras playing the game to the hilt) if an organization has any doubts whatsoever about a player's signability, you pass on him in the first round. It's one thing not to know how much it will cost to sign the 251st player in the draft, but not anybody who's going to be available in the first round. That comes under the category of doing your homework.

And you're assuming they didn't do their homework??

Not surprising. Sometimes you do all due diligence and things still don't work out.

I can assure you that the risks were well mapped out before they took the pick. They value the draft highly and don't go in unprepared

[ShaneTravis]

I haven't seen anybody mention this, so I'll ask this question: If you were undecided whether to go to college or turn pro, and it's not about the money, why would you hire Scott Boras as your agent. He is known as an agent that gets his clients the most money. If you have all this money, where you can afford ta pass up Yankees offer for college, then you don't have to hire a money shark like Boras.

Exactly. To add--

If your chosen profession is baseball why spend a few years putting it off?

Someone offers you a contract to start your professional career and you are that much closer to reaching the top of the game...should money even be in the equation?

You sign before they take it away. David Cone told a great story about this very dilemma first hand when he was drafted. I think it was during the last Toronto series.

[ieddyi]

Theoretically (because I'm firmly convinced this is just Boras playing the game to the hilt) if an organization has any doubts whatsoever about a player's signability, you pass on him in the first round. It's one thing not to know how much it will cost to sign the 251st player in the draft, but not anybody who's going to be available in the first round. That comes under the category of doing your homework.

And who was that player?? It's my understanding that Cole had the best rated FB in HS players- and possibly of all pitchers. He's exactly the type of player you take a risk on. We have a lot of pitchers with very high upside in the system- just ask JL- we don't need filler for the minors- we can afford to go for riskier high potential picks- witness Brackman last year

[Yankee Tripper]

Not everyone is the same. If he really is imature as reports have suggested maybe going to college is best for him having a more structred life and less stressful picthing environment. A lot of young guys can go on the road for MiLB find that life itself is a challenge.

Me I'd jump at the chance to take $4 - $5M and pitch for the team I grew up rooting for but not everyone is the same.

[Meecham4ever]

It's easy to say that he can get a degree at any time but the odds are that if he doesn't go to college now he won't, and if he does it probably wouldn't be at UCLA. Maybe having a college degree and going to UCLA is pretty important to him too. Maybe he'll end up signing with the Yankees after all but as one who works for a university I can't fault him if he chooses going to UCLA over signing.

Agreed......
seems strange to be slamming a kid for deciding to continue his education rather than take a bundle of cash...
America is a tough town....

[yarosh25]

the reason I and many others went to college was I can have more opportunities at high paying jobs, better lifestyle, etc. He is a BASEBALL PLAYER. His job will be BASEBALL. He is getting offered mid-level CEO money to do such a job AT 17 YEARS OLD!!

[justtxyank]

the reason I and many others went to college was I can have more opportunities at high paying jobs, better lifestyle, etc. He is a BASEBALL PLAYER. His job will be BASEBALL. He is getting offered mid-level CEO money to do such a job AT 17 YEARS OLD!!

And he apparently doesn't want to. I don't understand why he gets insulted. If he doesn't want to give up on his freedom as a young man for a career, why are we slamming him? You don't have to agree with him, but it doesn't make him a jerk, douche, etc. or any of the other hateful words being thrown around about him.

[BrooklynBotz]

I'm was an Econ major, and it was great. (female) Anatomy was my favorite subject, though

It's obvious you weren't an English major.

[yarosh25]

And he apparently doesn't want to. I don't understand why he gets insulted. If he doesn't want to give up on his freedom as a young man for a career, why are we slamming him? You don't have to agree with him, but it doesn't make him a jerk, douche, etc. or any of the other hateful words being thrown around about him.

never called him any of the words you've mentioned above. Also, we don't know that he doesn't want to play for Yankees, or he obliges to his Dad's wishes. That's a big difference.

[Bozidar]

any confirmation that he didn't sign a deadline deal?

[THEBOSS84]

any confirmation that he didn't sign a deadline deal?

The deadline is midnight. We'll know for sure then.

[Spiker101]

And you're assuming they didn't do their homework??

Not surprising. Sometimes you do all due diligence and things still don't work out.

I can assure you that the risks were well mapped out before they took the pick. They value the draft highly and don't go in unprepared

Actually, I assume they did do their homework and that Cole will be signed just as the clock is about to strike midnight.
As for the point in your second post, I have no problem drafting high-risk, high-potential players, just so long as you sign them.
And let me add this: the idea that the Yanks can afford this risk or that risk because, well, because they're the Yanks is perhaps no longer quite so true. Look at the standings. Drafting a promising outfielder or infielder or catcher wouldn't have broken my heart.

[Art Vanderlay]

I don't understand how anyone can slam this kid for turning down money so he can attend college. Wake up and smell the coffee folks, the world does not revolve around our Yankees.

[ieddyi]

Actually, I assume they did do their homework and that Cole will be signed just as the clock is about to strike midnight.
As for the point in your second post, I have no problem drafting high-risk, high-potential players, just so long as you sign them.
And let me add this: the idea that the Yanks can afford this risk or that risk because, well, because they're the Yanks is perhaps no longer quite so true. Look at the standings. Drafting a promising outfielder or infielder or catcher wouldn't have broken my heart.

Well, they didn't do it " because they are the Yankees ", they did it because they have concentrated on pitching and ahve a number of high potential pitchers in the system. It's even affected their decision with players in this years draft- it's a numbers problem to find places for all of them. It allowed them to pick Brackman last year, etc.

They did draft position players in the international draft also

Coel is viewed as a special prospect- just the type you take a risk on when they fall into your lap

[YESSIR!]

It's obvious you weren't an English major.

Sadly, I had to re-read my post 4 times before I recognized the blunder. Doh!

[Enoch]

People forget that signing doesn't mean you can't go to college. Most contracts guarantee college money, and it is not unprecedented to let a player attend college while still playing for the team during the Summer. This is one of two things:

A) A ploy for money
B) An old-fashioned immature, cop-out due to pressure and a desire to party.

[ieddyi]

I don't understand how anyone can slam this kid for turning down money so he can attend college. Wake up and smell the coffee folks, the world does not revolve around our Yankees.

I think people's reactions would be exactly the same if he was drafted by another team he had dreamed of playing for his whole life and turned down obscene money to go to school.

Apart from the social aspects, what is the real value of a college education. One is getting skills to get ahead in the marketplace. His skill is as a baseball player- pitching in school will probably only decrease his value and not allow him to pitch for the team he has always loved

We're at a point now, with so much info available on the net that sitting in a classroom to get info could be considered a waste of time. It's certainly not the most effective way to learn. Classes are available online. With the lid off on the scarcity of information, the value of a college education in terms of gaining knowledge has slipped.

[Snatch Catch]

This is one of two things:

A) A ploy for money
B) An old-fashioned immature, cop-out due to pressure and a desire to party.

Absolutely agree.

[ppa79]

Agreed......
seems strange to be slamming a kid for deciding to continue his education rather than take a bundle of cash...
America is a tough town....

Its not like this kid is gonna get a degree in something valuable. Most likely he is gonna get a BS degree that won't interfere in his baseball career there.

Getting a degree to say you have a degree is stupid. Getting a degree because you are interested in learning about and working in that field is important.

[b_joseph]

Lets be honest fellas. If he turns us down, it has nothing to do with school and everything to do with money.

Thats just the way the world works. Some people will take less money to do a job that they love ( rare these days ), some people will ask for lots of money while still being realistic ( Brett Marshall ) and some will ask for crazy crazy money because they have a ton of leverage ( Gerritt Cole, Alex Rodriguez, Alex Ovechkin etc etc ).

IMO, Cole should get whatever he wants. You can never argue about money when you are stupid enough to pay what we did for Kei Igawa.
If we miss out on this kid, someone will have to be held accountable because in this modern age of massive free agent contracts, the only way we can compete without paying for overpriced veterans is by getting the best kids we can.
Gerritt Cole has top 5 of the 1st round talent and we were LUCKY LUCKY to get him where we did.

5 million...10 million...who cares!! 3 names...Kei Igawa, Jaret Wright, Kyle Farnsworth.

[YESSIR!]

People forget that signing doesn't mean you can't go to college. Most contracts guarantee college money, and it is not unprecedented to let a player attend college while still playing for the team during the Summer. This is one of two things:

A) A ploy for money
B) An old-fashioned immature, cop-out due to pressure and a desire to party.

Well if it's B), then good riddance. This team is better off w/o him.

[Yankee Fan in Boston]

Lets be honest fellas. If he turns us down, it has nothing to do with school and everything to do with money.

Thats just the way the world works. Some people will take less money to do a job that they love ( rare these days ), some people will ask for lots of money while still being realistic ( Brett Marshall ) and some will ask for crazy crazy money because they have a ton of leverage ( Gerritt Cole, Alex Rodriguez, Alex Ovechkin etc etc ).

IMO, Cole should get whatever he wants. You can never argue about money when you are stupid enough to pay what we did for Kei Igawa.
If we miss out on this kid, someone will have to be held accountable because in this modern age of massive free agent contracts, the only way we can compete without paying for overpriced veterans is by getting the best kids we can.
Gerritt Cole has top 5 of the 1st round talent and we were LUCKY LUCKY to get him where we did.

5 million...10 million...who cares!! 3 names...Kei Igawa, Jaret Wright, Kyle Farnsworth.

Disagree... that's how you end up with a Yankee premium on everything. This kid is 18 and has done nothing. A lot of these guys never make it. I trust we made a fair offer -- the Yankees always pay these kids well. We'll get to redo the pick next year, and we always seem to find some talent that has fallen because of contract issues, so I am not worried about that.