Thread: Shohei Otani and some questions

OK so now we know the kid is opting for the MLB. So things brings a couple questions...

I'm assuming most teams have spent most or all of thier $2.9 million allotment for international players. So will he wait until July next year when teams allotments get reset?

Also, as I understand it, starting next year every team's bonus allotment will vary from team to team. I suppose the Twins will get the 4th highest amount to spend as they had the 4th worst record this year. Anyone know when the dollar amounts will be announced if they haven't already?

The Twins are one of several teams that have scouted Otani.

I might be wrong, but I am pretty sure that the cap is for amateur international players. Thus the Japanese (and maybe even the Cubans) are excluded.
Otani is a high-schooler and would be interesting to see how this will play...

Is amateur different than HIgh School? Isn't the whole point that he isn't playing pro ball in Japan so that there won't be a posting fee and Japanese rights?

So how would that take him out of the signing bonus rules?

Originally Posted by JB_Iowa

Is amateur different than HIgh School? Isn't the whole point that he isn't playing pro ball in Japan so that there won't be a posting fee and Japanese rights?

So how would that take him out of the signing bonus rules?

Well... could be a technicality: The Japanese have a draft. If he is drafted after he finishes high school is he considered an amateur if he does not sign with the Japanese team? Probably not but will be interested to find out. If he is considered an amateur then his bonus would count for the limit.

I don't know if this analysis is correct: http://www.truebluela.com/2012/10/11...spending-limit

There seems to be a lot of speculation among bloggers but hard to find anything really definitive or authoratative.

If the Dodger blogger is correct, there are some pretty severe penalties for going over limit.

Seems like Otani and his agent will have a lot to consider -- not just signing bonus but where he would best fit long term, who will best protect and develop his arm; monetary prospects over the long run; and maybe, what would be the "happiest" fit for him in terms of players and community.

Japanese and Cubans and everyone else not eligible for the draft count as "international" signings and are limited by the cap. That's why the Dodgers/Puig signing went down right before the July deadline, otherwise he would have been limited in the amount he would receive.

There is going to be a dead period next June (I believe) where teams are not allowed to sign international players. Then MLB will review their signings over the previous 11 months and their caps will be determined sometime in June. I'm not sure how that number will be determined.

There is an exception at a certain age, where players can be signed for unlimited money that will not count against the cap (basically they are a free agent). That is what will happen with older Cuban and Japanese players, but will not apply in this situation. Otani will be have to be signed under the international cap.

It would be interesting to see where the Twins rank him. I believe the Twins should attempt to sign him, as he his probably as good a risk as a #3 starter. Go for it.

Originally Posted by righty8383

OK so now we know the kid is opting for the MLB. So things brings a couple questions...

I'm assuming most teams have spent most or all of thier $2.9 million allotment for international players. So will he wait until July next year when teams allotments get reset?

Also, as I understand it, starting next year every team's bonus allotment will vary from team to team. I suppose the Twins will get the 4th highest amount to spend as they had the 4th worst record this year. Anyone know when the dollar amounts will be announced if they haven't already?

The Twins are one of several teams that have scouted Otani.

really and your information source is what? if we scouted him like we did nishi , that means our assistant g.m got drunk with his agent and watched tapes......

Originally Posted by JB_Iowa

I don't know if this analysis is correct: http://www.truebluela.com/2012/10/11...spending-limit

There seems to be a lot of speculation among bloggers but hard to find anything really definitive or authoratative.

If the Dodger blogger is correct, there are some pretty severe penalties for going over limit.

Seems like Otani and his agent will have a lot to consider -- not just signing bonus but where he would best fit long term, who will best protect and develop his arm; monetary prospects over the long run; and maybe, what would be the "happiest" fit for him in terms of players and community.

I think they left out one thing. IIRC int'l bonus cap room can be traded up to an additional 50% or something. It will be interesting to see if someone tips their hand and starts acquiring extra cap room.