Phillies release "statement" on Oregon State Ben Wetzler (suspended 20% of season by NCAA)

soxhop411

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Dec 4, 2009
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Rough Carrigan said:
Yeah, I think Fitt is correct.  That's what BP is reporting as well, that the Phillies ratted him out last fall.
 
Without saying it explicitly, BP's article implies that Wetzler moved the goal posts and wanted more money after phillie scouts had told the organization that some lesser number would be what it took to sign him.  As BP goes on to say:
 
Even if he changed his demands, that should not mean anything. It does not give PHI the right to turn him into the NCAA. 
 

mauidano

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Maui
My nephew was drafted this year.  Had scouts over at the house all the time.  They all asked "would you sign with us if we picked you?"  They threw numbers around.  His dad was kind of the go between.  Ended up going to college anyway.  I still can not fathom how under any circumstances how any MLB club would pull this shit without having it blow up in everyones face.
 

Average Reds

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Rough Carrigan said:
Yeah, I think Fitt is correct.  That's what BP is reporting as well, that the Phillies ratted him out last fall.
 
Without saying it explicitly, BP's article implies that Wetzler moved the goal posts and wanted more money after phillie scouts had told the organization that some lesser number would be what it took to sign him.  As BP goes on to say:
 
 
So Ruben Amaro and the Phillies can walk away from a $44 million agreement with a Ryan Madson right before the contract is finalized and it's just business.  But if a kid doesn't sign for what the Phillies expected would be enough it's characterized as "moving the goalposts" and justifies trying to destroy the kid's college career?
 
I have no words for how warped this is.
 

DanoooME

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singaporesoxfan said:
As punishment the Phillies must now have their draft decisions made by Ruben Amaro Jr.
 
Actually, they should be forced to make Ed Wade GM again.  That would be real punishment.
 

Time to Mo Vaughn

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mauidano said:
My nephew was drafted this year.  Had scouts over at the house all the time.  They all asked "would you sign with us if we picked you?"  They threw numbers around.  His dad was kind of the go between.  Ended up going to college anyway.  I still can not fathom how under any circumstances how any MLB club would pull this shit without having it blow up in everyones face.
 
Isn't this the correct way for this to proceed?
 
The difference being with the Wetzler situation being that he actually had an agent rather than his dad or some other 'advisor' as the go between?
 

Reverend

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Average Reds said:
Awesome thread title modification.
Seconded. I appreciated having advance warning for that piece of shit such that it became humorous when I actually read it. I really think that helped.
 

JakeRae

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Dernells Casket n Flagon said:
 
Isn't this the correct way for this to proceed?
 
The difference being with the Wetzler situation being that he actually had an agent rather than his dad or some other 'advisor' as the go between?
"Correct" in the sense of following horrifically unfair rules promulgated by a corrupt organization that should be banned from relating to educational institutions? Yes. If you meant it in the broader sense of "appropriate", then the only incorrect sides to this are the Phillies and the NCAA.

From a forward looking standpoint, would there be any NCAA issues with a player having an agent draft a non-disclosure agreement that the player demands the team sign prior to the player actually negotiating deal terms? Once the contract is signed, the agent can show up without fear of the NCAA being informed. The NDA would contain a liquidated damages provision for an amount comparable to the players initial asking price. Why doesn't this work? On an individual transaction level it likely does not, but if agents make it a standard negotiation element, it seems like teams would have to accept it.
 

soxhop411

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MLBPA is investigating


CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies are not worried about their perception in the industry following their role in the NCAA's suspension of a former draft pick, but the Major League Baseball Players Association is interested enough to investigate the matter.

Tony Clark, the executive director of the union, spent 90 minutes meeting with Phillies players Wednesday morning. The players' questions centered on improving the drug program, instant replay and home-plate collisions. Clark, though, has potential questions for the Phillies' front office.

"We are paying attention," Clark said.

The Phillies acknowledged their role in reporting Ben Wetzler, an Oregon State senior lefthander, to the NCAA for impermissible contact with an agent during negotiations last spring. Wetzler, a fifth-round pick, was suspended for 11 games by the NCAA. This was the first instance of a team reporting a player to the NCAA since 1992, according to Baseball America.

Backlash from the amateur baseball community was sharp, and some have questioned whether it will affect the Phillies' ability to scout and sign talent. Clark said the union is gathering information about the matter. The union does not immediately represent draft picks, but this a possible players' rights issue.

"Yes, we are concerned," Clark said. "Based on what it is we find out will determine what, if anything, lends itself to further discussion. But yes we are concerned enough to be inquiring about what happened."

The NCAA prohibits agents from negotiating directly with major-league clubs.

"If there is reason to believe the dynamic has changed in ways we are not aware of," Clark said, "then that is a discussion we will have to have."
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