The Hitting Zone

"What are some of the advantages and disadvantages you have come across after going the solo route?" Mom asked.

"One of the advantages would have to be that I can decide who I want to go after and cater to." Ryan looked at her. "When you first join an agency as an intern, you're automatically stuck at the bottom of the totem pole. You run the errands like getting coffee and filling the paper tray in the printer. Then you slowly move up and do some of the reports. We're kind of similar to scouts, looking for the best players to represent or who has a lot of upside. Sometimes you'll come across great players with poor attitudes, but since you're not in charge, you just have to deal with it. Personally, I rather represent mediocre players with good personalities."

He continued. "Another advantage is the connections I've found through former classmates and teammates. Rose and I studied public relations and sports management together. I have others who have introduced me to a young player trying to break into the draft and have even represented low-leveled veterans in the MLB and NBA."

"And the disadvantages?" Dad prompted.

"Smaller income." He said nonchalantly. "I was in a way more difficult spot last year than right now, but it's not surprising given the clientele I represent. They don't have a lot of money. I don't have a lot of experience. You have to show some sacrifices in the beginning, but thanks to a few connections I'm finally at a decent spot where I can pay the bills comfortably."

"What's the highest draft pick you've represented or still represent?" Noah asked.

"That's a good question." Dad added. "We don't really know where Kyle is even projected for in the draft but we do understand that he's a great pitcher."

"The highest player I represent was a ninth-round pick from last year." He looked to Kyle. "He was a high schooler just like you. As a high schooler, you can't formally hire me as your agent or you would lose your eligibility. I would be considered your advisor. I can't represent you but I can help you look over contract and explain what they mean. Help you know what to expect before, during, and after the draft."

"But you would be my agent after?" Kyle asked.

Ryan made a hand motion to zip it. "We can't even have an oral agreement for what comes after. You are strictly hiring me for my time and help as an advisor."

Kyle frowned. "But I don't even care about my eligibility. I'm not going to college."

"That's okay if you know that." Ryan said. "But I would really suggest having a backup plan. Commit to a college. In case you get injured or in case you don't go high in the draft. There are a lot of benefits in being committed. It gives you more leverage too after your drafted. Say you go in the ninth round like my previous client; his first offer for a signing bonus was only $20,000." Ryan grinned. "The team had a max of $150,000 available. At the negotiation table you could request a higher bonus or you would just go to college. Then they'll more than likely come back with a new offer."

"How much was he able to get?" Noah asked.

"$97,500." Ryan answered. He looked back to Kyle. "So are you in contact with any college coaches at all? Maybe commit without even the need for an athletic scholarship and they'll take you on?"

Kyle twisted his lips. "I can reach out to a few." He nodded towards Dave. "My twin brother has already committed to Vanderbilt. Although I absolutely want to go pro, I guess that would be a good backup."

Dave perked up. "I can help you talk to the coach."

Kyle looked to Mom and Dad. "What if I do get injured and fall through the draft? Would you still want me to go to college? Especially an expensive school like Vanderbilt?"

Mom nodded with a small smile. "Absolutely. There's also Stanford with Zeke."

Noah snorted. "Like Kyle could get into Stanford."

"Noah James." Mom narrowed her eyes at him.

Noah straightened up. "I mean without help, of course it would be tough. But the coach there is friendly and easy to talk to. I'm sure he understands being committed but aiming to be drafted."

Dad looked at Ryan. "Okay, so we need to look into getting Kyle committed to a school. What else can we do to help his chances?"

Ryan grinned. "Stay healthy and play well." He looked at Kyle. "Your health is your wealth. Don't push it too hard and tear up your shoulder. If something feels wrong, immediately stop and go get checked out. Not by your school trainer, but by a professional orthopedic surgeon. You have to invest in your future."

The server came back with the drinks and asked if we were ready to order. We had previously been to this restaurant before so we went ahead and ordered similar items with Ryan ordering last. The server left us on our own once more.

"I'm not the one that usually gets hurt." Kyle told Ryan, picking up where we left off. "If I make it to the draft, become a decently high pick and the signing bonus they start with is six digits...is that when I can bring you own as an agent to negotiate for me?"

"Yes, that's a perfect scenario." Ryan nodded. "In fact, that would be ideal. I just like going over what to expect when things go wrong. No good agent will tell you to hire them as the agent immediately. You want to keep your options open. In case of injuries, in case of low ball offers, and in case you don't like the team's management or something." He looked to Mom and Dad. "I understand that your eldest son, Zeke, turned down Minnesota. Can I ask if there were any special circumstances at the time? Was he upset with their management or offer?"

"Oh no, nothing like that." Mom hurried to say. "We didn't even speak with them. Zeke had committed to Stanford and was really set on going there without a doubt. We guessed that Minnesota thought that they could change him mind?"

"The signing bonus for a first round pick can vary between 1.5 million to nearly 8 million for first picks overall. It's a lot of money to walk away from. A very big gamble." Ryan explained. "A lot of rumors were around and I want to make sure we're on the same page. Especially if you plan to hire me within the next few months."

"Is it okay if we ask what your rate is?" Dad asked. "We're new to this and will probably want to look up averages and compare them to yours."

"Sure. Absolutely." Ryan replied. "It's also good to meet up with a few different potential advisors to see what you like. I'm not going to lie, with Kyle being Zeke's younger brother, he is surely on a few radars and will be targeted as a potential client." He picked up a briefcase off the floor and started to pull out a few papers. "Here's what I charge as an advisor pre-draft and what I charge as an agent post-draft. This other paper is something like a checklist that I suggest all potential draftees to do. Like go in for a full body checkup with your doctor to make sure there are no surprises with your health. I also suggest having an accountant or financial advisor on hand for after you sign a contract to handle your taxes. Also on that list you'll find having a commitment to a college."

Dad handed the checklist to Kyle and looked over the other paper with Mom.