Top draft picks can ask for however much they like each summer because nothing officially limits the amount teams spend on their draft picks. Bud Selig presents each team with a recommendation for its slot, but the clubs don't have to stick to it. Here's a quick explanation of slotting:
- Selig recommends a limit to keep bonuses down.
- There are no direct consequences for a club that awards a big bonus.
- Teams aren't supposed to know what the recommended bonuses are for other slots.
Thanks to Murray Chass's recent article on the subject. This post was originally published June 9th, 2009.
