You and Brady Aiken walk out of the room. The Astros had their chance. They followed your client for at least a year. They knew your coaches were careful with you, not allowing you to throw over 80 pitches in a game, not allowing you to throw in the off-season. Risk of injury is inherent in being a 17-year old pitcher who can throw in the upper 90s. You exit Minute Maid Park, hop on 59 North to reach Intercontinental and head back to California.
On the plane you, Aiken, and Aiken's family discuss what happened with the Astros.
"They think his UCL is too small, and would like to renegotiate," you say.
"What are they offering now?" Aiken's father asks.
Turn to Page 102.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
