Wow. Wasn't anticipating all the misinformed condescension. For the record: 1) I'm not a first year player. 2) I signed all the IFAs because I took over an organization devoid of talent at all levels. I needed bodies to restock throughout. I don't need them to be big leaguers (though a couple of them are gonna be and we're relative bargains). Judging by the relative success of my minor league teams in my first season in this league, I've done a pretty good job of rebuilding the organization already. I play the whole game, not just the major league level. 3) I never wanted to sign my first round pick. I wanted the compensation pick. It likely would have been more valuable than the player the AI drafted for me, which was a bitter disappointment. One-dimensional and defensively limited. I asked the question because there's nothing in the rules that says the first offer has to be full price or you lose the ability to negotiate further and, subsequently, qualify for the compensation pick if he doesn't sign. If I had known, I would have waited until (or if) I could afford to make the qualifying offer. It was much more important to me to add players, including all those other draft picks I had in the supplemental round that are having great seasons in rookie league. I appreciate advice and input as much as anyone. I could do without the condescension, though. There's always stuff to learn. However, I do know what I'm doing. I don't know the unwritten nuances of the rules. Hence the original question...