FanHome - View Single Post - Prospects, prospects, prospects (or "Same old song and dance")

John F · January 28th, 2007, 03:44 PM

Marc Topkin, St. Pete Times baseball beat writer, for probably the umpteenth time in Rays history, talked about praise the Devil Rays are getting from national organizations for their stockpile of prospects in the minor leagues.

On every Rays message board I've gone to, fans have made baseball out to be a game of amassing prospects in your minor league system with visions of "Tomorrow" that never quite arrive. 2 years ago, on the Scout version of FanHome, there were fans speculating trading prospects -- for prospects who will be ready further down the road if ever.

While looking at the Rays minor leagues offers the only glimmer of hope to fans, it doesn't replace the fact a competitive major league team is the point to competing in Major League Baseball. If all the Rays are going to do is amass prospects and sit on them (instead of, perhaps, trading someone for help on the Major League roster -- note that isn't trading someone FROM the major league roster for more prospects) then I am at the point, as a fan, that I can accept the Rays being contracted.

This isn't attacking ownership for tight purse-strings as-so-much the ultra-low expectations this franchise has fostered since the 1999 season. Chuck LaMar was all about amassing prospects and we were lauded at times under his (horrid) watch for our minor league system -- and while several major leaguers came from it, the franchise was (and is) content at holding on to prospects/players until their value turns to nil.

If some people think the basis for baseball is amassing prospects -- congrats, the Rays are doing great. Now excuse me as I lower my head in dismay because the rest of Major League Baseball sees us as a joke of a franchise that's not even trying to be competitive.

January 28th, 2007, 03:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,510	Prospects, prospects, prospects (or "Same old song and dance") Marc Topkin, St. Pete Times baseball beat writer, for probably the umpteenth time in Rays history, talked about praise the Devil Rays are getting from national organizations for their stockpile of prospects in the minor leagues. On every Rays message board I've gone to, fans have made baseball out to be a game of amassing prospects in your minor league system with visions of "Tomorrow" that never quite arrive. 2 years ago, on the Scout version of FanHome, there were fans speculating trading prospects -- for prospects who will be ready further down the road if ever. While looking at the Rays minor leagues offers the only glimmer of hope to fans, it doesn't replace the fact a competitive major league team is the point to competing in Major League Baseball. If all the Rays are going to do is amass prospects and sit on them (instead of, perhaps, trading someone for help on the Major League roster -- note that isn't trading someone FROM the major league roster for more prospects) then I am at the point, as a fan, that I can accept the Rays being contracted. This isn't attacking ownership for tight purse-strings as-so-much the ultra-low expectations this franchise has fostered since the 1999 season. Chuck LaMar was all about amassing prospects and we were lauded at times under his (horrid) watch for our minor league system -- and while several major leaguers came from it, the franchise was (and is) content at holding on to prospects/players until their value turns to nil. If some people think the basis for baseball is amassing prospects -- congrats, the Rays are doing great. Now excuse me as I lower my head in dismay because the rest of Major League Baseball sees us as a joke of a franchise that's not even trying to be competitive.