Around baseball, people often sneer, "The Rays should be good. They've been picking at the top of the draft all these years."
No doubt, the Rays' futility enabled them to obtain a number of top players in the first and second rounds, from left fielder Carl Crawford to center fielder B.J. Upton to third baseman Evan Longoria.2008 MLB playoffs
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But let the Rays' appearance in the American League Championship Series serve as an object lesson to the Pirates, Royals, Orioles and every other sadsack major-league franchise:
Yes. You. Can.
Anyone who thinks the Rays are merely a product of high draft picks isn't paying attention. The Rays were built on trades big and small, minor-league free agents, even low-round draft picks. Many of their players, at one time or another, were available to every club at little cost.
Other teams shouldn't be envious when assessing the Rays' success. They should be embarrassed.
The Rays' previous GM, Chuck LaMar, not only scored with Crawford, Upton and outfielder Rocco Baldelli at the top of the draft, but also right-handers James Shields and Andy Sonnanstine in the 16th and 13th rounds, respectively.
LaMar laid the foundation, even pulling off one of the biggest trade heists of the decade, righty Victor Zambrano for lefty Scott Kazmir.
But Andrew Friedman, the Rays' current GM, constructed the mansion, using virtually every available method of acquiring talent without the benefit of the Yankees' or Red Sox's resources.
The Rays' $43.8 million payroll on Opening Day was the second lowest in the majors. Yet they are one of the most complete teams in the sport, fully capable of defeating the Red Sox or Angels in the ALCS.
Friedman was an investment analyst before he began his career in baseball, and the old guard viewed him suspiciously when the Rays named him GM at age 28. But for the past three years, Friedman has put on a veritable clinic in baseball decision-making, with help from his senior advisor, former Astros GM Gerry Hunsicker, and the rest of the team's baseball operations staff.
Trades? Friedman's biggest was Delmon Young (yes, a former No. 1 pick) for right-hander Matt Garza and shortstop Jason Bartlett. He also parted with third baseman Ty Wigginton for reliever Dan Wheeler, but many of his deals were under the radar.
The Rays parted with either fading veterans, fringe major leaguers or obscure prospects for catcher Dioner Navarro, right-hander Edwin Jackson, outfielder Gabe Gross, infielder Willy Aybar and relievers Grant Balfour, J.P. Howell and Chad Bradford.
Free agents? Pena and infielder/outfielder Eric Hinske, who combined for 51 homers this season, originally joined the Rays on minor-league contracts.
Four major-league free agents — closer Troy Percival, designated Cliff Floyd, second baseman Akinori Iwamura and reliever Trever Miller — signed for a total of $24.95 million, including the fee for Iwamura's rights.
The Mets paid more for second baseman Luis Castillo last winter.
The draft? Under Friedman, the Rays have chosen two potential cornerstones, Longoria in 2006 and left-hander David Price in 2007.
Price, like Young, was a No. 1 overall pick. But Longoria was the third-overall selection behind Royals right-hander Luke Hochevar and Rockies right-hander Greg Reynolds. Both of those pitchers still could make an impact, but at the level of Longoria? Doubtful.
The cynics are correct: The Rays should be good with all of their high picks. Shrewd management, however, is the biggest reason the Rays are in baseball's final four, and shame on any low-revenue team that fails to heed their example.
If the Rays can make the ALCS, every sadsack team can make the ALCS.
Yes. You. Can.
