I got spoiled in early in my RedSox fandom. In 1975, there was the electrifying tandem of CF Fred Lynn and DH Jim Rice. Bob Watson used to call them "Thunder and Lighting". Some in the press called them "The Goldust Twins". I just think that they were living examples of why the brainchild of Branch Rickey is how teams should build their talent base.
In the 60's, the system produced Yaz, Tony Conigliaro, Rico Petrocelli, George Scott, and Reggie Smith. Of course, this was pre-free agency days.
Earlier in the 70's, that farm system produced such postional talents as: C Pudge Fisk; 1B Cecil Cooper; SS Rick Burleson; and, RF Dwight Evans.
In the 80's the system produced some pitching: Clemens; Hurst, Boyd; and, Nipper.
In the 90's, I would read frequently how the cupboards were bare in the 'Sox farm system. Then came the likes of Dan Duquette and Theo Epstein who seemed to have had a better appreciation for keeping the farm system stocked with talent at all levels.
Under Duquette and Theo, the list was quite long (likewise for bad free agent signings).
Steady investment in scouting (a sports organization's R&D) , particularly in the international markets, can help that system develop and produce a steady stream of talent and enable teams to use free agents to fill in holes, rather than building a team around.
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I'm a big believer in home-grown talent too, but I hesitate to place all of our baseball in untried talent. I'm a huge proponent of experience and the concept of a journeyman. Yes, rookies can surprise and dominate. They are without a doubt an important part of baseball. Guys like Tek and Wake can't play forever, as we've seen. But if I was the GM I wouldn't be afraid to trade for talent. True, under the Theo era we had some horrible signings. I still have nightmares about the whole Eric Gagne thing! But look at Gonzo. That was a great signing at the expense of farmers like Rizzo. Honestly, I can live without those guys.
ReplyDeleteFree agents aren't a bad thing either. There's nothing wrong with them (well, there always could be health issues--but that's true of farmers too). True that free agents want to ring the last dripping dollar out of whatever team they end up with, but a bona fide talent is worth it. Worth it like Pujols for 10 years? No. Three to five? Absolutely.