Nice little system, isn't it?
Sure is, and the Brewers aren't alone.
The Rays, another team that showed interest in Sabathia, are in a similar, but less urgent, position. Most of their core players are signed long term, enabling them to act strategically, not dramatically.
The Red Sox, too, are loaded with young talent, which combined with their vast resources should make them a powerhouse for years to come.
Of course, it's one thing to develop prospects, but it's another to deploy them properly. Case in point: The Dodgers, whose system is considered by some to be even stronger than the Brewers' system.
The Dodgers are much more inclined to sign free agents than trade young talent. They still could end up with Sabathia if they are the high bidder this off-season. But by trading for him, they could have gained an immediate edge in the mediocre NL West, then re-signed him without losing draft picks.
Perhaps the Dodgers will parlay their youngsters into other players. They desperately need a shortstop, and also might want to trade for a slugger or another starting pitcher. They could have pursued a blockbuster for Sabathia and Indians shortstop Jhonny Peralta. They should pursue one for A's right-hander Rich Harden and shortstop Bobby Crosby.
Ah, the A's — another club that uses young talent as an all-purpose weapon. Over the next month, the A's could trade Harden or right-hander Joe Blanton for prospects, or trade prospects for a veteran hitter such as Pirates left fielder Jason Bay.
Their most recent move, signing 16-year-old Dominican right-hander Michael Inoa for a $4.25 million bonus, evoked grumbling within in the industry — "Moneyball" detailed the A's previous disdain for giving high-school pitchers large bonuses. But the way the A's now see it, Inoa cost about as much a middle-inning reliever does in free agency — and his ultimate value to the team could be much greater.
But don't just look at the A's or Rays or even the Brewers. Look at the Twins, the Marlins and the Rangers, and what the Yankees are trying to accomplish by hoarding their young talent.
Prospects can bring you C.C. Sabathia.
Prospects are power.
