A team can build to a championship in many different ways.  First, teams such as the Yankees can spend their way to the top.  They can buy free agents off the market and plug in holes as needed.  These teams can trade recently drafted players and younger minor leaguers with potential for higher priced veterans.  There are other teams, such as the Pirates or Rays that do not have the financial support and need to be prudent with their signings and need to spend more on their scouting departments.  These teams need to develop homegrown talents and keep them under contract as long as possible.  One team that is between the two is the Washington Nationals. Continue reading →