Because elite free agents are reluctant to commit to losing teams, most bad major-league clubs are left to rebuild through the draft. But that process can take years. You want to follow the Tampa Bay Rays model? Be prepared to see it through.
A draft like the Nationals had in 2005 is about as good as it gets. They acquired Ryan Zimmerman, an All-Star third baseman. They stole John Lannan in the 11th round and he has turned into a fine starting pitcher. Their next pick, Craig Stammen, has exceeded expectations and pushed himself into the big-league rotation. But that is the exception. Of the 52 players the Nats drafted in 2006, only 11 remain with the organization.
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So how do teams like Washington get elite talent quickly? As painful as the Smiley Gonzalez caper was, it is time to wade back into international waters. There is risk. But recent Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman, 21, is a close rival to the team’s top draft pick, Stephen Strasburg, according to scouts who saw him at the World Baseball Classic in March. Chapman signed with an agent earlier this month and a bidding war will begin as soon as he establishes residency in a new country. Desperate for as much young talent as possible, the Nats can’t afford to sit this one out.
