Nick Green was the prototypical Rays player before the Rays became the Rays. You could say, he pioneered the Rays Way.
A 32nd round draft pick in 1998 by the Atlanta Braves, Green was an organization solider who never garnered much attention as a prospect. However, still with the Braves in the upper levels on the minor leagues in 2004, Green received his opportunity and made his Major League debut that season.
His place in the big leagues was prolonged after Marcus Giles suffered a broken collar bone and allowed Green to receive a starting opportunity. He ultimately played in 95 games for Atlanta in 2004 and then, during spring training in 2005, he was dealt to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for RHP Jorge Sosa.