In baseball, as in life, money makes the world go round. It's a business, as players, agents and owners never tire of reminding us.
But something has shifted—there's a new currency in the game, a new blueprint for success. And it prioritizes prospects, player development and homegrown talent over limitless checkbooks.
There is an emerging moral for team-building in the early 21st century:
Grow your own. It is so much cheaper than the alternative. It can happen regardless of market size. It is a function of intelligence, acumen and diligence, not a question of pocket depth.