In 2000, the Tampa Bay Rays selected what they believed to be the final piece of their future outfield full of stars. Rocco Baldelli was taken sixth overall in the 2000 draft. The Rays envisioned him slotting in with the previous season’s top two draft picks, Josh Hamilton and Carl Crawford.
Many believed the Rays were on their way to building a legitimate contender to spar with the Yankees in the AL East.
All three were incredible prospects. Of the three, Baldelli was the player pegged as the future centerfielder.