We constantly hear, and rightfully so, how teams like Tampa Bay, Florida, and Cincinnati have great futures because of their loaded farm systems. It took many lean years of rebuilding for those teams to emerge as future contenders. Those three teams built up their farm system through trades, smart drafts, and excellent scouting.

Most teams build their farm system by having lean years, and dumping high priced veterans to contending teams in exchange for young up-and-coming minor league players. Hopefully, the lean/rebuilding years will pay off with future success. However, there is one team that will be a contender for years to come, yet is seldom discussed in such terms. Why is the future of this team overlooked? Because they were winning years ago, they're winning now, and they'll be winning in the future. They have as talented a farm system as any team in either league, but they have been rebuilding while winning championships. And that team is the Boston Red Sox.

While the Tampa Bay Rays have exciting young pitchers in their rotation now and in the future, the Red Sox may just have a brighter future with a promising rotation. Joining Beckett and Matsuzaka in the rotation, will be Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, and Justin Masterson. Lester and Buchholz have yet to pitch a full season in the league, and each already has a no-hitter under their belt. Masterson has been impressive in his two starts for the Sox this season, and has the potential to be an ace of the staff. If that doesn't add up to success, I don't know what does.

However, it's not just the pitching that holds a bright future for the Red Sox. They have gotten immediate production from Dustin Pedroia last season, and Jacob Ellsbury this season. The Red Sox are cautious with their rookies, but when they are given a chance to contribute, they do well and make an immediate impact on the team because they are major league ready.

Credit the Red Sox with an excellent minor league developmental program. This is a team that knows how an organization should be run. Contrary to popular belief, teams can rebuild while winning. The Braves were exceptional at replacing aging veterans with talented rookies. The rebuilding process may have been subtle, but it was occurring on a yearly basis. The Braves used to rebuild while winning division titles, and the Red Sox have now found the same formula.

So while the Reds, Rays, and Marlins should be contenders in the coming years, so too will the Red Sox be contenders... but they won't have to go through lean years to achieve that goal. They have already won championships....and their minor league system will assure more championships in the not-too-distant future.


Court Adjourned!