Trading the Farm for Now

GM for the Sox's, indicated that he is trying to win now in 2008 and he will worry about 2010 when it gets here.  We can look at this from both sides.

I understand why Kenny Williams is taking this stance.  Look at his division. 

Cleveland

fell just one game short of the World Series,

Detroit

has made moves this off season that some believe make them a favorite to win it all in 08, so he is just trying to keep up.  Now the White Sox are just 3 seasons removed from the World Series and they continue not only to compete against their division, but also compete against the team on the north side of town.  The Sox's only seem to get any attention in

Chicago

when they are winning World Series.  So a move like this makes sense if you are Williams.

Here is the other side.  Look at some of the most successful teams in MLB history.  Most (always some exceptions) can trace their success on building teams through their farm system.  Some examples, the Atlanta Braves with players like Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, and Javy Lopez to name a few.  The Seattle Mariner's of the 90's with players like AROD, Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez to name a few.  I can find team after team that can trace its success to its roots, the farm.

So, don't bet the farm unless your farm stinks.  If you farm stinks, clean it up.  Learn from history!