QUOTE (iamshack @ Jun 5, 2008 -> 11:46 PM)
Andrew Friedman has done a nice job. Then again, I think I could do a nice job if I walked into a system that was loaded beyond belief due to having the #1 draft pick for like 15 consecutive years. He did a nice job trading for Wheeler, signing Percival, acquiring Garza. But he walked into a system containing more talent than any team in baseball, and it's not particularly close.
I'd be more apt to give Joe Maddon Manager of the Year than Andrew Friedman Executive of the Year.
Agreed. The Rays have drafted 1st overall a lot and have sucked for years. Finally, he lets some of those top picks develop and puts it together but he DID become GM in 2005. I don't see them sticking around all season though.
2008: Tim Beckham, #1 overall
2007: David Price, #1 overall
2006: Evan Longoria, #3 overall
2005: Wade Townsend, #9 overall
2004: Jeff Niemann, #4 overall
2003: Delmon Young, #1 overall
2002: B.J. Upton, #2 overall (also got Kazmir #15 overall in the Victor Zambrano trade)
2001: Dewon Brazleton, #3 overall
2000: Rocco Baldelli, #6 overall (Shields was their 16th rounder)
1999: Josh Hamilton, #1 overall (Carl Crawford was their 2nd rounder)
Tampa Bay's success has come from good/high draft picks.