Having money helps, but what separates the Yankees from rich-but-stupid clubs like the Orioles is the fact that the Bronxmen know how to spend their resources. The key players on the major league roster were either developed by the farm system, or were acquired in trades for farm system products. This is no longer a franchise built on the big-name free agent.

New York is actually rather conservative in the amateur draft process, usually going after college players, though they will take an occasional gamble on a young "tools" player. On the other hand, the franchise is one of the pioneers in international scouting, willing and able to open the pocketbooks to promising talent from Latin America, or elsewhere. This is a cost-effective approach, certainly more productive than signing mediocre major league free agents, as the Yankees used to do, and as most teams still do. Yankees personnel are also aware of the importance of on-base percentage, far more than most clubs.

The second-round pick was Tommy Winrow, a high school outfielder from Florida with a smooth stroke at the plate. Fifth-rounder Seth Taylor, a shortstop from Southern Alabama, and seventh-rounder Andy Phillips, a third baseman from Alabama, are advanced college products who balance the younger Winrow.