One of the perks of being a last-place sports team is that you get to pick high in the draft the next year. The Oakland A’s benefited from this consolation prize the last couple summers, getting the No. 6 overall pick both times and using them on dominant lefty pitcher A.J. Puk and high-ceiling teenage outfielder Austin Beck. Now they have one of the best farm systems in the sport, thanks in part to all the losing that brought them those top guys.
When the season is hopeless and there’s nothing to play for, wishing for the best possible draft selection is one of the shiniest silver linings to be found.