Low point: Went 51-111 in 2004.
Rebuilding approach: Clear veterans to create space for homegrown stars, patch holes with trades or cheaper free agents.
Key moves: Drafted ace Brandon Webb, three starting infielders and super-prospect Justin Upton between 2000 and 2006, traded for outfielder Chris Young in 2005 and pitcher Dan Haren in 2007, signed outfielder Eric Byrnes as a free agent.
2007 record: 90-72, won NL West
Low point: Went 68-94 in 2003.
Rebuilding approach: Trade veteran assets for youngsters before hitting rock bottom, rely on players signed in Latin America as teenagers, avoid high-end free agent market.
Key moves: Traded then-ace Bartolo Colon in 2002 for a package that included future star Grady Sizemore; traded for designated hitter Travis Hafner before 2003 season.
2007 record: 96-66, won AL Central.
Low point: Lost 94 games in 2004 and 95 in 2005.
Rebuilding approach: Wait for homegrown players to mature, avoid expensive signings.
Key moves: Drafted four leading home run hitters, including MVP candidate Matt Holliday, and ace Jeff Francis, between 1998 and 2005.
2007 record: 90-73, went to World Series.
Low point: Streak of 12 straight losing seasons between 1994 and 2005, including 43-119 record in 2003.
Rebuilding approach: Sign and trade for established talents, take high-risk, high-reward players at the top of the draft.
Key moves: Signed free agents Ivan Rodriguez and Magglio Ordonez, traded for Jeremy Bonderman, Carlos Guillen and Miguel Cabrera, drafted Justin Verlander in 2004.
2007 record: 88-74.
Low point: Failed to post a winning season from 1993 to 2006, lost 106 games in 2002.
Rebuilding approach: Keep budget tight and wait for high draft picks to become young stars.
Key moves: Drafted a future frontline player every year from 1999 to 2005, including slugger Prince Fielder in 2002 and reigning Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun in 2005.
2007 record: 83-79.
San Diego Padres
Low point: Lost 96 games in 2002, 98 in 2003.
Rebuilding approach: Find underappreciated talent by trade and free agency.
Key moves: Traded frequently injured pitcher Adam Eaton and reliever Akinori Otsuka for first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and No. 2 starter Chris Young in 2006.
2007 record: 89-74.