Why do we ________ prospects?

With the recent diary started by deadboy about which prospects we are most excited to follow this year, and the corresponding wide array of answers, it struck me that there are so many different reasons why we love the minor leagues, the prospects, the flame outs, and everything in between.

For me, it all started when I wrote my senior research paper two years ago on the impact the players union has had on the game of baseball, using Curt Flood as the starting point. It really pushed me to understand compeitive balance in the big leagues, the money involved, and how many players in the past never had a chance because of the reserve clause. Finishing with the anti-trust exemption, it made me realize my passion for players who have not made it, yet still toil(I use that term loosely) in the minor leagues far past their prime ages in hopes of either  getting the call, or becoming seasoned enough to become a coach/manager and the passion they share with the fans of the game.

Anyhow, I want to thanks deadboy for rekindling the 'why' of my passion for the minor leagues, and I welcome anyone else to share their thoughts as well about the why, how and/or when they came to be so passionate about the next generation of prospects, the organizational filler, and the fans of these teams.