John Manuel of Baseball America, posted the latest ranking of MLB’s farm systems on SI.com. Baseball America ranks the 30 MLB farm systems twice a year — in the spring, as the minor league season is about to start, and again every December.
In the latest rankings, the Texas Rangers have the best overall farm system and the Houston Astros finished last.
I’m more concerned about the National League East where the Philadelphia Phillies ranked #4, the Atlanta Braves ranked #6, the Florida Marlins ranked #8, the New York Mets ranked #20, and the Washington Nationals ranked #26.
Regarding the Mets he blurbs,
Solid top 10, but the Mets don’t have anyone likely to help in New York in 2010.
Regarding the Phillies he writes,
Philadelphia had the depth to trade for Cliff Lee and still have a top-flight farm system. Outfielder Michael Taylor has hit .333 over the last two seasons, rocketing to Triple-A, and fellow outfielder Dominic Brown has better tools, though he’s still a bit raw. Righty Kyle Drabek, son of the former Cy Young Award winner Doug Drabek, has three above-average pitches to go with excellent athletic ability. Beyond their Big Three — all of whom have performed at Double-A or above — the Phillies are bursting with young power arms, toolsy Latin American infielders and athletic outfielders, such as Anthony Gose.
It’s a very interesting read and I encourage you to read the full article at SI.com or if you have a Baseball America subscription you can read it there and leave him comments.
Off topic, but speaking of Sports Illustrated, what did you think of Derek Jeter being named Sportsman of the Year?
