Post by Astros GM (Max) on Jul 20, 2013 22:27:28 GMT -5
Well, here we go. Took me almost all day. I went through all the systems via the Master List and excluded any rookie-eligible players currently in the Major Leagues. All stats are via MiLB.com and are based upon play after July 19th, 2013. Lastly, please leave your comments below on how your thought I did, what can be improved, what I missed, etc. Thanks!
You Call This a Farm System?
30. Reds:
Top Prospect: Tzu-Wei Lin
Don't even get me started... I would not have named a top prospect here but I have myself a rule each team had to have one. Considering the Reds have 2 prospects, you'd think it was an easy choice. But no, they both suck equally so I flipped a coin and chose Lin. The Taiwanese import has hit .240 with 6 steals over 100 A-ball at bats this year. Yawn...
Grade: F
29. Rays:
Top Prospect: Mitch Gueller
The Rays own exactly 4 prospects. Gueller is the only good one, and I use "good" in the loosest sense. In 6 starts at SS Williamsport, Gueller is 3-2 with a 5.64 ERA and a .315 BAA. The Rays don't care about their farm and that isn't horrible, as they have a great MLB team
Grade: F
28. D'Backs:
Top Prospect: Juan Oramas
This is getting ridiculous... Oramas has a 5.40 ERA.. 'Nuff said
Grade: F
27. Orioles:
Top Prospect: Johermyn Chavez
It's pretty evident the Orioles don't care about their farm. Besides Chavez, who has a whole 3 HRs this season, no one stands out and it wouldn't be a surprise if none of their prospects reaches the majors
Grade: F
26. Cardinals:
Top Prospect: Jess Todd
Another stinker?! There really is just nothing here. Todd has pitched surprisingly well, posting a 2.44 ERA in 34 relief appearances. However at 27 years of age he hardly qualifies as a prospect
Grade: F
25. Phillies:
Top Prospect: Max White
The Phils farm is downright awful. Max White is the only thing that resembles a prospect. The 19-year-old has a .260 average and 7 SBs in A-ball. This farm is just bad. It's horrible
Grade: F
I Guess Having More Than 2 Prospects Makes These Guys Respectable
24. Braves:
Top Prospect: Exicardo Cayones
The Braves farm has a lot of names and a lot of nothing at the same time, a product of previous ownership by he-who-shall-not-be-named. Cayones has hit .239 with 5 doubles in 71 A-ball at bats. A horrible farm and a horrible MLB team. The grade isn't an F just because of all the names, and basic statistics say 1-2 of these players will play at least an inning of major league ball.
Grade:[/color] D-
23. Brewers:
Top Prospect: Brody Colvin
The Brewers have little of note. Colvin has lived up to his boom or bust monicker and really looks like the 7th round pick the Phillies made him in 2009. With an ERA of 6.83 in 9 AA starts this year, the future doesn't look bright for the one time top prospect. The system doesn't look so hot either
Grade: D-
22. Indians:
Top Prospect: Alex Santana
The Indians are another team that lacks a good farm. Their MLB team is decent, however. Santana has hit .313 in 80 Rookie Ball at bats, however he has struck out in 40% of his at bats. His 11 RBI and 2 HR are decent, and at 19 years of age he still has a long way to go but a long time to get there.
Grade: D-
21. Nationals:
Top Prospect: Patrick Wisdom
The Nats have no one in their farm worth nothing other than Wisdom. The 2012 draftee has shown off his power with 16 doubles and 12 HRs in 317 A-ball at bats. He is a promising prospect but doesn't help Washington's grade much
Grade: D-
No Guys, Having a Higher Number Ranking Doesn't Mean You're Better
20. Angels:
Top Prospect: Larry Greene
The Angels have sacrificed their farm for a very good major league squad. Larry Green has slugged a whole 2 HRs while striking out a mind-boggling 102 times in A-ball this year. That speaks to the depth, or lack-thereof, in the Angels system
Grade: D
19. Yankees:
Top Prospect: Ethan Martin
The Yankees have a fairly poor farm. Martin is the lone bright spot in the darkness that is New York's minor leagues, and being a fringe Top 100 prospect he doesn't make the farm standout. Tony Wolters has hit .269 with 3 HRs in the Class A+ league this year and has the potential to overseat Martin as the best prospect in the Yanks system with a good second half.
Grade: D
18. Mariners:
Top Prospect: Kolten Wong
The M's have very few farmhands and the lone above average one comes in the form of 2B Kolten Wong. He has hit .298 with 15 SBs, 7 HRs, and 8 triples. He has more speed than people give him credit for and it allows him to play 2B well. He will be up and helping in Seattle very soon. Other than that, 2013 draftee Corey Knebel is the only thing resembling a true prospect.
Grade: D
17. White Sox:
Top Prospect: Daniel Corcino
The White Sox have one bright spot in their farm and it's a nice one. Corcino draws a lot of Johnny Cueto comparisons due to his 5'11", 205 frame. His performance this year hasn't been so great with a 4-11 record and a 6.40 ERA at AAA Louisville. However, at only 22 years old, he has some time to correct what's wrong. Jason Hursh is a 2013 draftee and has a chance to relieve in Atlanta fairly soon
Grade: D
16. Blue Jays:
Top Prospect: Albert Almora
The Jays have a very poor farm. Almora ranks as a Top 50 prospect on almost every list, however he has no other support in the minors. In 195 A-ball at bats, Almora has a .323 average, 13 doubles, and 3 HR. He profiles as a prototypical CF by the year 2016 and should only get better with age.
Grade: D
15. Tigers:
Top Prospect: D.J. Davis
The Tigers have a below average farm with 2 bright spots. The first being DJ Davis who has hit .305 with 5 triples and 6 SBs in 95 Rookie Ball at bats. He was the fastest man in the 2012 draft class and has shown that speed. Nick Maronde projects as a reliever and should be up this season.
Grade: C-
We're Getting Close To The Top 10 And These Farms Are Still Average
14. Mets:
Top Prospect: Arodys Vizcaino
The Mets have a couple of decent specs and some nothing. Vizcaino used to be a top prospect but has faded with recent Tommy John surgery and other medical issues. A 2-time trade candidate, the 22-year old will not pitch in 2013. Jon Schoop is a talented prospect who has hit .283 with 8 doubles this year.
Grade: C
13. Rockies:
Top Prospect: Trey Ball
Not much to speak about here. Ball is the outlier in a system of C level prospects. The 2013 draftee should preform well and has a lot of potential to become front line starter as long as Colorado is patient.
Grade: C+
12. Rangers:
Top Prospect: Luis Sardinas
The Rangers farm is at just about league average. A sure handed SS with above average speed, Luis Sardinas has hit .296 with 13 doubles in 395 A+ at bats. The depth is shaky in this farm, with Rhymer Liriano, the second best prospect, on the shelf with an elbow injury. The enigma that is AJ Cole rounds out the Top 3, as he has stein together a 5-3 record with a 4.43 ERA and 99 Ks in 91.1 IP. A top heavy farm whose top isn't bad but isn't the best either.
Grade: C+
11. A's:
Top Prospect: Yordano Ventura
The A's system is comprised of a lot of names who are C/C- prospects, and that pretty much sums up their grade. The few outliers start with Yordano Ventura, who in 92.1 IP in AA and AAA has put together a 5-5 record with a 3.31 ERA and an astounding 110 Ks. He sports a true 80 FB that can easily get into the high 90s and has been clocked at a whopping 102 MPH. Heath Hembree helps lead this farm into an average grade because that's what it is- average
Grade: C+
10. Royals:
Top Prospect: Max Fried
The Royals have an average farm, lead by 2012 draftee Max Fried. Fried has strung together a 4-4 record with a 3.74 ERA and 75 Ks over 78.1 IP at A-level Fort Wayne. Brian Goodwin and Josh Bell are the best hitting prospects, both very toolsy OFs who are having solid seasons at their respective levels.
Grade:[/color] C+
Some Better Than Average Farms! Yes!
9. Marlins:
Top Prospect: Danny Hultzen
The Marlins have a very top heavy farm, led by Hultzen and the oft-injured Travis d'Arnaud. 2011's 2nd overall pick, Hultzen has posted a 5-1 record with a 2.41 ERA in 33.2 IP this year. Injuries have held him back this campaign, much like they have to d'Arnaud throughout his career. He is the Marlins catcher of the future if he ever gets a chance to showcase his raw power from the C position.
Grade: B-
8. Padres:
Top Prospect: Jake Marisnick
The Padres have a solid farm. Marisnick has surprisingly showed his offensive prowess with a .290 average, 11 SBs, and 11 HRs in only 269 ABs with the bulk coming in AA. Jorge Alfaro has put together a great offensive year as well with 9 SBs and 11 HRs from the C position. Overall an above average farm.
Grade B
7. Astros:
Top Prospect: Mark Appel
I wish I could rank myself #1 but no such luck. If this was a North Korean Fantasy League then sure but it's not. Anywho, back to the prospects! The Divine Mark Appel, as I like to call him, toyed with college hitters this year and put up a 10-4 record with a 2.12 ERA and 130 Ks in 107 IP at Stanford. His 4 pro starts have been good, with 13 Ks in 13 innings over two levels. Zach Lee looks to finally have realized his potential with a 7-6 record, 2.98 ERA, and 91 Ks this year in AA. Overall an above average farm with fair depth.
Grade: B
6. Twins:
Top Prospect: Garin Cecchini
The Twins have an above league average farm with some enigmas. Cecchini has been on a meteoric rise since the season began, hitting .343 with 7 HRs and 15 SBs in 303 at bats between the Red Sox A and AA affiliates. The 3B depth is great for Minnesota, as they also sport 2013 draftee Colin Moran and rumored trade candidate Mike Olt. Nick Castellanos has been compared to Josh Vitters with his decline this season, but he hasn't been awful, sporting a .285 average with 12 HRs and 29 doubles at AAA Toledo. Carlos Correa has a .321 average and 6 HRs this year. The #1 overall pick in 2012 has shown an advanced approach and should move quicker than originally thought. Yasiel Puig speaks for himself in the bigs right now as a representation of young talent, and Courtney Hawkins has been Adam Dunn-like with a .194 average, 16 HR, and a whopping 112 Ks in 227 ABs.
Grade: B+
Now We're At The Good Part!
5. Giants:
Top Prospect: Dossys Paulino
The Giants had a very strong draft to deepen their farm tremendously. Paulino oozes potential and has hit .237 with 8 SBs as an 18 year old in A-ball this season. Draftees Hunter Harvey, Alex Gonzalez, Ian Clarkin, Hunter Renfroe, and Eric Jagielo make this farm one of ODC's best.
Grade: B+
4. Dodgers:
Top Prospect: Adalberto Mondesi
The Dodgers sport some high risk, high reward prospects that have played very well this year. Mondesi has been on a meteoric rise with a .261 average, 6 HRs and 16 SBs as a 17 year old. Corey Seager has put up equally as astounding numbers as a 19 year old with a .306 average, 9 SBs, and 8 HRs. Slade Heathcott and Jorge Bonifacio have both also enjoyed coming out parties and this system quietly has become one of the best in the league.
Grade: B+
The Best of The Best
3. Red Sox:
Top Prospect: Xander Bogaerts
Didn't you think they would be #1? Come on, don't lie. Well here's a shock for you and hopefully you can see why in a minute. Now to the players. Bogaerts is an absolute stud and should be up in the bigs soon. He has obliterated AAA this year and in only 111 ABs he has had 7 HRs. The average has dipped since he got the call to Pawtucket but that shouldn't be an issue as he adjusts to the higher level pitching. Dylan Bundy would rank #1 if not for the Tommy John surgery he is scheduled to undergo. He should contribute and be a #1 starter barring anything Mark Prior-like in 2015. The new draftees into the system, led by Clint Frazier and Austin Meadows, should greatly increase the depth. George Springer has been on fire lately, racking up 28 HRs and 27 SBs so far between AA and AAA. 20-20 is not a stretch in the majors, and if he can adjust to MLB pitching when he gets the call, 30-30 isn't far fetched either.
Grade: A
2. Pirates:
Top Prospect: Taijuan Walker
If Boston wasn't #1 then the Pirates have to be right? Wrong. I love this system but there is one better. The Pirates have a phenomenal farm. Walker has a 6-7 record but a 2.14 ERA and 117 Ks in 105 IP as a 20 year old between AA and AAA. He is clearly a future ace and the minors hottest pitcher. Oscar Taveras is no slouch either and ranks slightly below Walker due to injuries sustained this year. Taveras has extraordinary hitting tools, batting .306 with 5 HRs in 174 ABs. Addison Russell has hit .262 with 9 HRs and 26 doubles in his debut season and Top 10 prospect Christian Yelich has bounced back nicely from an early injury with a .274 average and 9 HRs.
Grade: A
A League of His Own
1. Cubs:
Top Prospect: Byron Buxton
Well, where do I start? Buxton came into the year a Top 30 spec and has skyrocketed up all prospect boards to a consensus #1 ranking with a .322 average, 35 SBs, and 9 HRs between A and A+ baseball. Miguel Sano has been just as dominant, hitting 23 HRs and soaring up the boards into a consensus Top 5 prospect. Archie Bradley's rise has been meteoric, and the steady performances of Francisco Lindor and Jorge Soler have boosted the system. Draftees Jonathan Gray and Braden Shipley only add to this complete farm and make it ODC's #1 farm system of 2013!
Grade: A+
You Call This a Farm System?
30. Reds:
Top Prospect: Tzu-Wei Lin
Don't even get me started... I would not have named a top prospect here but I have myself a rule each team had to have one. Considering the Reds have 2 prospects, you'd think it was an easy choice. But no, they both suck equally so I flipped a coin and chose Lin. The Taiwanese import has hit .240 with 6 steals over 100 A-ball at bats this year. Yawn...
Grade: F
29. Rays:
Top Prospect: Mitch Gueller
The Rays own exactly 4 prospects. Gueller is the only good one, and I use "good" in the loosest sense. In 6 starts at SS Williamsport, Gueller is 3-2 with a 5.64 ERA and a .315 BAA. The Rays don't care about their farm and that isn't horrible, as they have a great MLB team
Grade: F
28. D'Backs:
Top Prospect: Juan Oramas
This is getting ridiculous... Oramas has a 5.40 ERA.. 'Nuff said
Grade: F
27. Orioles:
Top Prospect: Johermyn Chavez
It's pretty evident the Orioles don't care about their farm. Besides Chavez, who has a whole 3 HRs this season, no one stands out and it wouldn't be a surprise if none of their prospects reaches the majors
Grade: F
26. Cardinals:
Top Prospect: Jess Todd
Another stinker?! There really is just nothing here. Todd has pitched surprisingly well, posting a 2.44 ERA in 34 relief appearances. However at 27 years of age he hardly qualifies as a prospect
Grade: F
25. Phillies:
Top Prospect: Max White
The Phils farm is downright awful. Max White is the only thing that resembles a prospect. The 19-year-old has a .260 average and 7 SBs in A-ball. This farm is just bad. It's horrible
Grade: F
I Guess Having More Than 2 Prospects Makes These Guys Respectable
24. Braves:
Top Prospect: Exicardo Cayones
The Braves farm has a lot of names and a lot of nothing at the same time, a product of previous ownership by he-who-shall-not-be-named. Cayones has hit .239 with 5 doubles in 71 A-ball at bats. A horrible farm and a horrible MLB team. The grade isn't an F just because of all the names, and basic statistics say 1-2 of these players will play at least an inning of major league ball.
Grade:[/color] D-
23. Brewers:
Top Prospect: Brody Colvin
The Brewers have little of note. Colvin has lived up to his boom or bust monicker and really looks like the 7th round pick the Phillies made him in 2009. With an ERA of 6.83 in 9 AA starts this year, the future doesn't look bright for the one time top prospect. The system doesn't look so hot either
Grade: D-
22. Indians:
Top Prospect: Alex Santana
The Indians are another team that lacks a good farm. Their MLB team is decent, however. Santana has hit .313 in 80 Rookie Ball at bats, however he has struck out in 40% of his at bats. His 11 RBI and 2 HR are decent, and at 19 years of age he still has a long way to go but a long time to get there.
Grade: D-
21. Nationals:
Top Prospect: Patrick Wisdom
The Nats have no one in their farm worth nothing other than Wisdom. The 2012 draftee has shown off his power with 16 doubles and 12 HRs in 317 A-ball at bats. He is a promising prospect but doesn't help Washington's grade much
Grade: D-
No Guys, Having a Higher Number Ranking Doesn't Mean You're Better
20. Angels:
Top Prospect: Larry Greene
The Angels have sacrificed their farm for a very good major league squad. Larry Green has slugged a whole 2 HRs while striking out a mind-boggling 102 times in A-ball this year. That speaks to the depth, or lack-thereof, in the Angels system
Grade: D
19. Yankees:
Top Prospect: Ethan Martin
The Yankees have a fairly poor farm. Martin is the lone bright spot in the darkness that is New York's minor leagues, and being a fringe Top 100 prospect he doesn't make the farm standout. Tony Wolters has hit .269 with 3 HRs in the Class A+ league this year and has the potential to overseat Martin as the best prospect in the Yanks system with a good second half.
Grade: D
18. Mariners:
Top Prospect: Kolten Wong
The M's have very few farmhands and the lone above average one comes in the form of 2B Kolten Wong. He has hit .298 with 15 SBs, 7 HRs, and 8 triples. He has more speed than people give him credit for and it allows him to play 2B well. He will be up and helping in Seattle very soon. Other than that, 2013 draftee Corey Knebel is the only thing resembling a true prospect.
Grade: D
17. White Sox:
Top Prospect: Daniel Corcino
The White Sox have one bright spot in their farm and it's a nice one. Corcino draws a lot of Johnny Cueto comparisons due to his 5'11", 205 frame. His performance this year hasn't been so great with a 4-11 record and a 6.40 ERA at AAA Louisville. However, at only 22 years old, he has some time to correct what's wrong. Jason Hursh is a 2013 draftee and has a chance to relieve in Atlanta fairly soon
Grade: D
16. Blue Jays:
Top Prospect: Albert Almora
The Jays have a very poor farm. Almora ranks as a Top 50 prospect on almost every list, however he has no other support in the minors. In 195 A-ball at bats, Almora has a .323 average, 13 doubles, and 3 HR. He profiles as a prototypical CF by the year 2016 and should only get better with age.
Grade: D
15. Tigers:
Top Prospect: D.J. Davis
The Tigers have a below average farm with 2 bright spots. The first being DJ Davis who has hit .305 with 5 triples and 6 SBs in 95 Rookie Ball at bats. He was the fastest man in the 2012 draft class and has shown that speed. Nick Maronde projects as a reliever and should be up this season.
Grade: C-
We're Getting Close To The Top 10 And These Farms Are Still Average
14. Mets:
Top Prospect: Arodys Vizcaino
The Mets have a couple of decent specs and some nothing. Vizcaino used to be a top prospect but has faded with recent Tommy John surgery and other medical issues. A 2-time trade candidate, the 22-year old will not pitch in 2013. Jon Schoop is a talented prospect who has hit .283 with 8 doubles this year.
Grade: C
13. Rockies:
Top Prospect: Trey Ball
Not much to speak about here. Ball is the outlier in a system of C level prospects. The 2013 draftee should preform well and has a lot of potential to become front line starter as long as Colorado is patient.
Grade: C+
12. Rangers:
Top Prospect: Luis Sardinas
The Rangers farm is at just about league average. A sure handed SS with above average speed, Luis Sardinas has hit .296 with 13 doubles in 395 A+ at bats. The depth is shaky in this farm, with Rhymer Liriano, the second best prospect, on the shelf with an elbow injury. The enigma that is AJ Cole rounds out the Top 3, as he has stein together a 5-3 record with a 4.43 ERA and 99 Ks in 91.1 IP. A top heavy farm whose top isn't bad but isn't the best either.
Grade: C+
11. A's:
Top Prospect: Yordano Ventura
The A's system is comprised of a lot of names who are C/C- prospects, and that pretty much sums up their grade. The few outliers start with Yordano Ventura, who in 92.1 IP in AA and AAA has put together a 5-5 record with a 3.31 ERA and an astounding 110 Ks. He sports a true 80 FB that can easily get into the high 90s and has been clocked at a whopping 102 MPH. Heath Hembree helps lead this farm into an average grade because that's what it is- average
Grade: C+
10. Royals:
Top Prospect: Max Fried
The Royals have an average farm, lead by 2012 draftee Max Fried. Fried has strung together a 4-4 record with a 3.74 ERA and 75 Ks over 78.1 IP at A-level Fort Wayne. Brian Goodwin and Josh Bell are the best hitting prospects, both very toolsy OFs who are having solid seasons at their respective levels.
Grade:[/color] C+
Some Better Than Average Farms! Yes!
9. Marlins:
Top Prospect: Danny Hultzen
The Marlins have a very top heavy farm, led by Hultzen and the oft-injured Travis d'Arnaud. 2011's 2nd overall pick, Hultzen has posted a 5-1 record with a 2.41 ERA in 33.2 IP this year. Injuries have held him back this campaign, much like they have to d'Arnaud throughout his career. He is the Marlins catcher of the future if he ever gets a chance to showcase his raw power from the C position.
Grade: B-
8. Padres:
Top Prospect: Jake Marisnick
The Padres have a solid farm. Marisnick has surprisingly showed his offensive prowess with a .290 average, 11 SBs, and 11 HRs in only 269 ABs with the bulk coming in AA. Jorge Alfaro has put together a great offensive year as well with 9 SBs and 11 HRs from the C position. Overall an above average farm.
Grade B
7. Astros:
Top Prospect: Mark Appel
I wish I could rank myself #1 but no such luck. If this was a North Korean Fantasy League then sure but it's not. Anywho, back to the prospects! The Divine Mark Appel, as I like to call him, toyed with college hitters this year and put up a 10-4 record with a 2.12 ERA and 130 Ks in 107 IP at Stanford. His 4 pro starts have been good, with 13 Ks in 13 innings over two levels. Zach Lee looks to finally have realized his potential with a 7-6 record, 2.98 ERA, and 91 Ks this year in AA. Overall an above average farm with fair depth.
Grade: B
6. Twins:
Top Prospect: Garin Cecchini
The Twins have an above league average farm with some enigmas. Cecchini has been on a meteoric rise since the season began, hitting .343 with 7 HRs and 15 SBs in 303 at bats between the Red Sox A and AA affiliates. The 3B depth is great for Minnesota, as they also sport 2013 draftee Colin Moran and rumored trade candidate Mike Olt. Nick Castellanos has been compared to Josh Vitters with his decline this season, but he hasn't been awful, sporting a .285 average with 12 HRs and 29 doubles at AAA Toledo. Carlos Correa has a .321 average and 6 HRs this year. The #1 overall pick in 2012 has shown an advanced approach and should move quicker than originally thought. Yasiel Puig speaks for himself in the bigs right now as a representation of young talent, and Courtney Hawkins has been Adam Dunn-like with a .194 average, 16 HR, and a whopping 112 Ks in 227 ABs.
Grade: B+
Now We're At The Good Part!
5. Giants:
Top Prospect: Dossys Paulino
The Giants had a very strong draft to deepen their farm tremendously. Paulino oozes potential and has hit .237 with 8 SBs as an 18 year old in A-ball this season. Draftees Hunter Harvey, Alex Gonzalez, Ian Clarkin, Hunter Renfroe, and Eric Jagielo make this farm one of ODC's best.
Grade: B+
4. Dodgers:
Top Prospect: Adalberto Mondesi
The Dodgers sport some high risk, high reward prospects that have played very well this year. Mondesi has been on a meteoric rise with a .261 average, 6 HRs and 16 SBs as a 17 year old. Corey Seager has put up equally as astounding numbers as a 19 year old with a .306 average, 9 SBs, and 8 HRs. Slade Heathcott and Jorge Bonifacio have both also enjoyed coming out parties and this system quietly has become one of the best in the league.
Grade: B+
The Best of The Best
3. Red Sox:
Top Prospect: Xander Bogaerts
Didn't you think they would be #1? Come on, don't lie. Well here's a shock for you and hopefully you can see why in a minute. Now to the players. Bogaerts is an absolute stud and should be up in the bigs soon. He has obliterated AAA this year and in only 111 ABs he has had 7 HRs. The average has dipped since he got the call to Pawtucket but that shouldn't be an issue as he adjusts to the higher level pitching. Dylan Bundy would rank #1 if not for the Tommy John surgery he is scheduled to undergo. He should contribute and be a #1 starter barring anything Mark Prior-like in 2015. The new draftees into the system, led by Clint Frazier and Austin Meadows, should greatly increase the depth. George Springer has been on fire lately, racking up 28 HRs and 27 SBs so far between AA and AAA. 20-20 is not a stretch in the majors, and if he can adjust to MLB pitching when he gets the call, 30-30 isn't far fetched either.
Grade: A
2. Pirates:
Top Prospect: Taijuan Walker
If Boston wasn't #1 then the Pirates have to be right? Wrong. I love this system but there is one better. The Pirates have a phenomenal farm. Walker has a 6-7 record but a 2.14 ERA and 117 Ks in 105 IP as a 20 year old between AA and AAA. He is clearly a future ace and the minors hottest pitcher. Oscar Taveras is no slouch either and ranks slightly below Walker due to injuries sustained this year. Taveras has extraordinary hitting tools, batting .306 with 5 HRs in 174 ABs. Addison Russell has hit .262 with 9 HRs and 26 doubles in his debut season and Top 10 prospect Christian Yelich has bounced back nicely from an early injury with a .274 average and 9 HRs.
Grade: A
A League of His Own
1. Cubs:
Top Prospect: Byron Buxton
Well, where do I start? Buxton came into the year a Top 30 spec and has skyrocketed up all prospect boards to a consensus #1 ranking with a .322 average, 35 SBs, and 9 HRs between A and A+ baseball. Miguel Sano has been just as dominant, hitting 23 HRs and soaring up the boards into a consensus Top 5 prospect. Archie Bradley's rise has been meteoric, and the steady performances of Francisco Lindor and Jorge Soler have boosted the system. Draftees Jonathan Gray and Braden Shipley only add to this complete farm and make it ODC's #1 farm system of 2013!
Grade: A+
