It seems like we can never get enough of rankings and lists. However, when I conceived of a power ranking for MLB farm systems, I wanted it to be both different as well as actually useful. How can we wrap our arms around an entire organization’s worth of prospects and gain some perspective?
In an effort to be more creative, I decided to utilize the statistical performance of each organization’s top 30 prospects on a regular basis, rather than the traditional end-of-year summary. Instead of waiting for the dust to settle, I wanted to zoom in to see how different decisions and results impact the strength of individual systems. Ultimately, I want each week to be a snapshot of how an MLB team’s pipeline is (or is not) progressing.
Ground Rules
- This list is made at my discretion. So yes, this is completely subjective.
- This is a weekly rankings list. If the #1 overall prospect gets called up, that team’s farm system will likely be negatively impacted in the rankings. If a pitcher suffers a blowup or a hitter slumps during the week, it’s going to impact the rankings. This is not just based on general Future Value or else I’d make an end-of-year list like everyone else.
- Why is Team X above Team Y? See bullet point #1.
- Yes, I do actually watch minor league games during the week including reviewing specific ABs or innings that I may have missed.
- No I do not hate __________. I keep an open mind about whatever results come in and whoever may be producing them.
- This is supposed to be fun, so let’s have fun with it!
Risers
Miami Marlins: Jerar Encarnación is catching fire while Edward Cabrera is on the comeback. The depth of Miami’s arm talent helps float the entire farm system up a few spots.
Los Angeles Angels: Has the Angels’ surge filtered down into their minor league pitching as well? In the week before we saw recent graduate Reid Detmers toss a no-hitter, several pitching prospects had productive appearances including Jhonathan Diaz, Davis Daniel, Chase Silseth, and Mason Elbright. If only the Halo magic can be sprinkled onto some of the batters as Brendon Davis was the sole hitter of note last week.
Toronto Blue Jays: Orelvis Martinez’s bat is finally coming around but we’re still waiting for Gabriel Moreno to meet last year’s highlights. On the mound, Ricky Tiedemann is to the moon as young people might say. I’m still waiting for Tiedemann to prove his value against a higher level of competition but he’s definitely a name to know in dynasty leagues.
Fallers
Detroit Tigers: The Tigers fall steeply after promoting Alex Faedo and Joey Wentz in short succession. Ryan Kriedler’s hand injury equally hurts the Tigers’ farm system as we still await Riley Greene’s return.
Boston Red Sox: The hitting cooled the previous week and every pitcher not named Bello seemed to have a shaky outing. The Red Sox system could be getting a boost if SP Noah Song is able to return to baseball after completing his Naval training.
Philadelphia Phillies: Jhailyn Ortiz has settled in as the Phillies best minor league hitter so far and while that’s great for Ortiz (a mid tier prospect for several years now), it points to the complete lack of impact bats for the Philly farm. Abel had a tough outing this past week as well so here’s where that lands Philadelphia.
Featured image by Shawn Palmer (@Palmerdesigns_ on Twitter)