2015 Season Report (End of Season)

PHOENIX - The regular season has finally come to a close, and the Arizona Diamondbacks have not made the playoffs. It isn't a surprise to anyone, especially management, but what is a surprise is that they finished just about where they did in 2014. It's hard to understand why a team that was trying to make the playoffs did as well as one being stripped for parts, but that's just baseball. Finishing 18th at 79-83 isn't all that bad, but ownership was probably shooting for a higher draft slot.


The Arizona Goldschmidts

Goldschmidt hits the market after the 2016 season.

Surprise, Paul Goldschmidt is really good. Offensively the Diamondbacks were plagued with surprisingly bad seasons (Chris Owings, Jake Lamb, J.J. Hardy) and blessed by surprisingly good ones (David Peralta, Eddie Rosario, Ender Inciarte) and befuddled by ones in the middle (Yasmany Tomas). The one constant was Goldschmidt, who put up MVP numbers but is likely to be overshadowed by the Nationals' Bryce Harper. If not for the efforts of Goldschmidt, this team could have been in contention for a Top 5 draft pick.


Corbin's Return

The silver lining for this season on the mound was the return of Patrick Corbin. After missing 2014 to Tommy John surgery and sitting out nearly half of 2015, Corbin appears to have returned to his pre-injury level of performance. With the avalanche of injuries and trades that hit the rotation, it's amazing that the Diamondbacks had anyone to throw out on the mound by the end of the season.


Hello, Prospects

Tapia joins a loaded OF class.

If you ignore Goldschmidt's awesomeness and Corbin's return from injury the biggest 2015 story line was the influx of high end prospects. The addition of Jesse Winker, Jon Gray, Austin Meadows, and Raimel Tapia give Diamondbacks fans something to look forward to. A number of their best prospects made it to the majors (Eddie Rosario, Michael Taylor, Michael Lorenzen) so the future is already starting to take shape.

2015 ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS AWARDS

MVP

1B Paul Goldschmidt (103R, 33HR, 110RBI, 21SB, .321BA)

This one is pretty easy, and as long as he's manning 1B it probably won't change. Even an injury shortened 2014 had him firmly in the MVP chair. Goldschmidt led the team in all offensive categories.


ROY

Taylor might be the future of CF.

CF Michael Taylor (49R, 14HR, 63RBI, 16SB, .0229BA)

Taylor muscled his way into a crowded outfield situation and trumped the Diamondbacks big money "rookie" signing (Yasmany Tomas) while looking like a solid piece of the team's future. While he didn't hit for average the team is hoping he can improve with more major league experience.

Randy Johnson Award (Best Pitcher)

Corbin's return was promising for 2016.

SP Patrick Corbin (6W, 78K, 3.60ERA, 1.27WHIP)

Really low bar on this one, so low that someone who basically missed half the season took this one home without too much competition. Gio Gonzalez completely melted down and passed the 'Ace' moniker on to Corbin. A few bad late season outings hurt Corbin's ERA/WHIP, but overall he looked good coming back from Tommy John surgery.

2015 Season Report (100 Games)

PHOENIX -The Diamondbacks continue to limp toward a kind of baseball limbo, finishing 100 games just a hair below the middle of the league (16th) and firmly hovering around .500 baseball (50-50). An explanation is simple, just two words encompass how a team that has been mostly stripped for parts can stay close to .500; Paul. Goldschmidt.

Arizona's offense, which will henceforth just be called "Paul Goldshmidt", is essentially made up of Goldschmidt wrecking the league for his pleasure. Goldschmidt currently leads the Diamondbacks in... well, everything. He's hitting .339, with 67R, 22HR, 77RBI, and 17SB, which is far beyond anyone else on the team. He's also in the Top 5 for NL players in BA, HR, and RBI. Is there anything he can't do?

Ender Inciarte recently returned from the DL, so the Diamondbacks are going to have a bit of an OF log jam. Inciarte, David Peralta, Eddie Rosario, and Michael Taylor have all played well and look to have the OF covered. Jake Lamb, who isn't showing any power, is swapping DH and 3B duties with Yasmany Tomas (who also isn't showing any power).

Is Gray a future ace?

The biggest story in Phoenix was the calling up of top pitching prospect Jon Gray. Gray would see his first big league action, but it wouldn't turn out all that well. Gray only lasted four inning, though he did strike out four hitters while allowing 2BB and 2ER. Patrick Corbin started his return well, winning twice and racking up 29K with a 3.21ERA and 1.00WHIP but he finished the period by getting rocked and failing to finish 2IP. Gio Gonzalez, who finds himself on the waiver wire, has righted his season a little. Some of his numbers look good (8W, 98K, 3.75ERA), but he 1.43WHIP really tells the tale of his season. With Jered Weaver still on a very expensive DL stint, this staff isn't going anywhere.

2015 Season - Down On The Farm (June-July)

The previous deluge of prospects has recently been topped off with a smaller deluge of highly ranked prospects. The biggest name on the list was Jon Gray, a former #3 overall pick, and fans of the Reno Aces will enjoy having him. The MLB Draft has also added some names, most notably first round pick Dansby Swanson, but they will need time to establish themselves.

With the MLB roster slowly turning into warm bodies and expiring contracts, it looks like the future of the franchise is waiting in the minors.

Position, Player Name (Sickels Grade, Current MiLB Level) 

RHP Jon Gray (Grade : A-, Triple-A Reno)

Gray is a unanimous Top 25 prospect, but he hasn't performed like one so far. He was awful to start 2014 in Double-A, but rebounded for a strong finish. He has had similar issue this season, now in Triple-A, but he has started to turn things around. The notoriously hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League isn't helping, but a good showing might see him promoted for a cup of coffee this year or perhaps a more permanent move in 2016.

OF, Jesse Winker (Grade : A-, Double-A Mobile)

Winker's second shot at Double-A ball isn't panning out as well as his 2014. He has had a painfully slow start after hitting 15HR in 2014. Hitting .266 with 5HR so far this season has left the Diamondbacks hoping for a serious rebound, if Winker is the future he needs to show more or the Diamondbacks might look to move on.

OF, Austin Meadows (Grade : B+, Class-A Advanced Visalia)

Meadows continues to confound scouts by just being a really good baseball player. Not that it's bad, but the expectations are that he will be great. He rakes, he shows excellent plate discipline, he defends well, but at 6'-3" 200 he should be hitting for more power. The 9th overall pick in the 2013 has everyone waiting to see if he ascends to the next level, at the very least he looks to be an MLB regular in the making.

OF, Michael Taylor (Grade : B+, MLB)

Currently moving back and forth between Reno and Phoenix, but it looks like Taylor is up for good. Has already exceeded rookie limits, so next season (and later this year) he won't find himself on this list. The 24-year old is currently hitting .241 with 6HR, 29RBI, and 8SB in 69 major league games.

RHP, Braden Shipley (Grade : B+, Double-A Mobile)

The Shipley-Blair debate may come to a close soon as Shipley struggles through his second go at Double-A. He hasn't looked sharp in 2015, and a bloated ERA/WHIP is proof. There might be something wrong, or he might just be working through some issues. His problems seem to stem from a dramatically lower K rate (6.2 compared to 8.1 in 2014) and a spike in hits. Low walk and HR rates are a good sign, but he needs to put it all together.


RHP, Aaron Blair (Grade : B+, Triple-A Reno)

Promoted to Triple-A after ripping through Double-A and leaving Shipley in the dust. Hasn't looked as dominant in Reno, but the Pacific Coast League is notoriously hitter friendly. His hit, walk, and HR rates have jumped but his K rate has done the same. Will have to see if Blair can right the ship and complete a season that started off well, has the opportunity to snag "Best Pitching Prospect" title if Shipley and Gray fail to rebound.

OF, Raimel Tapia (Grade : B, Class-A Advanced Visalia)

Tapia, a Top 50 prospect before the season, came over in a trade with the Mariners. The Diamondbacks have been trying to land him for some time, and they finally got him in exchange for a massive salary dump and Matt Cain. Tapia was signed by the Rockies out of the Dominican Republic at 17, and since then he has shown some considerable promise. The speedy OF has spent the entire season in Class-A Advanced hitting 8HR, 51RBI, with 19SB and a solid .331BA. There could be some power upside as he continues to develop, but his hit tool and base running ability are enough to get by right now.

OF, Billy McKinney (Grade : B, Double-A Mobile)

Started the year in Class-A Advanced and quickly moved to Double-A, still just 20 years old he could be a real sleeper waiting to break out. McKinney has played well defensively, especially out of RF where he boasts a 1.000 fielding percentage in 56 games, and hit well enough to impress the Diamondbacks. He struggled to hit in 2014 in Visalia, hitting .264, but hit .340 there to start 2015 which helped land his promotion. He won't be a star at the plate, but his approach continues to impress scouts and at 20 he can always get better.

RHP, Jeff Hoffman (Grade : B, Class-A Advanced Visalia)

Hoffman, a Top 100 prospect who came over in the Soria trade, is one of those high-upside risky moves that makes you look like a genius if it pans out and an idiot if it fails. Hoffman had Tommy John surgery prior to the 2014 draft, but that didn't seem to stop the Blue Jays from taking him 9th overall. He's opened his professional career in Class-A Advanced after a year off, and things aren't looking good. The exciting stuff, a fastball with life that cut in on righties, has lost it's excitement. Perhaps he's in a period of recovery, but if he can't regain his previous approach it will be difficult for him to stay on this list.

RHP, Touki Toussaint (Grade : B, Class-A Kane County)

Only an idiot would trade Toussaint for anything less than a King's ransom at this point. That being said, he's in a heated internal battle with fellow 2014 draft pick Cody Reed for the Diamondbacks most promising draft pick. At least for now, he's looking like a solid pick, despite the poor reports on his command, hopefully his curveball continues to be his best pitch with a future 70 grade. A 4-3 record so far with decent numbers isn't wowing anyone, but at 19 he has a lot of time to get better.

OF, Eddie Rosario (Grade : B-, MLB)

Rosario is in the same boat as Taylor as he passes rookie limits. He is having a similar season too, hitting .264 with 4HR, 20RBI, and 6SB from the outfield. Unless something changes, he looks to be an outfielder from now on.

3B, Jake Lamb (Grade : B-, MLB)

The 24-year old 3B has looked lost, injured, and exciting during the season. With Yasmany Tomas clearly unfit to hand the hot corner, it looks like the job is now Lamb's to lose. He has exceeded rookie limits while hitting .302 and showing very little power (2HR in 35 games). Hopefully a return from injury and the All-Star break will help him turn things around.

RHP, Alex Colome (Grade : B-, MLB)

 Colome is at a crossroads this season, and for the most part it looks like he's being run over. Colome has started 13 games, and overall it hasn't been pretty. a 3-4 record with a 4.85ERA isn't encouraging. If Colome doesn't turn things around the 26-year old might find himself being used out of the pen or back in Reno.

RHP, Matt Barnes (Grade : B-, MLB)

The 25-year old has moved between Reno and Phoenix, and he is approaching rookie limits. He probably wishes he was back in Reno as MLB hitters are getting to him regularly. The Diamondbacks have used him exclusively from the pen, but a 5.24ERA and 1.84WHIP might see him sent back to Reno. Still just 25, so room for growth, but he's starting to lose his luster.

3B, Patrick Kivlehan (Grade : B-, Triple-A Reno)

Kivlehan is another Diamondbacks infielder who could be slated for a permanent move to the outfield. He's also hitting well if you only look at HR (15) and RBI (46), but his plate discipline is awful right now. After looking good in a season across Class-A Advanced and Double-A in 2014 he's been unimpressive in the hitter friendly PCL. Hitting .237 with 20BB to 72 strikeouts is a little disturbing.

RHP, Michael Lorenzen (Grade : B-, MLB)

 

 The big surprise from this list who has now exceeded rookie limits. Lorenzen was brought up and given the chance to start, going 3-4 with a 3.53ERA in 12 games. Don't let the ERA fool you, his 1.47WHIP points to his 5.71FIP so expect some regression. The 47K in 71.1IP isn't exciting, and the 39BB are alarming. Lorenzen might finish out the year in the majors, hopefully he takes a step forward in 2016. Still just 23.

LHP, Cody Reed (Grade : B-, Class-A Short Hillsboro)

Cody Reed is not going to be in Hillsboro much longer if he keeps things up. The 2014 2nd rounder is looking like the better pick compared to Toissaint, and he's tearing up Class-A Short. In six starts he's struck out 40 in 34.1IP with an eye watering 1.31ERA and 0.76WHIP. His K rate isn't all that special, but he's been striking out more lately. There is a chance he could be moved up to Kane County soon, and will certainly have more scouts drooling over him.

RHP, Nick Travieso (Grade : B-, Class-A Advanced Visalia)

The 14th overall pick in the 2012 Draft is having a decent season, though he's getting hit more than expected. He has improved a career trend in ER, HR/9, BB/9, and K/9, but his H/9 has jumped up back to it's 2012-2013 level. If he can do something about those hits he should finish close to his 2014 season in Class-A.

OF, Justin Williams (Grade : B-, Class-A Kane County)

Williams' second go at Class-A is showing some mixed results. After hitting .351 across Class-A and Rookie ball in 2014 he's only hitting .289. He has hit more HR in a comparable number of plate appearances (7HR vs. 4HR in 2014), but he's also forgotten how to take a walk while still striking out at the same rate. It's hard to know what's going on, and he is still 19 and young for Class-A.

SS, Luis Sardinas (Grade : C+, Triple-A Reno)

Sardinas has bounced between the majors and minors this year, and will no longer be on this list going forward. Sardinas has exceeded rookie limits while hitting rather poorly, his defense continues to win him starts but he bat will probably keep him from a starting position. He is still 22, exceedingly young for Triple-A, so there is still room for improvement.

C, Peter O'Brien (Grade : C+, Triple-A Reno)

The hope that O'Brien stays behind the plate is starting to fade as he logs more games in the outfield. O'Brien has played 61 games in the outfield and 11 as catcher, but it hasn't slowed up his bat. With 15HR and 62RBI in the hitter friendly PCL he could easily make it to a 30-100 season, all while hitting .271 and showing little interest in taking a walk. O'Brien is less interesting as an outfielder, especially with the depth the Diamondbacks have at that position, but he could be a very valuable bat if he works on his plate discipline.

2015 Season Report (All-Star Break)

PHOENIX - With the All-Star game looming, the Diamondbacks are essentially waving the white flag. Nothing is going well, but in a sad twist of fate they aren't doing much worse than they did last year when they were trying to get into the playoffs.

The Diamondbacks can essentially be split into Paul Goldschmidt and Not Paul Goldschmidt at this point. Rookies have shown some promise, especially OF Michael Taylor and Eddie Rosario. J.J. Hardy has finally returned on a regular basis, but now OF Ender Inciarte has taken his spot on the DL. Jake Lamb has been disappointing, and Yasmany Tomas has failed to show much power after righting his batting average to eclipse .300. The team limps into the break, and everyone but Goldschmidt (the only Diamondbacks headed to Cincinnati) will be resting during that time.

Corbin's return was promising.

The rotation, to put it bluntly, has fully transformed into a dumpster fire. The very expensive acquisition of Jered Weaver has turned into an equally expensive DL stint. Kyle Lobstein is hurt as well, and Alex Colome is pitching like he should be hurt. At this point the fans are just looking at their watches and waiting until Braden Shipley or Aaron Blair get called up. The only ray of hope came in the return of Patrick Corbin, who tossed a very Corbin-esque game (5.0IP, 3K, 8H, 2ER) in his first outing. The Diamondbacks aren't really looking for him to turn the entire rotation around, but a healthy Corbin puts them in a good position going forward.

Jim Johnson's second turn in Arizona was a disaster.

The team also completed an odd deal with Toronto in order to land a highly touted IFA in OF Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (yes, THAT Vladimir Guerrero). The reports on Guerrero are positive, but most think he lacks the ceiling of his father. The ink on Guerrero's contract wasn't even dry before the Blue Jays sent him to Arizona along with Joe Nathan in exchange for Jim Johnson. Nathan represents a hefty increase in salary ($7.3 million) over Johnson ($5.8 million) with both coming off the books after the 2017 season. The price seemed right to land Guerrero, and Diamondbacks management is hoping Nathan can return to form just long enough to be worth something. This has the feel of the Soria trade in 2014, but at least Soria wasn't nearly as expensive as Nathan.

2015 MLB Draft

SECAUCUS - Another year, another draft, and hopes are raised for the future. After finishing 9th in 2014 the Diamondbacks ended up picking toward the end of the round(s), but with the MLB tear down going on in 2015 they need all the new talent they can get. Heading into this draft, and looking at the farm system, it would seem the priority would be bats. Arizona has a number of high end pitching prospects, but you really can't have enough good arms.

The Diamondbacks enjoyed a number of extra picks in 2014, but that didn't happen again this year with no picks in Comp Round A or B. The Diamondbacks set a trend with their early picks by sticking to the college ranks, using their first four picks on college players who figure to make a move to the majors much sooner. After that it was pitching, pitching, and more pitching, and not a single high school player taken in the first 10 rounds. Looks like Arizona is gearing up for a more immediate turnaround.


Round (Overall Selection) : Player (School)

1 (22) : SS Dansby Swanson (Vanderbilt University, TN)

Swanson was the Diamondbacks #1 target, and they got their man. Swanson accomplished so much during his college career, it's hard to see him failing to impress as a professional. He took home Most Outstanding Player honors at the College World Series as Vanderbilt won their first-ever championship in 2014, then he became the top position prospect in college after a strong summer with the U.S. collegiate national team. Swanson increased his value when he moved from 2B to SS this year, and showed scouts he could handle the position with polish. Most feel he has the quickness and arm strength to stay at the position, even though he hadn't played there since high school in 2012, when the Rockies drafted him in the 38th round.

Swanson fits at the top of his lineup with his on-base ability and speed, and he can drive the ball into the gaps while showing moderate power. His makeup is off the charts and universally praised by coaches and scouts. Taking Swanson puts Chris Owings, who is already playing at 2B quite a bit, on notice. Swanson figures to move toward the majors quickly, and if everything works out as planned he could form a solid up-the-middle tandem with Owings.

2 (64) : LHP Alex Young (Texas Christian University, TX)

For the second straight year Arizona selected a left-hander with their second round pick.Young bolstered his stock coming into 2015 by making a strong transition from reliever to starter in the Cape Cod League and with TCU this spring. Young attacks hitters with a fastball that sits at 89-93 and shows life and a solid breaking ball. He has the ability to vary the shape of his breaking pitch, which is closer to a slider than a curveball. Young has started using his changeup more now that he has left the bullpen, it features some fade and should become at least an average offering going forward. He rated as the top prospect in Illinois as a high school senior in 2012, though his lack of signability pushed him to the 32nd round where he was drafted by the Rangers.


3 (96) : RHP Taylor Clarke (College of Charleston, SC)

Clarke has been through some tough times since 2013. Tommy John surgery shut him down, and then it looked like his college program (Towson) was going to shut it's doors. Clarke transferred to the College of Charleston and started to rebuild his draft resume once he started pitching again in 2015.He works with a 92-96 mph fastball and has the ability to carry a low-90s fastball into the late innings. His fastball lacks life but still misses bats because his overhand delivery provides deception and downhill plane. He also draws praise for his ability to throw strikes, a lot of strikes, and uses a decent change up to augment his fastball. He does lack a reliable breaking ball, so he could be destined for relief.

4 (127) : RHP Breckin Williams (University of Missouri, MO)

All you need to know about Williams to understand him is his nickname; Harley Time. His constant energy and full-out sprints to the mound are a testament to his level of aggression. He aggressively attacks hitters, and it resulted in school record for saves this spring at Missouri. He managed to elevate his stuff as a Junior, after pitching with an 88-92 mph fastball last year, he now operates in the 90-95 range.Willliams also uses a high-80's cutter, that can turn into a slider if he wants, and a decent curveball that could turn into an average pitch. He repeats his delivery well, enabling him to throw strikes and keep the ball down in the zone.

5 (157) : RHP Ryan Burr (Arizona State University, AZ)

The Diamondbacks landed an interesting pick here with Burr entering the draft as a Top 100 prospect per MLB.com. He was a well known high school prospect in 2012, but he decided to stick with his committment to Arizona State. After three years of college ball he's seen as one of the better closers in the nation, and his 97 mph fastball makes scouts drool. Unfortunately his command can be an issue, and his fastball lacks movement, but he still has the upside of a setup type reliever or closer down the road. Burr may be one of the prospects that makes it to the majors sooner than expected.

6 (187) : RHP Tyler Mark (Concordia University, CA)

Another short reliever with a strong physical build who works in the 94-95 range with his fastball. His pitches have good arm-side movement that cut in on right-handed hitters, and his slider is projectable with the ability to generate swings and misses. Like Burr, he uses an aggressive approach and goes right after hitters to make him an attractive relief option. He has some 'level of competition' questions, but he pitched well in the 2014 Northwoods League, so there will be some discovery as to his long term potential.

7 (217) : C Francis Christy (Palomar College, CA)

8 (247) : SS Kal Simmons (Kennesaw State University, GA)

9 (277) : RHP Pierce Romero (Santa Barbara Community College, CA)

10 (307) : CF Joey Armstrong (University of Nevada - Las Vegas, NV)

FULL DRAFT ANALYSIS

Outside of the top two selections, there isn't a whole lot of high-end upside in this draft. There are definitely some interesting picks that could pan out over time, but the Diamondbacks were clearly interested in stocking up on immediate impact arms. They aren't sexy, but you need a good bullpen to be successful. Lots of college guys also puts them in a position to save on draft slots, although they didn't take make high school players (4) and they were in much later rounds, they could use that money to make sure everyone signs or cover any issues with their top picks.


Best Pick : SS Dansby Swanson, 1 (22)

Not a difficult one to decide on, but in a down draft year Swanson stood out as one of the best overall prospects. A solid college position player who could make an impact within the next few years is a great addition to the Diamondbacks farm system.

Sleeper Pick : RHP Wesley Rodriguez, 12 (367)

Might not be the 'best' high round pick, but he's certainly the most interesting. Rodriguez went into the draft ranked as the 100th overall prospect by MLB.com, but he slid all the way to Arizona at 367. He's a stocky (5'-10" 200lbs) two-way player who gets most of his recognition on the mound. Some scouts have compared him to Bartolo Colon, mostly because of the build, but he can hit 98 with his fastball and tends to work in the 93-95 range. It will be interesting to see if he can make the necessary adjustments to make it to the majors.

2015 MLB Farm System Rankings

SCOTTSDALE - Spring Training is long gone and the season is well under way. The vast majority of teams aren't in the running for a title this season, so attention turns to the future and a (mostly) unbiased look at the league's crop of future stars.

Ranking Rational

All 30 MLB teams have been judged based on the strength of their Top 10 prospects as graded by a combination of John Sickels at Minor League Ball, Baseball America, and Rich Wilson at Prospect 361. Each grade has been assigned a numerical value similar to the Baseball America grading system. A panel of experts used cutting edge advanced metrics to look past the Top 10 to rank systems who ended up with similar scores.
This does not take into account future potential, just current grade, and only includes players who have not exceeded their rookie limits yet. Rusney Castillo and Yasmany Tomas aren't really thought of as prospects, but they haven't exceeded rookie limits yet, so for the sake of this exercise they are considered prospects.

Many thanks to Ed (Giants) and Karsten (Twins) for starting this and collaborating on the team by team analysis.

Points were totaled to give us an idea on a basic 1-30, then the three of us took a look at all of the systems and ranked them 1-30 based on the points and prospects outside of the Top 10. A number of teams sported depth that had to be considered, but calculating beyond the Top 10 was a Herculean task. The three ranking sets were averaged to form the final composite ranking.


2015 MLB Farm System Rankings
Rank - Team Name / Best Prospect (Grade)

30 - Toronto Blue Jays / C Gabriel Cena (C)

The Blue Jays philosophy, since current ownership took over in 2008, has been mainly to build from quality major leaguers and this has led to almost all relevant prospects being shipped away. The problem is, the Blue Jays are in the toughest division and although they have a good major league team every year, it has never been enough to win a title of any kind. The Blue Jays are looking strong again on paper going into the 2015 season, but long-term, their top prospect is an international signing from 2010 that hit .259 in rookie ball last year. They boast no prospects from another organizations. There is some potential here with some prospects, but their highest draft pick from last year is a 3rd rounder. Overall, there's just not enough here to make this system relevant right now.

29 - Cleveland Indians / 1B Nellie Rodriguez (C+)

Things are not looking good in Cleveland, and it's going to take some time and effort to rebuild this system. A mass exodus of prospects in exchange for major leaguers has left the lower levels of this organization bereft of high-end talent.

28 - Tampa Bay Rays / OF Scott Schebler (B-)


Although they rank towards the bottom, they have been able to compete for a World Series every year since 2012 by trading away their farm for major league pieces. This can only last for so long however, and new management seems committed to replenishing the minor league system for long-term success. OF Scott Schebler is the only B grade guy here, but a good one. He has combined for 55 homers and 177 RBI’s the past two years in Class-A and Double-A.

27 - Colorado Rockies / 2B Forrest Wall (B-)


The Rockies have been supplemented by a couple of good drafts recently, but the farm has been used primarily to acquire MLB pieces. 2B Forrest Wall and a few infield prospects still remain to provide a glimpse of hope for the future. There doesn't seem to be any sense of urgency from Colorado, as the farm will most likely continue to be used as a means to an end rather than an end in itself, which isn't always a bad thing.

26 - San Francisco Giants / OF Rusney Castillo (A-)


Top heavy with Castillo as really the only 'Top', the Giants have sold it all for the prize. Their hopes are for another solid if not spectacular draft to restock their system. There are a few high-upside players down in the lower minors like OF Mikey Edie and RHP Logan Webb. Even former overall #1 pick SS Tim Beckham seems to be doing something up in the majors.

25 - Oakland Athletics / RHP Tyler Kolek (B+)

Hard throwing 2014 draftee Tyler Kolek headlines one of the most trade decimated systems in all of baseball. The A's GM might want to get on the phone with Cleveland and discuss how they are going to rebuild their system, because things don't look to great at the moment. Oakland is well known for finding diamonds in the rough, but it's going to be really rough going forward.

24 - Miami Marlins / SS Richard Urena (B-)

A clear victim of previous owners' misuse and abuse, this is the thinnest of the NL East. Though there are a few bright spots on the offensive side of the ball like SS Richard Urena, it's going to take some conscious moves and drafts to get the farm back to being a strength.

23 - Detroit Tigers / OF Dwight Smith, Jr. (B-)


Recent trades have depleted this system, but the 2013 and 2014 draft helped them move up the standings. RHP Noah Syndergaard was the Tigers' crown jewel prior to a recent trade. Hanging on to their own prospects has helped them stay afloat.

22 - Chicago Cubs / 3B Kris Bryant (A)

‘Going for it’. That’s the mantra of the Cubs in recent months, and the roster assembled with that farm is impressive. They’ve sold their farm down to 3B Kris Bryant and a bunch of role players. A few players slated to make a splash in 2015 like 3B Johnny Urshela, RHP Nick Tropeano, and Bryant have upside that could provide immediate dividends, but after them it’s a waiting game until the next draft class comes up.

21 - Philadelphia Phillies / OF Hunter Renfroe (B)

The Phillies land low on the list despite a good mix of high-floor and high-upside prospects throughout the system. Led by OF Hunter Renfroe this system could get much stronger with some growth from the younger guys like RHP Sean Reid-Foley in 2015

20 - Washington Nationals / RHP Noah Syndergaard (A-)


Top 50 prospects RHP Noah Syndergaard and RHP Reynaldo Lopez lead the group, but there's some depth here, too. The Nationals have spent considerable time and prospect currency making their MLB squad one of the best in the league, so the farm system is a little thin. Despite this, there are lots of high-floor guys like SS Ketel Marte, SS Matt Duffy, and OF Billy Burns to bank on as trade bait as the season progresses.

19 - Cincinnati Reds / LHP Kyle Freeland (A-)

The Reds have been consistently one of the best teams in the league, including a stretch from 2009 to 2013 of five straight division titles. They have never won a National League Pennant though, and the farm system may be to blame. As a team that mostly relies their own drafted players it has always been a decent system, but they have not been able to produce elite talent need to go beyond a division title. The Reds have a lot of talent on the major league roster and a ton of cap space, so guys like LHP Kyle Freeland they could make the jump to being one of the elite teams very quickly. They might be there already with six straight postseason appearances, but a pennant or World Series title would seal it.

18 - Seattle Mariners / RHP Jon Gray (A-)

Do you like pitching? The Mariners system is just at the upper end of the middle tier, but boy do they have some interesting arms. Jon Gray and Giants 2014 draft pick RHP Tyler Beede headline a future rotation well suited to taking advantage of Safeco Field. They also feature OF Raimel Tapia who could sneak up the rankings with his power-speed combo. The Mariners system is one of the most underrated systems in the league, and is on the rise quickly.

17 - LA Dodgers / 3B DJ Peterson (B+)


This system isn't packed with a lot of elite prospect talent besides 3B DJ Peterson, but that isn't going to be a problem for them. They feature a lot of B grade range prospects with a mix of interesting high ceiling and high floor players. The Dodgers seem to get another IFA player every year that helps out the system tremendously.

16 - Chicago White Sox / OF Jorge Soler (A)

The South Siders are extremely top heavy with two of the best prospects in baseball, Jorge Soler and RHP Carlos Rodon, but things fall off pretty quickly near the bottom of the Top 10. This system is currently suffering from some serious depth issues with few prospects of note outside the Top 10. The White Sox do seem to have a GM committed to building a competitive team though. We'll see what happens in the near future with guys like Rodon and Soler already major league ready.

15 - Houston Astros / SS Carlos Correa (A)

The Astros have spent the last few years trying to rebuild their system through trades, and it has paid off. Landing Carlos Correa, potentially the best prospect in baseball, via the 2012 draft helps as well. This system's Top 10 boasts 100% home grown talent with depth at numerous positions on and off the mound.

14 - New York Yankees / RHP Archie Bradley (A-)


The New York Yankees, thanks to the draft and the IFA market, have developed one of the deepest farms in the league. Their big league team already consists of young stars such as OF Mike Trout and OF Wil Myers, but their deep farm system gives them a flowing pool of talent to pad out their major league roster. They have some great prospects at the top, such as RHP Archie Bradley, that should make this Yankee team a force for a long time.


13 - Baltimore Orioles / RHP Dylan Bundy (A-)


The Orioles have a very strong farm system and a GM with a committed approach of building with youth that is starting to pay off at the major league level. The Orioles don't haven't made many deals involving their own farm system and that is shown with guys like 3B Manny Machado and RHP Kevin Gausman at the major league level. RHP Dylan Bundy is quickly getting ready to join them. Add in some recent trade returns like LHP Julio Urias and SS Corey Seager and the Orioles have lots of prospects ready to join the graduated ranks. The one down fall with the system is its depth, as it drops off fairly quickly. Lots of guys in the C grade range but nothing really that stands out beyond the first six to ten prospects.

12 - New York Mets / 2B Dilson Herrera (B+)


Depth throughout the system leaves the Mets with a solid group. Led by 2B Dilson Herrera and LHP Steven Matz, their homegrown talent is prevalent and a testament to a team that has been through a number of owners. Strong outfield players like OF Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto, and C Kevin Plawecki combined to give New York three  Top 100 prospects and great balance in the minors.

11 - Atlanta Braves / RHP Lucas Giolito (A)


With two to four  Top100 prospects on the team, some considerable depth throughout the Top 20 team prospects, and a strong Top 15 prospect in Lucas Giolito, the Braves are the cream of the NL East crop. Ozhaino Albies is a great guy to dream on, and Owens and Jake Thompson finish up a formidable three-headed monster of SP.

10 - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / RHP Andrew Heaney (A-)

This system did not appear to be in good standing almost a year ago, but trades and the 2014 draft have really improved their profile. Andrew Heaney came over in a trade with the Brewers and top pitching prospect LHP Sean Newcomb landed in LA thanks to the 2014 draft. Add in the IFA process (Roberto Baldoquin) and this system looks very good, if they can find Matt Shoemaker 2.0 they could be in excellent shape.

9 - Pittsburgh Pirates / RHP Tyler Glasnow (A)

Glasnow is my favorite pitching prospect. Something about this kid makes me think he'll be great, maybe it's the devastating hammer or the explosive fastball--or both? Just a dominate anchor for this Pirates farm which features almost nothing but athletic, dynamic players. Devon Travis is already tearing up the majors, and Frazier/Bell/Pompey all represent some special talent running around in the OF. The farm also consists of a dozen or so strong IRL Pittsburgh specs, which is finally working out for the IRL Pirates. All these athletes will come up in due time and help make the NL Central one of the best divisions in this league.

8 - Minnesota Twins / OF Joc Pederson (B+)

The Twins came in 2nd in the AL Central, but that's still nothing to scoff at. Minnesota lacks a dominant 'wow' prospect, but it does feature an incredibly deep system with talent at numerous positions. Joc Pederson, who will likely make his way to the majors this year, is without a doubt the system's best prospect. Two very young players, 2014 1st rounder Alex Jackson and Franklin Barreto, could climb the rankings next season, so this system can only get better. A good mix of in-house and trade prospects have this team looking like a title contender in the coming years.

7 - San Diego Padres / LHP Daniel Norris (A-)

If you were asked to name the Top 10 systems without looking at the prospects, you probably wouldn’t have come up with the Padres. After tearing their team down this organization has quietly built one of the best farm systems in all of baseball. The Padres have some very well known prospects in Daniel Norris and Jose Pereza, with A.J. Cole and Jose Berrios starting to earn some buzz. They also sport a very balanced, and very MLB ready, Top 10. Norris, Pereza, and C J.T. Realmuto look like they might get some time in The Show. A good mix of infielders and pitching makes this a tough system to beat, only minor weakness is a lack of top end OF prospects.

6 - Arizona Diamondbacks / OF Jesse Winker (A-)

The Diamondbacks would have been much lower on this list last year, but after selling off most of their team and getting a visit from the IFA fairy they find themselves with one of the best farm systems in the majors. This doesn't even take Cuban RHP Yoan Lopez into consideration, so there is an argument to be made to move them up.

5 - Texas Rangers / OF Byron Buxton (A)

If you are looking for a system with real 'wow' factor, it's the Rangers. The oft-injured but supremely talented Byron Buxton sits atop a very balanced Top 10 with some tremendous upside. 3B Joey Gallo just hit three home runs while you read the first two sentences of this summary, and if he can cut down on the strikeouts this system could produce two of the most exciting players in baseball. This system would have ranked even higher had 2B Rougned Odor not been forced into major league playing time in 2014, but for those who love Rougned they won't have to wait long before Rougned Odor takes his place. Yes, you read that correctly, Rougned's younger brother Rougned was also signed by the Rangers and for some reason is also named Rougned.

4 - Milwaukee Brewers / 3B Miguel Sano (A-)

The most impressive thing about the Brewers is how young and well-proportioned their MLB team is already. Then when you notice their farm is insanely deep with significant players at the top, you can see how 2017 (the year Brewers has reported to be his year) is going to be a fun year to watch the Crew. There are corner infielders, middle infielders, catchers and outfielders sprinkled in the top-10, with a few key pitching prospects like Beede, Kolek, and Justus Sheffield throwing hard with HUGE upside forming a formidable base. Sano will most likely move off of 3B, as will Schwarber from C, but both have gargantuan power. Arcia and Monte Harrison provide speed and athleticism, even if they're a bit farther away. Brewers can wait and see how his farm pans out or sell it to make his MLB team even better, but either way, he's created a great resource for future success.

3 - Boston Red Sox / 2B Yoan Moncada (A-)

Another really deep system with some top-heavy talent. The IFA addition of Cuban wunderkind (or is it niño maravilla?) Yoan Moncada pushed this system up the rankings. The only possible knock, and it’s small, is the lack of depth on offense and the outfield. Moncada and McMahon could be infield studs, but this system relies on the strength of it’s potential rotation. High upside is the name of the game with former 1st overall pick Mark Appel (who’s running out of time to impress), and former Royals draft pick Kyle Zimmer.

2 - St. Louis Cardinals / SS Francisco Lindor (A)

Cardinals have slowly built one of the best farms in this league. With the internal options constantly presenting themselves from the IRL Cardinals and a few savvy moves to pick up cornerstone pieces like Lindor and Sanchez, this farm is both deep and top-heavy. Lindor looks to be a star that'll start shining at some point in 2015, even if he might not have the ceiling of a Addison Russell or Carlos Correa, he's almost sure to be a top-15 fantasy SS. The farm is diverse and deep, as well. There are no glaring holes when you look around at the positions represented except maybe 1B. Guys like Sanchez and McCullers are already producing in the Majors, fellas like Mazara and Alfaro are a little further away, and with a fantastic pitching staff and only a few missing pieces from the lineup, this squad looks good going into 2016.

1 - Kansas City Royals / SS Addison Russell (A)

This wasn't even close, in fact the Royals farm system is so deep that their 11-20 prospects would have finished 17th on this list if they were a separate team. Four Grade A prospects, including one of the Top 5 in all of baseball, helped put the Royals on top. Their incredible depth at just about every position on the diamond and litany of prospects added through trades is the key to their success, this system could form a monster in the next five years.

2015 Season Report (50 Games)

PHOENIX - The 2015 season has not been good for the Diamondbacks. They seem to be caught in some kind of limbo where they aren't bad enough to be the hunt for a Top 5 draft pick, but they are just good enough that it gives fans hope. You could probably do some serious analysis of the statistics to see how a team that has been dismantled is still 19th (24-26), but it probably just comes down to Paul Goldschmidt.

Goldschmidt continues to power the Arizona offense on his way to an MVP season, but he's finally getting a little help from the rest of the team. Chris Owings, finally healthy (for now), is settling in at 2B with the return of J.J. Hardy at SS. Yasmany Tomas is hitting, but he isn't showing the power the Diamondbacks had hoped for when they signed him. Despite his troubles at the hot corner, he's back there with better options in the OF and Blake DeWitt languishing on the bench. Speaking of OF options, the Diamondbacks have a number of them that include some rookies enjoying early calls to the show. David Peralta and Ender Inciarte are 2014 veterans, but Eddie Rosario and Michael Taylor are enjoying extended runs. With Jake Lamb returning soon we could see Rosario or Taylor sent down or moved to spot-start duty, Lamb will be needed at 3B which would move Tomas back to the OF.

The pitching staff, now minus Soria and Bolsinger, is basically a giant flaming wreck. There are some nice stories, with Jim Johnson looking better and rookie Michael Lorenzen having a decent first stint in the majors. This staff has been awful, and it looks like management is just waiting out the season before they can promote their prospects in 2016.