As he does every year, Keith Law has released his organizational rankings. We’re talking farm systems here, not big clubs, as this will be followed up shortly -- if form holds, tomorrow -- by Keith’s Top 100 prospects list. Apologies, but both features are for ESPN Insider members only. But really, these are two of the features that make getting an Insider subscription worthwhile. If you care a lick about player development, you’ll be going back to them over and over throughout the season.
As for the systems: the Royals are at the very top. Not surprising at all given how much we’ve heard lately about how loaded their system is. The Rays are second, and will only be strengthened by an offseason that has given them a number of extra picks in this year’s draft. Other notables include the Braves at number three, the Phillies fifth, the Yankees ninth, the Red Sox 11th, the Cubs 20th, the Giants 23rd, the Mets 26th and the Brewers dead last.
As is always the case with these sorts of lists, the narrative assessment of that which is ranked is more useful than the number ranking in and of itself, so if you are able, I recommend giving Keith’s piece a read.