MLB's best, worst farm systems (Cont.)

By John Manuel, Baseball America

Atlanta's Jason Heyward is one of the best outfield prospects in all of baseball. Cliff Welch/Icon SMI

Rather than rank the remaining 20 teams, where it's really splitting hairs, I've listed them alphabetically in two categories.

Best of the rest (6-15 range)

Braves: Depth took a hit in '09, but outfielder Jason Heyward lifts system himself.

Brewers: Alcides Escobar (still barely eligible), '09 draft pitchers keep Milwaukee strong.

Marlins: Still thin on arms, but Florida's bats, led by OF Mike Stanton, still impress.

Orioles: If Josh Bell and Brandon Snyder are legit corner IF bats, O's could be interesting.

Pirates: Impressive depth behind top prospects Pedro Alvarez, Tony Sanchez.

Red Sox: System is very young, but SS/RHP Casey Kelly, OF Ryan Westmoreland could be special.

Rockies: Four impact pitching prospects, led by '09 first-rounder Tyler Matzek.

Royals: Excellent top-level pitching supplemented by strong '09 draft class.

Twins: Solid upper-level hitters aided by influx of draft and international talent in '08.

Yankees: Slugging catcher Jesus Montero ranks among minors' best hitters.

Worst of the rest (16-25 range)

Angels: Bevy of draft picks, led by OF Mike Trout, improved system's depth.

Athletics: Natural regression after all those rookies in '09; whither Michel Ynoa?

Cubs: Much better than at this point last year, led by SS Starlin Castro.

Dodgers: L.A. has spent less on draft picks the last two years than any club, and it shows.

Mariners: Still reeling, especially on the mound, from years of Bill Bavasi's management.

Mets: Solid top 10, but the Mets don't have anyone likely to help in New York in 2010.

Padres: Much-improved system still was down long enough to help cost GM Kevin Towers his job.

Reds: Hard to fathom Rolen deal, which cost power arms, and handling of top prospect IF/OF Todd Frazier's position.

Tigers: Top arms are green, and organization overall lacks athleticism.

White Sox: Decent talent, but system was thinned by graduations, trades.

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