They're going to be much better.
For the OF, they've basically upgraded to a full year of Abreu and Matsui vs. Melky and Bernie.
They've added Andy Pettitte over RJ, and will replace Wright/Ponson/etc. with Pavano/Igawa/Hughes/Sanchez/Clemens?.....
They've also cut enough payroll and increased their farm system from a mid-20s ranking to the top 5. This will help them acquire whatever they need come July. Cashman's in charge now, and it's all starting to show.
Farm system rankings (BA.com)
1. Arizona Diamondbacks 13 13 21 23 29
Signing Justin Upton is the icing on the cake for minor's most loaded system.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers 21425 28
Even without top 2005 draft pick Luke Hochevar, the Dodgers have depth and star power.
3. Florida Marlins 14 14 8 10 9
Postseason fire sale brought depth, top-tier talent to a system that already had some of both.
4. Los Angeles Angels 1 3 5 17 25
Elite infielders head impressive group of hitters; pitching hinges on ‘04 picks Weaver, Adenhart.
5. Milwaukee Brewers 3 1 16 26 30
Despite graduating young talent to Milwaukee, Brewers still have plenty left on the farm.
6. Minnesota Twins 4 5 4 6 15
Healthy return by Jason Kubel would provide boost to organization loaded with young pitching.
7. Atlanta Braves 5 4 2 7 5
Lowest ranking in years for Braves only comes after graduating 19 rookies to big league club.
8. Boston Red Sox 21 23 27 28 24
Improved pitching depth leads to quantum leap forward.
9. Cleveland Indians 7 6 1 20 26
Depth is the Tribe’s biggest strength, and Marte acquisition boosted team into top 10.
10. Tampa Bay Devil Rays 9 9 10 15 6
Former scouting director Tim Wilken left behind much-improved pitching depth.
11. Colorado Rockies 6 15 25 24 16
Fruits of three consecutive productive drafts starting to percolate up through the system.
12. Baltimore Orioles 25 19 30 29 27
A farm system on the way up could improve even more if Adam Loewen fulfills his potential.
13. Detroit Tigers 29 22 12 18 18
Biggest mover on the list thanks to pair of elite power arms, Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya.
14. Chicago White Sox 12 20 15 9 1
Championship closer Bobby Jenks heads list with outfield depth to spare.
15. Chicago Cubs 10 7 3 1 2
Felix Pie takes up mantle as top prospect in a rapidly thinning organization.
16. Texas Rangers 16 16 19 8 13
Trio of Double-A pitchers, improved depth give new GM Jon Daniels pieces to deal.
17. New York Yankees 24 27 17 5 7
Premium talent on hand, but Yankees’ top prospects have yet to venture beyond A-ball.
18. San Francisco Giants 17 24 11 12 22
Bulk of top hitters reach make-or-break Double-A in ’06; Matt Cain gives team elite arm.
19. Pittsburgh Pirates 18 11 18 22 19
Last two first-round picks, Neil Walker and Andrew McCutchen, provide best hope for impact.
20. Houston Astros 22 29 23 3 10
Farmhands helped big league team to first pennant, yet minor league talent still improved.
21. St. Louis Cardinals 30 28 28 30 23
Early returns on their bountiful 2005 draft boost stock of previously moribund system.
22. Philadelphia Phillies 20 21 7 11 12
Jim Thome trade nets pair of lefties who can step in if top prospect Cole Hamels gets hurt again.
23. Kansas City Royals 28 19 26 21 14
No. 2 overall pick Alex Gordon, Billy Butler provide 1-2 punch for club in need of hope.
24. Washington Nationals 26 30 29 16 21
Scouting director Dana Brown has done well in tough circumstances to accumulate talent.
25. Toronto Blue Jays 15 8 6 13 17
System has some depth, particularly on the mound, but few players project as regulars.
26. Oakland Athletics 8 17 22 19 11
Talent inevitably eroded after A’s graduated four impact rookies to big leagues in 2005.
27. Seattle Mariners 11 12 9 2 4
Utter lack of pitching prospects has roots in run of poor drafts in late 1990s, early 2000s.
28. New York Mets 19 10 13 27 20
It’s Lastings Milledge, Mike Pelfrey and a lot of players who wouldn’t make other teams’ top 10s.
29. San Diego Padres 27 25 20 4 8
At least the best the Padres have to offer are close to helping the big league club . . .
30. Cincinnati Reds 23 26 24 14 3
While nearly all the Reds’ best hopes for the future are in A-ball or below.
