Keith Law ranks Braves system #1 in midseason update

[praeceps93]

http://espn.go.com/blog/keith-law/po...systems-update Behind paywall, but the Braves blurb that's viewable is good news.

[Russ2dollas]

I'd still prefer Boston's grp to ours....

That said...I wonder if we can do a different deal with Boston. IF, big IF, Travis can play LF can we get him for someone like Jenkins? Can we find a solid bat and use one of our many (so so many) 4/5 starters (keep Julio and Folty).

[Tapate50]

I'd still prefer Boston's grp to ours....

That said...I wonder if we can do a different deal with Boston. IF, big IF, Travis can play LF can we get him for someone like Jenkins? Can we find a solid bat and use one of our many (so so many) 4/5 starters (keep Julio and Folty).

While I don't disagree, we are flush with pitchers, the opposite is true for them. They don't have a lot at the ML level, and not really a whole lot of help on the way.

[Preacher]

The only system I like as much as Atlanta's right now is Boston and I think you can make an argument either way.

What we just did in the draft and the international market probably pushes us over the top, we added so much premium young talent.

[Tapate50]

The only system I like as much as Atlanta's right now is Boston and I think you can make an argument either way.

What we just did in the draft and the international market probably pushes us over the top, we added so much premium young talent.

And will be in position do draft at the very top again this year.

[bravesfanMatt]

I think the best thing about our system is we should be a top 5 for many years to come. Once we graduate Ozzie and Swanson, we should have other guys just taking their place. Hopefully we can get the mother ship turned around and enjoy organizational success across all levels.

[Hudson2]

We will be better next year but should still be a bottom 5-10 team depending on what moves the FO makes this offseason.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Our system outside of the low minors is overrated and complete garbage.

Everyone points to Swanson and Albies. What makes them so great, they aren't once in a generation talent like Griffey, AROD, or Chipper. We will be lucky if they are as good as Furcal and Giles. Where's our cornerstone player to build around? There are non.

We have major issues at catcher, third, and the outfield. No help is on the way. We need power, our system is starved of power. Where are the hitters to build around? Where is the Justices, Gants, Chipper, Klesko, and Javys?

All these pitchers are overrated. A bunch of fringe bottom of the rotation or setup guys. Should have sold high on guys like Wisler, Blair, and Jenkins. Instead we rush them and expose them for the frauds that they are. Up next: Minter, Newcomb, Fried. There's no Smoltz or Glavine or Avery in this group. They'll be lucky to carve out a career like Buddy Carlyle.

Give me a system with a few generational talents who are studs with a bunch of scrubs instead of a bunch of AAA fringe MLB filler material.

[Hudson2]

Overreacting much? Swanson is better than Giles and will be the face they build around. And what did Smoltz and Glavine show in the minors that would lead anybody to believe they would be 1st ballot HOF'ers?

[Runnin]

Our system outside of the low minors is overrated and complete garbage.

Give me a system with a few generational talents who are studs with a bunch of scrubs instead of a bunch of AAA fringe MLB filler material.

[nsacpi]

Our system outside of the low minors is overrated and complete garbage.

Everyone points to Swanson and Albies. What makes them so great, they aren't once in a generation talent like Griffey, AROD, or Chipper. We will be lucky if they are as good as Furcal and Giles. Where's our cornerstone player to build around? There are non.

We have major issues at catcher, third, and the outfield. No help is on the way. We need power, our system is starved of power. Where are the hitters to build around? Where is the Justices, Gants, Chipper, Klesko, and Javys?

All these pitchers are overrated. A bunch of fringe bottom of the rotation or setup guys. Should have sold high on guys like Wisler, Blair, and Jenkins. Instead we rush them and expose them for the frauds that they are. Up next: Minter, Newcomb, Fried. There's no Smoltz or Glavine or Avery in this group. They'll be lucky to carve out a career like Buddy Carlyle.

Give me a system with a few generational talents who are studs with a bunch of scrubs instead of a bunch of AAA fringe MLB filler material.

any group of prospects will come up short if lined up against hall of famers

[Knucksie]

They'll be lucky to carve out a career like Buddy Carlyle.

Always enjoy hearing from the eternal optimist.

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

Our system outside of the low minors is overrated and complete garbage.

Everyone points to Swanson and Albies. What makes them so great, they aren't once in a generation talent like Griffey, AROD, or Chipper. We will be lucky if they are as good as Furcal and Giles. Where's our cornerstone player to build around? There are non.

We have major issues at catcher, third, and the outfield. No help is on the way. We need power, our system is starved of power. Where are the hitters to build around? Where is the Justices, Gants, Chipper, Klesko, and Javys?

All these pitchers are overrated. A bunch of fringe bottom of the rotation or setup guys. Should have sold high on guys like Wisler, Blair, and Jenkins. Instead we rush them and expose them for the frauds that they are. Up next: Minter, Newcomb, Fried. There's no Smoltz or Glavine or Avery in this group. They'll be lucky to carve out a career like Buddy Carlyle.

Give me a system with a few generational talents who are studs with a bunch of scrubs instead of a bunch of AAA fringe MLB filler material.

one guy did say maitan was like chipper one time

On a serious note, I'm pretty confident no one in the minors right now in any system will be as good as Ken Griffey Jr. (or A-Rod, if you prefer WAR over career to measure greatness).

[Millwood1Hitter]

They don't have to have HOF careers, but where are the cornerstone types to build around? There are none. Right now we're holding our hat crowning Swanson as that guy, and he may very well be Jeter but...my point being is Jeter isn't a star and the Yanks don't win without Brrnie, Jorge, and Mariano. Just like Chipper wouldn't have won without Justice, Klesko, Javy, etc. We don't have those horses.

[Hudson2]

Jeter isn't a star...most ignorant statement I've seen in awhile. And that's saying a lot.

[50PoundHead]

Our system outside of the low minors is overrated and complete garbage.

Everyone points to Swanson and Albies. What makes them so great, they aren't once in a generation talent like Griffey, AROD, or Chipper. We will be lucky if they are as good as Furcal and Giles. Where's our cornerstone player to build around? There are non.

We have major issues at catcher, third, and the outfield. No help is on the way. We need power, our system is starved of power. Where are the hitters to build around? Where is the Justices, Gants, Chipper, Klesko, and Javys?

All these pitchers are overrated. A bunch of fringe bottom of the rotation or setup guys. Should have sold high on guys like Wisler, Blair, and Jenkins. Instead we rush them and expose them for the frauds that they are. Up next: Minter, Newcomb, Fried. There's no Smoltz or Glavine or Avery in this group. They'll be lucky to carve out a career like Buddy Carlyle.

Give me a system with a few generational talents who are studs with a bunch of scrubs instead of a bunch of AAA fringe MLB filler material.

It's time for your enema. Your constipation is making you crabby.

[Horsehide Harry]

Our system outside of the low minors is overrated and complete garbage.

Everyone points to Swanson and Albies. What makes them so great, they aren't once in a generation talent like Griffey, AROD, or Chipper. We will be lucky if they are as good as Furcal and Giles. Where's our cornerstone player to build around? There are non.

We have major issues at catcher, third, and the outfield. No help is on the way. We need power, our system is starved of power. Where are the hitters to build around? Where is the Justices, Gants, Chipper, Klesko, and Javys?

All these pitchers are overrated. A bunch of fringe bottom of the rotation or setup guys. Should have sold high on guys like Wisler, Blair, and Jenkins. Instead we rush them and expose them for the frauds that they are. Up next: Minter, Newcomb, Fried. There's no Smoltz or Glavine or Avery in this group. They'll be lucky to carve out a career like Buddy Carlyle.

Give me a system with a few generational talents who are studs with a bunch of scrubs instead of a bunch of AAA fringe MLB filler material.

I think I understand where you are coming from and don't entirely disagree. I will say that Folty and Wisler look to at least be serviceable, maybe a #2 and #3. Folty needs a little polish but has the stuff. Wisler has to be more crafty and isn't quite there yet but isn't entirely embarrassing himself. Blair has lost all confidence (if he isn't injured) and it doesn't appear that anyone has been able to bring it back yet (and may never). He was brought up for a taste and just when he opened his mouth and leaned in he got his teeth kicked in. If he can get his confidence back he probably is at least a #3 or #4. Newcomb has been wild and needs control. If he finds it he's very likely to be a #2 or #3, maybe higher. But he does have a bust factor.

But the majority of the high end pitching is at A ball or below. That's why I have been saying that the real target should start in 2018. It's going to take a while.

As for the bats, I agree more with you but not completely. Swanson and Albies should be the future #1 and #2 hole hitters and cover 2nd and short for the next 6 or so years. Ruiz doesn't hit for enough power to play 3rd everyday yet, but he's still young. Maybe he gets there. Peterson is likely a bench guy if anything. The rest of the bats at A ball and above are pretty uninspiring.

That's why I have been so adamant about trading ML assets for a lot of controllable bats with upside.

[cajunrevenge]

I wonder what Millwood1hitterquitter would have though of Kevin Millwood as a prospect. His minor league stat sheets are full of 4 and 5 ERA stops in the minors.

[Carp]

Our system outside of the low minors is overrated and complete garbage.

Everyone points to Swanson and Albies. What makes them so great, they aren't once in a generation talent like Griffey, AROD, or Chipper. We will be lucky if they are as good as Furcal and Giles. Where's our cornerstone player to build around? There are non.

We have major issues at catcher, third, and the outfield. No help is on the way. We need power, our system is starved of power. Where are the hitters to build around? Where is the Justices, Gants, Chipper, Klesko, and Javys?

All these pitchers are overrated. A bunch of fringe bottom of the rotation or setup guys. Should have sold high on guys like Wisler, Blair, and Jenkins. Instead we rush them and expose them for the frauds that they are. Up next: Minter, Newcomb, Fried. There's no Smoltz or Glavine or Avery in this group. They'll be lucky to carve out a career like Buddy Carlyle.

Give me a system with a few generational talents who are studs with a bunch of scrubs instead of a bunch of AAA fringe MLB filler material.

So much inaccuracy here that I don't even know where to start.

[CyYoung31]

Why does it always seem like the Red Sox have a loaded farm system, yet they always seem to fill their roster with creaky old-veterans with bloated contracts?