In this article we will review the top five farm systems in baseball.
A note on these rankings. We have not taken potentials into consideration. This was a conscious decision. Just because a player exhibits potential, does not mean the player will ever realize this potential. Farm systems were evaluated on their present strengths, character and ability to convert their talent into major league players in a relatively short period of time.
| Team | Grade | ||
| 1. Guelph Storm | A- | ||
| 2. Moose Jaw Dragons | B+ | ||
| 3. Vancouver Orcas | B+ | ||
| 4. Lethbridge Typhoon | B+ | ||
| 5. Ottawa Milk Men | B+ | ||
| 6. Yellowknife Bluenotes | B+ | ||
| 7. Port Hope Battery | B+ | ||
| 8. Cold Lake Mud Cats | B+ | ||
| 9. Fredericton Bandits | B+ | ||
| 10. Sask Yellow Jackets | B+ | ||
| 11. Val d'Or Sharks | B | ||
| 12. Grand Rapids Red Dogs | B | ||
| 13. St Paul Pride | B | ||
| 14. Calgary Remparts | B | ||
| 15. Owen Sound Crusaders | B | ||
| 16. Toronto Polar Bears | B | ||
| 17. Niagara Falls Rapids | B | ||
| 18. Charlottetown Blues | C+ | ||
| 19. Fort Mac Roughnecks | C | ||
| 20. London Mustangs | C | ||
| 21. PEI Argonauts | C | ||
| 22. Regina Pirates | C | ||
| 23. Victoria Islanders | C- | ||
| 24. West Bay Red Skulls | D | ||
| 25. Quebec Bulldogs | D | ||
| 26. Kelowna Okanagans | D | ||
| 27. Creston Kokanee | F | ||
| 28. Cobourg Stampeders | F |
1. Guelph Storm - All eyes are on prospect Bill Thorne, widely regarded as the future of the franchise. Thorne's control is among the best in the game. He's got a really stong arm, so he can blow it by you on occasion. He can get groundballs when he needs them in a jam. You also have to like the talent of left fielder Peter Evans. Evans has quick hands and is able to cover the entire plate. Don't forget about Dave Bookout. Bookout is an excellent mistake hitter who belts middle-of-the-plate fastballs or hanging breaking balls. Kyle Celtia has been a critically acclaimed relief pitcher prospect. His curveball is solid; he throws it better than your average reliever. Heath Begley is also one of this team's top prospects. He should pan out nicely. Begley is an excellent mistake hitter who belts middle-of-the-plate fastballs or hanging breaking balls.
Score: A-
2. Moose Jaw Dragons - Much of this franchise's future hangs upon young Jonathan Knowles's development. Knowles provides an ongoing clinic on how to hit .300. He works the count in his favor, waiting for his pitch or settling for a walk. One thing's for sure, late in the game you're glad you have him on the field. You also have to like the talent of starting pitcher Matthew Wasdell. Wasdell's development is proceeding a little slower than hoped, but the Moose Jaw Dragons are no less optimistic. Another great prospect is Eisuke Ebisu. He hasn't excelled quite yet, but the Moose Jaw Dragons are expecting big things from him. Another youngster fixing to make a splash is Jose Alejandro. Alejandro hasn't stepped up to fill the big shoes the Moose Jaw Dragons are hoping he will, but these things take time. You also have to like the talent of right fielder Isaias Denti. Aggressive on the basepaths, Denti is a good basestealer and takes the extra base when needed most.
Score: B+
3. Vancouver Orcas - Hoisted high on the shoulders of top prospect Marques Fisher lies the future of the Vancouver Orcas. His sinking two-seam fastball and slider produce tons of groundballs. Ed Schnoover is also one of this team's top prospects. He should pan out nicely. One of Schnoover's strongest assets is his performance with men in scoring position. Ed Schnooveris Mr. Clutch. Many like the skills of Marty Guzman. Guzman will give up home runs, but rarely with the game on the line. Another great prospect is Mike Haddon. Haddon's bread and butter pitch is his slider. I've seen it baffle many a lefty. Keep your eye on Kade Dochoda. He hasn't excelled quite yet, but the Vancouver Orcas are expecting big things from him.
Score: B+
4. Lethbridge Typhoon - The jewel of the Lethbridge Typhoon's farm system is Joe Henander. He has a very quick bat and can adjust to a pitch's movement as well as any hitter in the game. Bryce Sumter has caught the attention of the Lethbridge Typhoon press, who routinely cover his progress. Sumter's forte is holding runners at bay. A lot can be said for prospect Don Vickering's skillset. He's a good late inning man, which is when being a pitcher really counts. He has a very good move to first base and is solid at controlling the running game. Brian VanSickle has been a critically acclaimed relief pitcher prospect. He's got a really stong arm, so he can blow it by you on occasion. VanSickle's fastball was clocked at 95 MPH most of the season and he kept excellent control of it. Davonne MacEwan appears to have a bright future ahead of him as well. He hasn't excelled quite yet, but the Lethbridge Typhoon are expecting big things from him.
Score: B+
5. Ottawa Milk Men - Hoisted high on the shoulders of top prospect Sean Weathersby lies the future of the Ottawa Milk Men. He hasn't excelled quite yet, but the Ottawa Milk Men are expecting big things from him. The talent of young Laurent Witkowski has caught the attention of the Ottawa Milk Men senior management. Witkowski is an excellent mistake hitter who belts middle-of-the-plate fastballs or hanging breaking balls. Witkowski is an explosive lefthanded hitter who thrives in key situations. A lot can be said for prospect Jeremy Neurohr's skillset. He's got a really stong arm, so he can blow it by you on occasion. He has the ability to coax groundballs, which helps him succeed. His curveball is solid; he throws it better than your average starter. The Ottawa Milk Men expect big things from their young third baseman Barton Kennedy. Kennedy quickly learned that he could drive the ball out the opposite way. That knowledge has made him a better hitter because he now uses the entire field. Kennedy has excellent speed and uses it wisely. He reads pitchers' moves well and is capable of stealing in any situation. Chris Harper also appears very promising. Harper is an above-average runner, but lacks the first-step explosiveness needed to become a basestealing threat.
Score: B+