Red Reporter republishes a graph from Reds Minor Leagues showing the position and pitcher strength of each of the major league farm systems. While the Reds are in very good shape, second only to the Braves in the National League, what impressed me were the AL East teams. Looking at the graph, it’s clear why Tampa Bay is willing to take a step back this season and let Matt Garza go for prospects. They are already stocked, and the Garza trade would make an already strong system better. The step back should be very short in terms of seasons.

The Rays, however, are closely followed by both the Blue Jays and the Yankees in terms of strength. New York holds the advantage in position players, the Blue Jays in pitchers. Surprisingly to me, the Red Sox are back in the pack in terms of minor league talent, which is one reason they might have gone for good, long-term players in the free agent market this year. The AL East is building toward four very competitive teams over the next decade.