We know that Cleveland’s farm system isn’t what it used to be. The trades of Drew Pomeranz, Alex White, and Joe Gardner; the promotions of Lonnie Chisenhall, Jason Kipnis, and Vinnie Pestano; and the struggles of Jason Knapp, Nick Weglarz, and LeVon Washington have all hit the organization pretty hard.

Even so, Fish’s analysis seems overly skeptical. ”The cupboard is really, really bare,” he writes, before suggesting that the Tribe’s farm system might be the very worst in baseball—worse even than the White Sox’. Check out his grades for different parts of the organization: (more…)

Topping the list—surprise, surprise—is shortstop Francisco Lindor, the Tribe’s first-round pick in the 2011 MLB amateur draft. Lindor, who Goldstein says is “loaded with tools.” is the sole Indians prospect to receive a five-star rating. In particular, Goldstein praises the 18-year-old’s “outstanding bat speed,” “impressive range,” and “off-the-charts makeup” and says Lindor has the potential to be an All-Star. (more…)