I think the jury is still out on him. Not having a minor league season last year prevented us from seeing the full scope of the PD departmental changes that he and Sig have implemented. I have been very encouraged with what they have done so far but, this will be a critical year for me. I think that has been the big difference for me. I now have some belief that if we acquire good talent the PD department will be able to develop it. I thought that DD did a decent job in acquiring talent given the restrictions in the International market but the PD stunk!!!
I've read that Tampa has the strongest system people have ever seen. I do forget who wrote that, but he's been in baseball for decades.
Not sure if that would hold under scrutiny, but even if it doesn't, if you're even mentioned as the best system ever you must be stacked.
Fangraphs is in the midst of evaluating all the farm systems. For the AL East, they have done Tampa, Boston and Toronto. Their methodology is to list every prospect warranting a FV grade of 35+ or higher. The average team has about 40 of these players.
Tampa has 63 players rated 35+. That includes Wander Franco at 80 (the only such prospect in baseball in last year’s ratings), three players at 60, and nine others at 50. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/top-63-prospects-tampa-bay-rays/
Toronto has 39 players over 35+, but decent talent at the top end with one 60, one 55 (Austin Martin) and five 50’s. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/top-39-prospects-toronto-blue-jays/
Boston has 47 players at 35+, a healthy number, but only two prospects ranked at 50 and nobody above that. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/top-47-prospects-boston-red-sox/
I expect our system will be close to Toronto’s, probably a little above with the highly rated Rutschman and a little more depth. But a lot closer to Toronto than the unbelievably strong system Tampa is sporting.
For me, As skeptical as I am about Lamar I really don’t like players who overstep. Watson thinks he should have a say in coaching and GM decisions. If I did agree to a deal to obtain him he’d have to sign a release saying he understands that he has no say or forfeit money if he becomes a problem.