Keith Law ranks the Rays farm system #23. Ouch.23. Tampa Bay RaysYears of good trades helped keep the Rays near the top of the list since I started compiling these rankings, but they've been crushed by the graduations of Wil Myers and Chris Archer last year plus several unproductive drafts -- when Kevin Kiermaier and Tim Beckham reached the majors in September, they were the first players drafted and developed by the Rays to suit up for the team since David Price and Matt Moore from the 2007 draft.The Rays have been hurt by on-field success that gives them lower picks and limits their draft and international bonus pools, but they haven't fared well even within those limits.
DRaysbay took a look at Friedman's drafts http://www.draysbay.com/2014/1/27/5346018/reviewing-andrew-friedmans-drafts
when Kevin Kiermaier and Tim Beckham reached the majors in September, they were the first players drafted and developed by the Rays to suit up for the team since David Price and Matt Moore from the 2007 draft.
That's damn-near pathetic.
And draysbay didn't have a much shinier outlook on recent drafts. Although pilfering some of the young guys from other organizations through trade has brought some positive results. Eventually Price will as well.
Season not starting out well: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/03/jeremy-hellickson-out-until-may-following-elbow-surgery/
