The System

When Alex Anthopoulos first came on the scene as general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, he promised to do things "the right way." Somehow through the myriad of vagaries and generalizations in his talking points, we could at least gather that "the right way" meant building a club that can consistently compete in its division through smart trades and a healthy Minor League system.

So far, that's translated into a Brad Fullmer biceps sized commitment to scouting on all levels. Let's hope the next move is to use that scouting to build a system in which Yohermyn Chavez isn't being named your top prospect by The Hardball Times.

Now, THT's Prospector Matt Hagen (pictured) and his list are mainly full of shit, but the fact that it's so full of shit gives evidence to the disturbing lack of obvious talent expected to come our way in the next few years.

1. Yohermyn Chavez: Um, yeah. He had a great season last year in Lansing, and it's good to see improvement considering his first year at the A level was such a shit show, but our number one prospect is repeating years? I know he's only 20 years old, but it's ridiculous to give top prospect honours to someone just mastering low A ball.

2. Chad Jenkins: The first pick the Blue Jays made at the 2009 draft. He's apparently already shot up our prospect charts to this point? Did Hagen even see any of these players play? Or is he trying to pawn off the best hitting numbers in the system and the team's top draft choice as the best the system has to offer based on numbers and reputation alone?

3. J.P. Arencibia: I'd rather not write about last year's disappointment. It's right on par with four year old Dustin learning there wasn't a Santa Claus from Matt Doris' older brother.

4. Tyler Pastornicky: It's adorable that midgets are being given equal opportunities and all, but I think the fantasy has gone on long enough.

5. Zach Stewart: Reliever, no? Okay, that's harsh. Stewart has promise. And part of that promise comes from the fact that he's the product of the potentially thorough raping that the Jays gave the Reds in the Scott Rolen deal. If only lightning could strike twice.

6. David Cooper: See J.P. Arencibia.

7. Henderson Alvarez: Okay, now we're talking. Alvarez is exciting. In his first year of A ball, at the age of 19, he was the staff ace. This coming season is huge for the right hander.

8. Moises Sierra: Sierra had a great year playing high A ball, and he even extended that level of play into a brief callup to Double A. He's another guy about to have an important year.

9. Brad Emaus: After posting some good numbers in his first year of pro ball, Emaus remembered that he wasn't a great prospect and decided to go back to playing at that level. Thanks for at least being honest this time, Brad.

10. Brad Mills: I kind of wish this guy was better than he was, but with so many lefty starters at this level, Mills is going to have to prove himself at Triple A in 2010 before getting the callup.

No Tim Collins or Carlos Perez? Shame!

For prospect listings that make a lot more sense, check out the work that Batter's Box has put together for their end of year Top 30 list.