Farm system ranked second in the majors...

[TheFlyingBomb]

...according to Baseball Prospectus.

2. Oakland Athletics
Last Year's Ranking: 23
Why They're Up: Their rebuilding process got off to excellent start, as the Dan Haren and Nick Swisher deals brought in a bevy of excellent prospects to restock the system.
Strengths: Their High-A rotation will have three Top 100 prospects, and there are more arms worth noting at nearly every level in the system; Daric Barton is ready to step in at first base; Carlos Gonzalez is nearly ready as a five-tool outfielder.
Weaknesses: Infielders.
Outlook for 2009 Ranking: It's hard to go up, but most of their talent, especially the pitching, has a maturation date of 2009 and beyond.

This is great news, especially given all the offseason griping about Haren and Swisher being gone. It really gives those of us who support BB's moves something to come back with against those who don't.

Also, the blurb about the amount of "arms worth noting at nearly every level in the system" gives me hope that if things look any kind of good in the next two years, we'll have plenty to offer if we're suddenly in the market for a difference-maker down the home stretch.