With the graduations of Braun and Gallardo, and the deal to get Linebrink, the top half of the system will definitely be weaker than what its been in recent years. That doesn't mean there isn't still some fine quality in the system though, as the high picks from the last two drafts are in the bottom half at this point. I think the ranking has to slip some, you can't "lose" talent like Braun and Gallardo without taking a hit. I also think the team will have some nice, high picks to work with in the next draft, which should refill the open spaces. We're seeing some international free agent signings, and we know Jack Z can pick 'em, I doubt we'll ever see the farm system in a freefall as long as the current regime is running it.