In our first WS run we seemed to have top heavy talent in the farm, but little depth. So when guys like Almora, Happ, Russell, and lesser part Schwarber didn't pan out, we were left with little to call up or trade with.
This time around, however, it seems our depth is historically unprecendented. Our farms 7-9 ranking is based off not having enough top 100 prospects. But most of our 20-30 ranked champs would break the top 10 in other farm systems.
"That said, that depth – the sheer volume of legitimate prospects who would be in that 6 to 15 range in an average farm system – is incredible. Consider Toronto for an example of a median farm system at FanGraphs: their 15th raked prospect is their 4th 40 FV prospect, and they’ve got 26 40 FV or better prospects. In the Cubs system? You don’t even GET TO 40 FV until the 31st ranked prospect. In other words, the Cubs have 30(!) prospects right now that would rank 11th or better in the Blue Jays’ average farm system. That’s extreme depth."
Although the trades were not viewed as a universal positive among fans - for obvious reasons - it's clear the pundits think the Cubs did well.
www.bleachernation.com