Correction: In a recent IT IS HIGH post regarding the Yankee farm system, optimism was erroneously suggested. We regret the error.

February is a traditional time for baseball prospect rankings and the filling of soap dispensers at MLB camps. 

Because spring training will almost surely be delayed - (opening day, perhaps, as well) - I guess we're supposed to pass the time dickering over farm system ratings. 

A new low for relevance, eh? 

I mean, if baseball doesn't care enough to furnish an actual season, how deeply into the future should fans bother to ponder?

Last week, Baseball America ranked the Yankees - charitably - in the top half of farm systems, though ahead of only Toronto in the AL East. Yesterday, The Atlantic's Keith Law - an original Bill James acolyte who once worked for the Blue Jays - unveiled his annual organizational rankings. He ranked the Yankees 22nd - last in their division - suggesting smoke and mirrors among certain high-rising position players. (This includes the ridiculous hype for Jasson "The Martian" Dominguez and the meteoric rise of Anthony Volpe, both of whom might be too good to be true.)

In Law's book, all our AL East rivals rank ahead of the Yankees. The Rays and Jays both rate in the Top Five, and the best system out there is - gulp - the Dodgers, which proves once again that you can have both a great team and a bright future, if you spend wisely. The Yankees simply haven't, and Hal Steinbrenner is comfortable with the results, as they pertain to his bottom line.

I should note that Keith Law has always fostered boisterous critics on Twitter, including Yank fans who decry his bias toward Boston. To me, it's sad - watching fans defend a franchise that cares so little about them. 

But I've liked Law ever since his 2014 Twitter dustup with Catsup Curt Schilling over - I'm not making this up - evolution. Yes, the Scopes trial, the Darwin thing, the Flintstones eating brontosaurus burgers, etc. Creationist Curt argued Genesis - (the book, not the hair treatment) - Law called him out, and, of course, it got nasty. 

ESPN suspended Law - another reminder to never expect media companies to stand up for anything. Worried about losing ads - (the My Pillow guy was an up-and-comer) - the network told Law to shut up and talk baseball. "I haven't criticized or questioned anyone's faith," he responded. "I oppose anti-science, that's all."

Dear God! In today's market, that's the stuff of death threats. So, Law assesses the Yankee future among in the bottom third of baseball? In the name of Ed Whitson, who's got the tacks? Where's his driveway? 

Oh, well, the season probably won't launch on time anyway. Let's hope the soap dispensers still work, when it does.