The three R's of deep pitching systems

Most trade-deadline deals -- the deadline is 10 days away -- are predicated on pitching. This year is no exception; the big names you hear tossed around are Roy Oswalt, Dan Haren and Ted Lilly; teams are said to be seeking astronomical returns for even middle relievers.

What's the status of pitching in the minors? Which teams have strong pitching corps and could overcome a deal involving some of it, maybe for a bat? There are three organizations to focus on.

• No team in baseball has had a better year down on the farm than the Kansas City Royals, who have a trio of power lefties with star-level possibilities.

• The nonstop factory that is the Tampa Bay Rays system has more starters to come, with someone to watch at every level.

• Although the Texas Rangers are known for their power arms, it's a quartet of strike-throwers at the lower levels who are generating some attention of late.

To read the full report on these three teams, you must be an ESPN Insider.

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