Morning Marquee: Cubs farm system rated No. 1 by ESPN Insiders

ESPN’s Keith Law rated all 30 MLB farm systems, and the Chicago Cubs found themselves at the top. It’s not a huge surprise to most, but it speaks to the work the Cubs’ front office has done over the past few years. They topped the Twins for the No. 1 spot, while Houston, the Mets and Boston rounded out the Top 5.

Four Miami Marlins’ executives flew to Japan to welcome Ichiro Suzuki to their team, a gesture that was not overlooked by the veteran. Ichiro and the Marlins agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal. He’s the first Japanese born player to play for the organization, and will be the team’s fourth outfielder. Ichiro enters the 2015 season 156 hits shy of 3,000.

The Atlanta Braves agreed to a deal with Cuban outfielder Dian Toscano for four years at $6 million per year, with a buyout in 2019 of $1.5 million. Toscano has flown under the radar, but the Braves believe he could join their outfield soon after a little experience in the minors. The two parties had reached an agreement in December, but it took two-months to work through all the paperwork to allow Toscano to enter the country.

These stories and more that you may have missed:

‘ESPN Insiders ranks Cubs’ farm system No. 1 overall’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Marlins go the extra mile to land Ichiro’ – MLB.com

‘Joe Maddon, the Chicago Cubs and Sabermetrics’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Braves announce Toscano deal; DFA Constanza’ – Tomahawk Take

‘Images: Ernie Banks Memorial at Daley Plaza’ – Daily Herald