It seems like I write that sentence every year.

New ownership promises to stop the bleeding of talent, and perhaps they will succeed. The recent acquisition of Hideki Irabu in exchange for prospect Jake Westbrook is the opposite of the transactions usually conducted by Montreal. But the fact remains that the Expos are extremely reliant on their farm system and player development program, and will remain so.

The Expos have plenty of young talent on the major league roster. Vladimir Guerrero, Ugueth Urbina, Brad Fullmer, Jose Vidro, Michael Barrett, and Javier Vazquez are all key players developed by the farm system.

Although the Expos don't have as many prospects as they did six or seven years ago, they have shown the ability to recharge quickly. They usually look for athletic players in the draft, and are one of the better teams at teaching players skills to go with their tools.

Montreal's Latin American scouting program also remains highly-regarded, though as international bonuses creep upward, they will lack the financial resources to pursue the most visible players.

The club's first-round pick was Josh Girdley, a high school lefty from Jasper, Texas. Girdley throws 92 mph with good control, and is polished for a prep pitcher. Second-rounder Brandon Phillips, a shortstop from high school in Georgia, was supposed to be very raw. He still has a lot to learn, but he hit well in his debut, and the Expos think he was a steal. Third-rounder Drew McMillan, a high school catcher from California, has an outstanding glove, but a weak bat.

Fourth-round outfielder Matt Cepicky, an outfielder from Southwest Missouri State, owns a first-round bat but fell due to questions about his defense. He can certainly hit, though. Fifth-rounder Pat Collins, a right-hander from St. John's, throws hard but needs more polish than most college pitchers.

Picks six through nine were high schoolers who will take time to develop.

After that the Expos picked up some college players who had successful debuts: 15th-rounder Valentino Pascucci, an outfielder from Oklahoma; 16th-round pick Matt Watson, a third baseman from Xavier; 25th-rounder Chuck Crumpton, a pitcher from Arizona State. These guys will have to prove themselves at higher levels, but if they develop they will add some depth to go with the high school picks.