2021 Asset Group Analysis – (s,AV)
(Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire)
by Pat Cloghessy
Asset groups are a key component of the BABS system. They are our means to assemble players with comparable skills profiles and then review how the marketplace ranks them. The philosophy is that, if several players are comparable, they should be valued at about the same level. As described in Chapter 2 of The BABS Project 3.0, that’s not always the case. Here is where we can uncover opportunities to build profit into our rosters.
(s,AV)
| ADP | R$ | BATTER | Pos | Tm | PT | Pw | Sp | Av | * | Pk | Rg | Sk- | Inj | Ex | Nw | Ag | Pk | Rg | ||
| 40 | $21 | Merrifield,Whit | O | KCR | F | s | AV | |||||||||||||
| 42 | $21 | Anderson,Tim | S | CWS | F | s | AV | – | inj- | Rg- | ||||||||||
| 82 | $14 | Marte,Ketel | 2 | ARZ | F | s | AV | |||||||||||||
| 275 | $2 | Peralta,David | O | ARZ | F | s | AV | Rg- |
Leaving Peralta aside for a moment (13 total SB the last 4 years), the three listed above represent a sought-after asset pair: speed and batting effectiveness. The ability to hit one’s way on base is the first hurdle to clear when chasing stolen bases.
By BABS’ reading, none of these players are projected to nab copious amounts of bags. The (s) here seems to be an indicator of a SB contributor.
In today’s climate, any speed is good speed. While they may not get you 30 steals, BABS thinks the steals they do bring will come with batting average help. All three hit over .300 in 2019, with just Anderson repeating that feat in 2020 (Merrifield and Marte were over .280).
BABS doesn’t register any power in these bats. Marte (pictured) and Peralta have shown isolated spikes, but the realistic expectation for all four is 15-20 HRs on the upside. I know…yawn. Still, these bats can contribute, albeit not elite in any one area.
Right now, the market is valuing the potential speed of both Merrifield and Anderson more than it is for Marte. This might be more perception than reality. Merrifield is already in his age 32 season, and hasn’t eclipsed 30 steals since 2018. Anderson’s biggest obstacle to elevated SB totals is his propensity to swing the bat instead of take a walk.
It’s not that the market doesn’t know these things, it’s more that we are in a speed-starved environment. Guys who can contribute in other areas are at a premium. So pay up.
But not for Marte. He might end up being a value play 40 picks later than Tim and Whit. Sure, his historical SB totals are not as pretty, but he has the assets to chip in while still doing other things well.
As for Peralta, well, he actually has slightly above average speed skill, at least enough to register with BABS despite the lack of SB opportunities. At his ADP, he’s a flyer.