2020 Asset Group Analysis – (SB,AV)
(Photo by R. Lansford/Icon Sportswire)
Asset groups are how BABS assembles players with comparable skills and then reviews 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 is not always the case, It is here where we can uncover numerous opportunities to build profit into our rosters.
(SB, AV)
| ASSETS | LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||||||
| ADP | R$ | BATTER | Pos | Tm | PT | Pw | Sp | Av | * | Pk | Rg | Sk- | Inj | Ex | Nw | Ag | Pk | Rg | |
| 40 | $21 | Albies,Ozzie | 2 | ATL | F | SB | AV | ||||||||||||
| 45 | $20 | Marte,Ketel | O2 | ARZ | F | SB | AV | inj- | Rg- | ||||||||||
| 52 | $19 | Merrifield,Whit | 2O | KCR | F | SB | AV | ||||||||||||
| 97 | $13 | Anderson,Tim | S | CWS | F | SB | AV | – | inj- | Rg- | |||||||||
| 206 | $6 | Eaton,Adam | o9 | WAS | F | SB | AV | * | |||||||||||
| 384 | $0 | White,Evan | 1 | SEA | P | SB | AV | EX | |||||||||||
One of the highest rated BABS asset groups is (SB,AV), with significant skills in both speed and batting effectiveness. BABS ranks higher only two other classes void of a power asset… (S+,AV) and (s,A+), and the market agrees as the three players in these higher rated groups all have ADPs in the top 30 or so picks.
But close behind is the (SB,AV) group. For the first three listed in this class, the market view and BABS’ assessment are very consistent. Of note, all three players are second base eligible, meaning if you’re looking for a second base option with a great combo of speed and batting average option, one of this trio could fit your roster nicely. Ozzie Albies is first off the board, being selected in the middle of the third round. Ketel Marte and Whit Merrifield each go another handful of picks later. BABS says all are essentially interchangeable.
The first leverage opportunity of this asset group is White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson who carries a market discount more than three rounds later, currently at ADP 97. While Anderson has some injury and regression risk, BABS believes a player with this skill set makes for a very attractive investment in the 7th round.
The biggest market play may be Adam Eaton, who has been available after pick 200. Health has always been an issue, but after an IL-free 2019 season, his significant batting skills and speed were on full display, while also racking up more than 100 runs scored.
BABS also lists part-timer and rookie-to-be Evan White, an offseason recipient of a 6-year, $24 million contract, rare for a player who has yet to play above Double-A. If playing time evolves, White would make for an intriguing skill set among first basemen and can be acquired in the reserve rounds.