Bear or Bull: Javier Baez vs. Ferrari 488 GTB

It is said that spontaneity is the key to life. Well, I just got a little something something from the wife the other day, out of the blue so…Long live spontaneity!!! In past iterations of Bear or Bull, I compared two players that were being selected in the same range, according to NFBC ADP. Since my endorphins are still floating merrily through my bloodstream from the “sponataneity,” I wanted to change it up this week. Also, the player that caught my eye this week could not be compared to any mere player anyways. Only a Ferrari 488 GTB would suffice.

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Tale of the tape:

I don’t know, man. Looks pretty even to me. The Ferrari has got the advantage in weight, power, and speed, but Baez has the height advantage, more endurance, and is a transformer. This is not an easy endeavor.

Do chicks dig it? This is another tough one. I would say that most, not all, chicks would like the Ferrari. Not for the car itself, but for what else it might bring. I know many women that are car enthusiasts and would appreciate the car for what it is, but on the whole, I think the generalization has some merit. As for Baez, he’s a good-looking dude. And he hits long dongs. I’ve heard that chicks dig the long ball so…..

What about guys? Well, show me one guy that would turn down a Ferrari 488 GTB. Exactly. As for Baez, this is where it gets interesting. Show me one guy that would turn down a chance to be Baez? Well, for starters, Kris Bryant is just as good looking, if not more, and has hit more dongs than Baez, so I doubt he would want to swap. Now, in the fantasy baseball world, there are some that love him and some that hate him. Ferrari with the definitive edge here.

What about color scheme? Ferrari comes in Blu Swaters, Blu Tour de France, Azzurro California, Blu Mirabeau, Blu Abu Dhabi, Blu Scozia, Blu Pozzi, Nero DS 1250, Verde British, Grigio Scuro, Nero Daytona, Canna Di Fucile, Grigio Silverstone, Grigio Titanio Metallizzato, Argento Nurburgring, Grigio Alloy, Bianco Avus, Avorio, Grigio Ingrid, Grigio Ferro, Rosso Fiorano, and Rosso Mugello. Baez? White, blue, and red.

Ok, this is not turning out to be a fair fight after all. Which begs the question, “Why is the fantasy baseball community infatuated with Baez?”

Grey went over him here earlier in the year. I often disagree with Grey…cough Odor…cough Murphy, but I agree 100% in regards to Baez. He’s not a starter people!!! He’s projected for around 450 plate appearances. There are tons of starters available later in the draft. Now, if he was some Barry Bonds-esque robot, with a 10% strikeout rate, 25% walk rate, and able to crush the one pitch he would see per at-bat, then yes. But, Baez walks 3%, strikes out 24%, has a swinging strike rate of 14%, and swings at over 40% of pitches outside the strike zone.

Things like this are awesome, but don’t let them infect your brain. If your goal is to be able to gloat when Baez makes that highlight play once in while, then draft him. If your goal is to win, a better use of draft capital is warranted.

I’d imagine that one would buy a Ferrari to, either get girls, drive fast, or show off. You don’t buy a Ferrari for the daily grind of life…to go grocery shopping and pick up the kids. Baez is a fantasy baseball luxury. If you can acquire him at a discount, I have no problems with that. He does have value, especially the multi-eligibility. With that said, he’s priced as a borderline starter.

I will leave you with a quote from our Supreme Leader here at Razzball:

As for Baez, I’m guessing I’m more down on Baez, in a non-sexual way, than most ‘perts.  On a bad team, Baez plays for 600 ABs and I’m Afrika Bambaataa wearing sunglasses that have Baez’s face on them and a medallion with Baez’s number. Now? I don’t see Baez getting more than 450 ABs or hitting anywhere above the six hole for more than a hundred of them. – Grey Albright

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