Farm System Breakdown – #15: BROB’s Barnacles

For an explanation on the distinction between the “Exponential” and “Linear” rankings given below, please refer to my earlier post “Farm System Primer”. I know it’s tedious, but I had just enough details that I felt needed to review, that I didn’t want to start off each Farm System Breakdown post with 4 paragraphs of jargon. And of course, any questions, feel free to inquire within.

Top 30 Rank (Exponential/Linear): 15/16
Total Rank (Exp/Lin): 16/16
Average of Total Rank (Exp/Lin): 15/14
Average Prospect Grade/Risk (Exp/Lin): 45.9/High / 35.9/High
Total Prospects: 37

Groups of 15 Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

MPTK = “More Players to Know” section of Handbook, DC = Depth Chart of Handbook, 21IFA = IFA signed and drafted in 2021, NL = Not listed in handbook under any sections

Summary

So, pretty quickly in this series we come across a conflict in the grading systems. While the Kelly’s Heroes ranked 16th in their Top 30 Exponential System analysis, I think a decent argument can be made that the BROB’s Barnacles farm system may deserve the honor of being the cellar dweller. Being bottom 3 in every metric is bad, but what stands out is the dead last ranking when comparing total farms. The reason for this is fairly straight forward as the 37 prospects that he boasts is the 2nd least in the CPL of which, only 23 made their respective organizations top 30 in the BA Handbook this year.

That’s rough.

Now, there are two relative gems to be coveted in Joey Bart and Bryce Jarvis. The downside here is that Bart may very well graduate this season drastically reducing the overall value of this farm system.

For what it’s worth, my interest is piqued by most of the other names in his farm, up until the 30s. I don’t believe there are many stars in the making tucked away, but interesting role players or name values at least.

Going forward, there is some potential for a name or two to develop and exceed expectations. Unfortunately, I don’t see that to be enough to elevate this system above the bottom 4 in the CPL. BROB’s Barnacles is in dire need of a youth infusion, and given how the ESPN Projections view his 2021 outlook, he may benefit from targeting high draft picks as the primary means of generating prospect capital.

Hate to break it, but the diagnosis is not good. It’s not clear to me what BROB’s strategy is going forward, but I look forward to seeing how 2021 influences that decision.