Quote:
Originally Posted by Carplos
Yes, in the sense that I don't think it's actually measurable. Human beings react differently when they're in more stressful situations. Some people probably do handle being a closer better than others, but there's very little statistical correlation over long periods of time. Probably because skill and talent balances it out.
I'm not saying it doesn't help and I agree with you here--except it doesn't HAVE to be a veteran player. You don't think any Giant hitters could learn something from Buster Posey about hitting? I know Panda swings at everything, but maybe he could give some tips of plate coverage.
My point is there's no way to put a single rating on it. Now, if you want to suggest maybe players can pick up traits from other players (pitchers picking up pitches, for example) then I'm all for it.
Mike Sweeney is a guy who hung around at least five years longer than he should've because he was a nice guy with "veteran presence," but I see no evidence that he actually helped any individual player in the long run.
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I agree there is no way to put a single rating on the "mentoring skill". However there is no measurable way to put a single rating on the coaching skills that are already included in OOTP yet we have coaches with ratings that "help" develop players. I would simply look at any player mentors as being a quasi-hitting or pitching coach and an extension of the current coaching model.
Players picking up traits or skills (new pitch, ability to cover the plate and become a better hitter etc) is exactly what I think a mentor would be good for and is really no different than what the coaches do. IE teach and develop. Mentors are not going to take Mark Belanger and develop him offensively into Cal Ripken. Like most OOTP modifiers the effect will be subtle to the point you wonder if it is even there, kind of like real life. You add another layer of decision making to building your team. Is that established, career long hard working, veteran leader worth adding to the club? Am I better off just filling the slot with a young guy?
I don't really care if this gets added or not. I understand the arguments against. Its just IMHO we already have coaches with ratings that are really immeasurable IRL that influence development. I don't see this being much different if its done as a subtle boost.
I would regard Posey as an exception to the rule. Most vets aren't going to a rookie or 2nd year player for advice on how to handle "game situations" or to improve their hitting or pitching. I'd look at it this way, in 1980 an established point guard in the NBA might take advice from the rookie Magic Johnson after a good part of the season was under way. The same vet isn't going to give any other rookie PG the time of day.
IMHO mentoring could be done in a sensible way ala Front Office Football and Football Manager. IE Players teaching players. I also think you are right that a player doesn't have to be old to be a mentor. Any established "good to star" player could have mentoring skills even at a relatively young age. Again I would think the Poseys of the world would be the exception only being a 1st to 2nd year man but, a young guy with 4-5 consecutive good years and an established reputation could be a mentor at 25-26 years old.
Anyway getting a bit off topic for this thread so I'll let it go here understanding we may just have to agree to disagree.
