[hjrrockies]

I have a question about how the developers implement ZiPS projections in ratings generation. Here's what I understand so far:

1. ZiPS projections are NOT park-neutral
2. ZiPS projections form the baseline for in-game ratings
3. The simulation engine is essentially a random number generator, weighted by player ratings
4. The simulation engine is also weighted by the current ballpark

What I want to know: do the player ratings use a park-adjusted version of ZiPS? Because, if not, that would have a drastic effect on the ratings for Rockies hitters and pitchers. To illustrate:

Suppose the "Stuff" rating corresponds roughly to:

70 ~ 10.0 K/9
65 ~ 9.5 K/9
60 ~ 9.0 K/9
55 ~ 8.0 K/9
etc.

In game, Jon Gray has a 60 Stuff Rating. ZiPS projects him have a ~9.0 K/9, including Coors Field. Meaning, ZiPS thinks his park-neutral, true-talent strikeout rate is nearly 10 K/9 (or a 70 rating). Since Jon only gets a 60, when the game actually simulates, his strikeout rate is usually considerably less than 9.0 K/9, because of Coors Field.

I would love to hear from the developers on this issue, and would hope there's a good way it could be resolved so my Rockies playthroughs don't involve an offense scoring 7 runs a game, but a team ERA in the high 5's. Even though the net effect means the Rockies win as many games as expected, the splits are more extreme than in real life.