[CWess12]

Our online league currently has the old minor league structure with Rookie and A- being short-season leagues. As such, most 18-20 y/o prospects are only playing half a season until they have developed enough to play in full-season A ball, which usually happens somewhere around age 21-22.

My question is, does the lack of full seasons of playing time when these prospects are at this age hinder their development and chances of reaching their potential? Is there an optimal way to structure the minor leagues so these prospects are maximizing their development and their opportunity to reach their potential?

I understand that most prospects are not going to reach their potential or that their potential will probably drop, but it would be nice to know whether the league structure and playing time is a hindrance to their development at all.