Teaching new positions - does order matter?

SI52 · 11-12-2020, 11:41 PM

Hey all!

Quick question about teaching players defensive positions. Would a player learn 3B quicker if he already knew how to play SS, since SS is generally a harder position than 3B? Or would it not matter what positions he already knew how to play?

Thanks!

Brad K · 11-13-2020, 09:05 AM

What matters is his IF ratings not what other positions he knows how to play. OTOH he's not going to know how to play SS well without good IF ratings.

Timofmars · 11-14-2020, 02:19 AM

No speed increase. But easier positions do get learned faster. So 3B will be learned faster than SS. Or in other words, you reach the experience maximum faster. Also, they learn positions faster during spring training games.

Scottiedog43 · 11-14-2020, 11:18 AM

I try to play my top prospects all over the place to help speed a positional path to the bigs.
Plus, if they don’t pan out I have multiple utility players.

I know that’s not the question....but, hopefully it helps you some.

SI52 · 11-15-2020, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timofmars

No speed increase. But easier positions do get learned faster. So 3B will be learned faster than SS. Or in other words, you reach the experience maximum faster. Also, they learn positions faster during spring training games.

Gotcha, that makes sense! I have a 18 year old who's really far along in his hitting development, but very unpolished at fielding (but has the potential to play all over the infield). I'm starting out by maxing him out at SS, since I figure it'll be harder to find him SS time if I rush him up to the majors as a 3B.

CBeisbol · 11-15-2020, 11:11 AM

As Scottiedog43 said, I play my players at multiple positions. In the lowest minors, I typically alternate every week. Moving all my infielders one position 3B->SS->2B and outfielders LF->CF->RF. Then when they get to the upper minors I focus them on whatever position they are likely to play long term while giving them just a few games at the others so they don't "forget" how to play there. I've seen no adverse effect on their development.

I've wondered it if effects the hitting of players with low adaptability ratings, but, again, I have seen enough to decide that it does.

11-12-2020, 11:41 PM	#1
SI52 Minors (Single A) Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 64	Teaching new positions - does order matter? Hey all! Quick question about teaching players defensive positions. Would a player learn 3B quicker if he already knew how to play SS, since SS is generally a harder position than 3B? Or would it not matter what positions he already knew how to play? Thanks!

11-14-2020, 11:18 AM	#4
Scottiedog43 Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Proud Texan Posts: 483	I try to play my top prospects all over the place to help speed a positional path to the bigs. Plus, if they don’t pan out I have multiple utility players. I know that’s not the question....but, hopefully it helps you some. __________________ “Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.” George Carlin

11-15-2020, 11:11 AM	#6
CBeisbol Banned Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Ban land in 3...2... Posts: 2,943	As Scottiedog43 said, I play my players at multiple positions. In the lowest minors, I typically alternate every week. Moving all my infielders one position 3B->SS->2B and outfielders LF->CF->RF. Then when they get to the upper minors I focus them on whatever position they are likely to play long term while giving them just a few games at the others so they don't "forget" how to play there. I've seen no adverse effect on their development. I've wondered it if effects the hitting of players with low adaptability ratings, but, again, I have seen enough to decide that it does. Last edited by CBeisbol; 11-15-2020 at 11:14 AM.

11-13-2020, 09:05 AM	#2
Brad K Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2016 Location: St Petersburg Florida USA Posts: 6,619 Infractions: 0/2 (3)	What matters is his IF ratings not what other positions he knows how to play. OTOH he's not going to know how to play SS well without good IF ratings.

11-14-2020, 02:19 AM	#3
Timofmars Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 251	No speed increase. But easier positions do get learned faster. So 3B will be learned faster than SS. Or in other words, you reach the experience maximum faster. Also, they learn positions faster during spring training games.