Advice Requested on a Young Pitcher's Development

[neef]

I haven't posted hear in a LONG time! It's strange to be back, but I need some advice on player development.

I have a starter who used to be 5 blue stars - 10s and 9s in all three categories for talent. By 26 he 's developed his actual talent to two 7s and a 6 for overall, lefties and righties. His actual performance on the field has been pretty abysmal however. His first full season his ERA was almost 6, while about a third of the way through his second it's about five. He hasn't had any ratings boosts in almost a year. Very recently he was rated miserably as a one white star pro player - he's up to two stars now.

My question is: What are the chances this guy will still develop into an all-star? He was once ranked as the #1 prospect but that was a year and a half ago. How bright is his future? Is success at this stage common or rare?

I have never developed a good starter in 3 1/2 years in my league (real years, 15 simulated seasons). This actually is the closest I've ever come but I have no experience to know what course to take now!

Any help would be appreciated. And if any of my CBL league-mates see this message: how the hell are ya?

-neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeef

[endgame]

Tough one there, neef. And welcome back to the fold. The pitcher's on that age cusp of development chances, but if it were me, given that he's still a reasonable clicks away from potential, I'd be inclined to give him a few more months in the farm system and watch for player development clues monthly.

[Kelric]

He may still develop, he may do nothing. It's a tough call. I'd probably keep him as my #5 starter and let him play through for a while and see what he can do. If you're in contention and need solid production from that rotation spot then your best bet may be to stick him back in Triple-A and see if his ratings go up or he performs well down there. I wouldn't give up on him just yet though.

[james17]

If you're playing with coaches/scouts on their quality would have a bearing on his future develoment.

FWIW, I've seen pitchers still develop as late as 28 years old but my coaches are very good.

[mrbill]

I've seen a pitcher with 95/55/75 talent but 20/10/75 ratings at age 26 absolutely explode in a league I'm in.

He was traded for a 5th, but I yelled and screamed until the commish didn't do the trade (he was the one trading the 5th, last pick fo the draft).

Now that pitcher is 95/55/75 ratings, and pretty much an ace, age 28.

[neef]

Thanks for your input guys. I think I'll stick him in AAA for a month and hope his ratings improve. They haven't gone up since his promotion into the bigs.

Thanks Again,
neef

[Another Mike D]

I've found that players above 25 don't get ratings bumps so much in AAA, they are generally past that stage. If he's where you said he is, I'd keep him in the majors either in the pen or spot. I've seen lots of GMs giving up on prospects who are 26 but not quite ready. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but if you don't have at least one roster spot that you can devote to a project, you don't need him anyway.