How should I utilize the Short A (S A) league?

baseballfan83 · 05-23-2014, 03:58 PM

I'm confused on the purpose of the Short A league. What type of players should I be sending to this league?

I found this on Wikipedia:

Quote:

The late start of the season is designed to allow college players to complete their college seasons in the spring, then be drafted, signed, and immediately placed in a competitive league (The MLB First Year Player Draft begins on the first Monday in June). Players in Short Season leagues are a mixture of newly signed draftees and second-year pros who were not ready to move on, or for whom there was not space at a higher level to move up. Second-year pros tend to be assigned to Extended Spring Training in Florida or Arizona during April and May before reporting to their short-season leagues. For many players, Short Season A is the first time they have ever used wooden baseball bats, as aluminum bats are most common in the amateur game. Players are permitted to use certain approved composite bats at this classification to help them make the transition from aluminum to wood bats. This is also often the first time they have played every day for a prolonged basis, as amateur competitions typically regulate the number of games played in a week.

So, if I'm interpreting this right, that means my S A team should be filled with:

College Grads
Second year pros not ready for Single A

Are there other reasons why a player might find his way to Short-season A?

olivertheorem · 05-23-2014, 09:23 PM

When I'm GM'ing a team, I keep a spreadsheet where I calculate my own overall and potential ratings based on the component ratings, and I use that (along with age) to place everyone. I update the sheet every player dev report, and twice a year (right before the short-A and rookie leagues start, and right before spring training) I re-shuffle everyone. I'll cut older guys who are crowded out by younger, better talent so I don't end up with a 28-yo in single A.

Avindian · 05-24-2014, 03:03 AM

I actually send college grads to Single A if they're a first or second round pick, particularly for relievers misdiagnosed as position players.

Short season is a good place to put college players too, though. And, as you said, for second year pros.

05-23-2014, 09:23 PM	#2
olivertheorem All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,919	When I'm GM'ing a team, I keep a spreadsheet where I calculate my own overall and potential ratings based on the component ratings, and I use that (along with age) to place everyone. I update the sheet every player dev report, and twice a year (right before the short-A and rookie leagues start, and right before spring training) I re-shuffle everyone. I'll cut older guys who are crowded out by younger, better talent so I don't end up with a 28-yo in single A.

05-24-2014, 03:03 AM	#3
Avindian Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 274	I actually send college grads to Single A if they're a first or second round pick, particularly for relievers misdiagnosed as position players. Short season is a good place to put college players too, though. And, as you said, for second year pros.