Developing young pitcher

aadam · 06-10-2014, 04:05 AM

I have a 21-year old pitcher with 2 monster pitches (9 sinker + 10 curve) and a very weak 2 changeup. He's 9-7-4 right now as a starting pitcher and develops very well in the minors. However, I'm in serious need of bullpen arms in the majors and he could definitely help. I don't want to rush him however. Which is better for developing his control? According to the manual, everyone on the major league roster will develop at 100% regardless of playing time (so there's no difference between 60 relief appearances in the majors and 30 minor league starts). Challenge level should be alright, I guess he could do well.

DFyvie · 06-10-2014, 05:51 AM

Is he in AA or AAA? He's 21 so it may not be a stretch to give a trial in the pen. If he's in AAA I would certainly give a go.

goalieump413 · 06-10-2014, 10:57 AM

How long has he played in pro ball? If he's been in your organization for a while, it's easier to make the call, since you've had scouting reports and player progression to review. If not, it's a tougher call.

But at 21, I wouldn't make the change just yet. How's his endurance? What kind of intelligence and work ethic does he possess? These are important factors in development. How about his current coaching? Do his manager and PC strategically favor pitching and defense, and if so, are there differences in the Majors that might cause him to never see many relief appearances?

In other words, you might bring him up to Majors, start his clock, and then watch as your manager rarely brings him into the game. You might as well just keep him in the minors, as he wouldn't be contributing that much to your MLB team's success anyway.

Mike45 · 06-10-2014, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goalieump413

How long has he played in pro ball? If he's been in your organization for a while, it's easier to make the call, since you've had scouting reports and player progression to review. If not, it's a tougher call.

But at 21, I wouldn't make the change just yet. How's his endurance? What kind of intelligence and work ethic does he possess? These are important factors in development. How about his current coaching? Do his manager and PC strategically favor pitching and defense, and if so, are there differences in the Majors that might cause him to never see many relief appearances?

In other words, you might bring him up to Majors, start his clock, and then watch as your manager rarely brings him into the game. You might as well just keep him in the minors, as he wouldn't be contributing that much to your MLB team's success anyway.

That last part is how I handle it. Personally, I have no problem bringing up a young player who might not be fully developed....if he will play regularly. But if he's going to be a backup hitter or a end of the bullpen guy/long relief P, I'd rather him still in the minors to get regular AB/IP.

goalieump413 · 06-10-2014, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike45

That last part is how I handle it. Personally, I have no problem bringing up a young player who might not be fully developed....if he will play regularly. But if he's going to be a backup hitter or a end of the bullpen guy/long relief P, I'd rather him still in the minors to get regular AB/IP.

See, even if he still progresses while in the Majors, soaking up the atmosphere, learning from mentors, etc., I always look for a player who can be immediately productive and be put in the lineup. In the Major's, for me anyway, it's less about elevating youth and more about winning. I count on my minor league system to develop the talent, not my Major League club.

Carlton · 06-11-2014, 09:03 AM

If those pitches are fully developed, bring him up

He is a middle reliever regardless as he really only has 2 pitches.

06-10-2014, 04:05 AM	#1
aadam Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: May 2013 Location: Europe Posts: 45	Developing young pitcher I have a 21-year old pitcher with 2 monster pitches (9 sinker + 10 curve) and a very weak 2 changeup. He's 9-7-4 right now as a starting pitcher and develops very well in the minors. However, I'm in serious need of bullpen arms in the majors and he could definitely help. I don't want to rush him however. Which is better for developing his control? According to the manual, everyone on the major league roster will develop at 100% regardless of playing time (so there's no difference between 60 relief appearances in the majors and 30 minor league starts). Challenge level should be alright, I guess he could do well.

06-10-2014, 05:51 AM	#2
DFyvie Major Leagues Join Date: May 2014 Location: Cambridge, UK Posts: 370 Blog Entries: 2	Is he in AA or AAA? He's 21 so it may not be a stretch to give a trial in the pen. If he's in AAA I would certainly give a go.

06-10-2014, 10:57 AM	#3
goalieump413 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 765	How long has he played in pro ball? If he's been in your organization for a while, it's easier to make the call, since you've had scouting reports and player progression to review. If not, it's a tougher call. But at 21, I wouldn't make the change just yet. How's his endurance? What kind of intelligence and work ethic does he possess? These are important factors in development. How about his current coaching? Do his manager and PC strategically favor pitching and defense, and if so, are there differences in the Majors that might cause him to never see many relief appearances? In other words, you might bring him up to Majors, start his clock, and then watch as your manager rarely brings him into the game. You might as well just keep him in the minors, as he wouldn't be contributing that much to your MLB team's success anyway.

06-11-2014, 09:03 AM	#6
Carlton Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 3,765	If those pitches are fully developed, bring him up He is a middle reliever regardless as he really only has 2 pitches.