Development of pitchers

[aquapong]

The Cardinals have had a lot of success in recent years putting all of their better pitching prospects as starters in order to get more innings under their belts. They do this even if they expect they won't be a starter in the big leagues.

I've noticed if leaving the decision to the computer, good reliever prospects will often get placed as starters in the minors. How do you guys manage this? If a guy only has two pitches and/or low stamina, I tend to keep them as relievers and I haven't found it effects their level of readiness or speed with which they reach the majors as relief pitchers.

[kingtut313]

i always pitch guys in the minors where i will use them in the majors, barring the occasionaly spot starts for injuries.

i imagine using a reliever as a starter would stretch him out and boost his stamina, at the price of stuff

[RchW]

Originally Posted by aquapong

The Cardinals have had a lot of success in recent years putting all of their better pitching prospects as starters in order to get more innings under their belts. They do this even if they expect they won't be a starter in the big leagues.

I've noticed if leaving the decision to the computer, good reliever prospects will often get placed as starters in the minors. How do you guys manage this? If a guy only has two pitches and/or low stamina, I tend to keep them as relievers and I haven't found it effects their level of readiness or speed with which they reach the majors as relief pitchers.

Edited

The OOTP AI does this by default. It makes sense because if a new pitch is to be developed or an existing one improved it's going to be more likely as a starter. Look at the player page top right and click on suggested role. You will see the role change as the league level changes. Keep in mind that player evaluation is relative so if another pitcher comes to a particular level and he grades out as a starter, you will get a cascade effect.

If you want to prevent this or disagree with the AI, use the force start feature.

If you try to force a bullpen guy to start in AAA you may retard his development, especially if he gets smacked around.