Tips: Grooming Prospects For ML

sizzlingpopcorn · 05-24-2014, 09:49 AM

Anybody have any tips or suggestions on the best way to groom prospects for the majors? I know each player develops differently and we each have our own ways as GMs.

Avindian · 05-24-2014, 09:59 AM

Here's my process: take it for what it's worth.

First, you absolutely MUST shortlist the player. Makes him easier to find, plus the Manager's screen will tell you how well he's doing. Second, you want to start grooming him the moment you acquire him, be it via draft, trade, waiver, or free agency. Third, consider the age of the prospect: a college player will hit his potential faster, so you can push him a little faster. Fourth, establish how desperately you need him.

The key is to make sure he gets playing time (even if you override your managers to get him that time) and to make sure you don't rush him. I consider one full season to be the bare minimum at each level, unless the player is just destroying the league he's in. Note: I do consider rookie ball + short season to be "one full season" if it's done in the same calendar year.

It is always better, for developmental purposes, to give him a full season in AAA as opposed to benching in the majors.

Finally, make sure you have some quality minor league instructors and the highest player development budget you think you can afford.

goalieump413 · 05-24-2014, 11:58 AM

Yes, it's all about playing time. And you have to ensure the target prospect IS playing, so go to that level and check up on him. Move lesser players to different positions, trade them, etc.

Also, good coaching helps accelerate how fast a prospect develops and help increase the likelihood your prospect will reach closer to his potential. You can also get a benefit of having some true leaders on the team as players. Players with strong leadership have a positive effect on young prospects, so don't get rid of older minor leaguers if they're team leaders.

gbwitheyes · 05-24-2014, 03:35 PM

Has anyone used the aforementioned grooming approach as Commissioner of a league? By that I mean root out the best prospects for each team, then set the table so that each has the optimal chance to reach the show.

I would be interested to hear how you identified and tracked talent in the greater scope of the baseball god.

Thanks.

05-24-2014, 09:49 AM	#1
sizzlingpopcorn Major Leagues Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Halifax, NS Posts: 435	Tips: Grooming Prospects For ML Anybody have any tips or suggestions on the best way to groom prospects for the majors? I know each player develops differently and we each have our own ways as GMs. __________________ QMJHL Researcher - FHM 2, FHM 3 and FHM 4 YT Content Creator: Sports & Racing Simulation Flight Simulation

05-24-2014, 09:59 AM	#2
Avindian Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 274	Here's my process: take it for what it's worth. First, you absolutely MUST shortlist the player. Makes him easier to find, plus the Manager's screen will tell you how well he's doing. Second, you want to start grooming him the moment you acquire him, be it via draft, trade, waiver, or free agency. Third, consider the age of the prospect: a college player will hit his potential faster, so you can push him a little faster. Fourth, establish how desperately you need him. The key is to make sure he gets playing time (even if you override your managers to get him that time) and to make sure you don't rush him. I consider one full season to be the bare minimum at each level, unless the player is just destroying the league he's in. Note: I do consider rookie ball + short season to be "one full season" if it's done in the same calendar year. It is always better, for developmental purposes, to give him a full season in AAA as opposed to benching in the majors. Finally, make sure you have some quality minor league instructors and the highest player development budget you think you can afford.

05-24-2014, 11:58 AM	#3
goalieump413 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 765	Yes, it's all about playing time. And you have to ensure the target prospect IS playing, so go to that level and check up on him. Move lesser players to different positions, trade them, etc. Also, good coaching helps accelerate how fast a prospect develops and help increase the likelihood your prospect will reach closer to his potential. You can also get a benefit of having some true leaders on the team as players. Players with strong leadership have a positive effect on young prospects, so don't get rid of older minor leaguers if they're team leaders.

05-24-2014, 03:35 PM	#4
gbwitheyes Minors (Triple A) Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 271	Has anyone used the aforementioned grooming approach as Commissioner of a league? By that I mean root out the best prospects for each team, then set the table so that each has the optimal chance to reach the show. I would be interested to hear how you identified and tracked talent in the greater scope of the baseball god. Thanks.