I probably should reach out for a mentor to bounce additional questions off of, but these are some of the things that I have come across as a new player that make "starting out" challenging...

The first thing I did was read the latest rebuilding a disaster thread from start to finish.  Unfortunately, that thread was a number of years old and now several updates ago.  It was mentioned that some of the strategies and ideas are now obsolete, but there weren't any real indications what has changed both positive and negative to that strategy.  All of that being said....

When I first joined I have a friend within the same world helping me out which might be more assistance than some people have had when first joining, but my questions started pretty much from day 1.  Although I read through the past 6 months or so of posts and I have read the rebuild thread and also read the small Player Guide there isn't (in my opinion) contain anywhere near enough information at all to prepare you for what to expect so things don't turn out to be a disaster.  I am not afraid to RTFM (read the $%$& manual, and this isn't an attack on the game itself)  I also realize from my own job that often times rote answers can't be given and the answer is often "it depends".

Here are a number of observations/questions I have....

From what I can tell the franchise I have taken over is bad.  There appears to be little to no organizational depth and a few of the folks that I can find that appear to be decent repeated seasons in the minors.

The first thing that I had to deal with is budget. From what I can tell there is still some speculation on how this should or shouldn't be handled because of an update to the Advanced Scouting.  My current Budget is Prospect 20m, 14m for HS, College, Int, 10m for Advance Scouting.

The next challenge has been to try to figure out or identify what an average player, coach, or pitcher (starter/reliever) is.  This is important when evaluating no only the current roster, but who should be added or removed from the 40 man, or who I should consider picking up to improve my roster.  I understand that their are some big league averages for positional ratings, but I can't find anything that can help me determine what an average or good rating is on the hitting side, pitching side, or even what is considered a good rating for the specific role coaches at the different levels (which made rehiring a complete craps shoot because I wasn't sure what would be available vs. what is considered average, good, great). 

If anyone is able to provide any insight, I would appreciate hearing another prospective

First, there are few concrete answers.   If anyone says "This is how you do it", they're probably full of it.   There are many options to build teams, use players, etc, etc.   Except training budget.  Get it to 20m and stay there.   It helps develop prospect physical skills(range, power, etc) and slows decline of the same for vets.

Second, look at previous season's stats.   You'll be able to tell who was good, who was bad and who was average.   For me, I usually start at hitting/pitching split ratings.   Most players can overcome poor ratings in other categories(within reason) if they have good splits.   70 is probably around BL average.

Third, don't underestimate defense.  It will help weaker pitching and limit pitcher fatigue.  Unless, of course, you just want to outslug everyone and try to win games 14-12.   Which is fine too.  

Thanks Mike,

I had previously done what you said and tried to look at some of the previous season pitching stats but I was told that it appears the pitchers pitched while fatigued so I was advised to throw out last season's numbers.  From there I start to question if whether or not it was the specific season, the specific player just being lousy, or the player not being able to perform at the current level.  I had more than a few pitchers have a WHIP above 2.  I have found a couple players that appear to have decent ratings but didn't actually play last season for some reason or had minimal innings pitched or at bats.

Check a different team.  Several different teams. 

You're not going to get the answer right away. Take your time.

I found that the most important thing you will learn over time is proper player valuation. It will affect everything else about the way you run your team. And that depends on multiple factors involving the other owners and teams in your world. It's not hard to figure out that a "90+" player is just that. What's important is learning where and how you want to use the "other" players. And a player who's strictly a benchwarmer in one world can be a sneaky-good starter in another.

You'll make a few mistakes. Everyone does.

And Mike's right - don't short yourself on Defense.

When looking for how ratings affect stats, look at career stats of veteran players.  Larger sample size gives a more accurate picture.

You've probably done this, but just in case:

Take a player with a mix of rankings that puzzles you, and search for comparables using the Player Search function (ranked by position). Bit by bit, averages begin to appear, and you'll start to see how some rankings work together.

I'm pretty new to the game, and I can assure the approach you describe in your post works. For me, it works VERY slowly, but it works.

Another newbie question!  Is it too soon to bring up Russell Voyles?  He is only 21 and only had 4 games in AAA, but my AAA pitching coach is 77 pitching IQ and my ML PC has 93 IQ.  Would it hurt his development to come up this early? 

It won't hurt his development to bring him up. He should benefit from the stronger coach.

Thanks, one more question...I drafted a player in the first round who was looking to go in the first round, if not then play college ball. I met his demands and he came back to say he's content with the offer, but college is still an option. It has been several cycles now and no news. Will he make his decision faster if I increase my offer or do I have to wait it out?

Leave your offer on the table. Bumping it won't do a thing. He'll get back to you when he's "ready", might take up to a week in real life.

I set some players at "INACTIVE" and the position players have not played at all, but the pitchers have gotten some work. Also shows some pitchers NOT inactive have gotten no work at all.
Is this normal or some type of glitch?

New update on the player I was trying to sign. He now has a yellow x next to his name and my prospect payroll offered says I have offered $0. No other messages from the prospect. Does that change anything?

Posted by golfpro71 on 11/27/2015 11:49:00 AM (view original):
I set some players at "INACTIVE" and the position players have not played at all, but the pitchers have gotten some work. Also shows some pitchers NOT inactive have gotten no work at all.
Is this normal or some type of glitch?

Anyone?

Inactive minor league pitchers will get shuffled in and out by the sim. Pitchers that are not inactive may get passed over if they are in positions that are rarely used like LH specialist or SuB if the other pitchers are kept fresh. If you want them to get innings they should be at SuA or LRA.