FWIW, I originally went w/ the plan that Mike said, low A was never a real option, I only threw it out there for conversation. dedelman's plan may get me a little more development, but I think its splitting hairs.
My main concern, or desire, is to maximize his $16 mil IFA scouting projection of an 89 patience rating. A quick glance at a handful of ML players w/ high patience ratings tell me that the 89 projection is on the high side and he'll end up something lower. At any rate, is there a prescribed path to maximizing that skill? It makes a world of difference in a buget if a guy is willing to resign at 32 for a 5 year, $10 mil per season contract, rather than having to fight for him in free agency. Even w/ the recent shift in a prospect favoring loyalty to his old club w/ even offers, the 5 year, $50 mil contract gives me a lot more room in the buget than the 5 year $110 mil contract this guy will likely get if he reaches his projections and goes thru free agency. However, I have no idea what would maximize a guy's patience potential. Does having minor league coaches w/ high patience ratings mean anything to this "skill"? Is it all about timely promotions (and what is timely, 1 level a season, I suppose or is it even more complex than that). No matter if he starts in High A or AA, as long as he avoids injury, I'm pretty sure he'll develop into a TOR arm in a few seasons, its the patience rating that has me most intrigued.