Do we know anything about this? I would think that a pitcher's AS/AA ratings would correlate to an ability to get pickoffs (or lack thereof), but obviously we don't have defensive recs for pitchers. Does a high velocity pitcher contribute to more runners being thrown out trying to steal bases, or is that purely a dice roll based only on the catcher's AS/AA and the runner's speed/BR?

I will take the 40 views and no replies as an indication that we, in fact, do not know of any connection.

The only thought I have is skepticism that the game is programmed to that depth. Unless someone can show the pitcher has an effect, I'd say it's just the catcher and the baserunner in play.

I'm 99.9999% sure it's just the catcher and baserunner. I don't think increased velocity makes a difference in general.....the difference between 92 and 98mph is like milliseconds in terms of a guy stealing a base.

If the pitchers were supposed to play a role in the equation, I would imagine they would have a rating that would correspond to holding runners.

I just looked at league leaders at the end of the season and there was a seven way tie for first in pickoffs. Each guy had three pickoffs. I guess even if someone knew the answer to the original question, he would not have a significant advantage over the rest of us.

"In addition, the base he is trying to steal combined with the pitcher's throwing arm also plays a role." (Developer Chat - For SimLeagues Baseball specifically, but the same engine is underlying both that and HBD)

"...The runner's stolen base percentage is used as well as a factor for which side the pitcher throws from and what base is being stolen (i.e. it's more difficult to steal 2B on a LHP than a RHP)." (Developer Chat - For SimLeagues Baseball specifically, but the same engine is underlying both that and HBD)

"We considered adding [a pitcher hold rating] at launch but held off. With so many ratings in place already, we felt this one just wasn't worth it. Lefties are better than righties. Aside from that, very few pitchers have an above average or exceptional pickoff move. Some pitchers have longer deliveries which allow for more SBA, but then you're talking about adding another trait for a player. HBD is very complex, so there are some areas that we don't include and this has been one of them thus far." (Developer Chat - HBD)

Nice find. Thanks!