As a newb, I've taken deeper dives on defense and comparing letter grades to actual SIM results. So far, pretty accurate that good grades get good results and vice versa at most positions and even some normalization across eras.

Until Catcher. And more specifically the Range grades. My first clue that something was askew was the search criteria didn't have CA range factor like other positions, and the generic range/field search listing had odd results; ie. a max range of 1 did list D- guys but in their actual SIM play had sometimes much more opportunities.

But the bigger findings were that all CA's, from A+ to D-, had the same 0 (ZERO) +/- plays, and very little difference in the very very very few number of DPs.

Am I missing where the Range and big differences in CA ratings are reflected in SIM results ? Range ratings are listed, but where do we see it played out ? Or, is this now an on paper event that has no real results relevance and can be thrown out of performance eval purposes ?

No one has ever been able to identify the relevance of catcher range in this SIM.

I always wondered, would the general amount of passed balls a catcher is expected to allow be indicated by his fielding grade, or his range rating?

Posted by dn8779 on 7/11/2020 4:36:00 PM (view original):
I always wondered, would the general amount of passed balls a catcher is expected to allow be indicated by his fielding grade, or his range rating?

And another thought, does a catcher's ability to track down foul pop flies come under the category of his range rating?

PB definitely seem affected by fielding... no idea what range affects, if anything, for catchers.

if it affects anything its probably the range when you play a catcher out of position

Out of position is the only thing. That is why they have the rating.

I've looked at it in my leagues through the years. Only in a curious, non-scientifically,yet interested manner. No pattern of influence at all. However, using AAA catchers often at other positions, a C or more, has a big effect over a D-, that is for sure.