I recently demoted a LF from ML to AAA because I figured that playing full time at that level would allow them to develop more than just hitting off the bench at the majors. I would like to know if this is true, or if the demotion penalty renders this moot. This particular player is 23 and should develop 6 more overall points according to my ($14MM) projections. Is it true that they develop faster at AAA playing everyday over limited playing time at the ML level?

Yes, this is true. But, if he already has 4 years of pro experience, he is not going to develop much further anyways.

Thx for the response. Follow up question(s):

1) Is there a better time of the season to demote someone? For example, do demotions during the off-season (i.e. just before or during Spring Training) make the ratings hit less than others?

2) Many seem to prefer promoting in the minors at the end of the year. Do I assume this should happen right after the season is over, or while the season is still on? Does it matter?

I would like to make sure if I promote someone during Spring Training that I'm not giving them a lesser promotion than if I waited until sometime during the season.

1) Demoting during the ML playoffs or before Spring Training = NO demotion penalty

2) Promoting is the same, whenever it happens. Reasons to promote at the end of the year include that you'll be able to evaluate salary better for next year (since people will already be making their new salaries, rather than having to account for minor league promotion bumps when doing your budget)... and also, you might promote to get guys more playing time if one minor league team is in the playoffs and one is not.

Before ST won't result in a ratings hit.

I promote when the minor league season is over. If I can move a "true" prospect up during the playoffs for his next level, all the better. But I don't promote anyone out of playoff experience.

Promoting before rollover can help with retirements.

Thx folks. Two more questions:

1) If you plan to promote two levels up, can you gain more ratings bumps by promoting once at the end of the year and then again right after the season starts?

2) Regarding projected ratings - do they adjust downwards if something substantial happens (injury, free agent for a full year, etc.), or are they static from inception until age 27?

Quote: Originally posted by opie100 on 3/01/2010Thx folks.  Two more questions:1) If you plan to promote two levels up, can you gain more ratings bumps by promoting once at the end of the year and then again right after the season starts?

You might get more "events" (misnamed "bumps") but you won't get more actual development. Player development is a function of playing time, coaching, and (perhaps) makeup. The development "events" don't create development, they just report it.

2) Regarding projected ratings - do they adjust downwards if something substantial happens (injury, free agent for a full year, etc.), or are they static from inception until age 27?

I believe they're static, but not totally positive about that. Note that if your advanced scouting changes from year to year, what you see for projections changes.