If I don't have 25 players who I think should be in the big leagues (let's say I have 23) would it be best to just leave my next 2 best guys in the minors or go ahead and let them fill those other 2 spots?

You probably need those other two for fatigue issues. If you want to leave your prospects in the minors you could probably pick up a defensive specialist off the FA overs for pretty cheap for a 1 year contract.

Thanks.

It can make sense to run 23 or 24 men for a little while to start the season. There will be opportunities to fill the roster via waivers, trade, etc during that early season period. But you're going to need the depth sooner rather than later. If a prospect spends at least the first 20 HBD days of the minor league season in the minors, he won't use up a year of ML service time (i.e. you'll still have 3 seasons before arbitration), so if you are going to call up prospects, consider that as well.

You don't need 25. I'll sometimes start a season with 23-24 and add a couple after the 20th game.

thanks guys

Quote: Originally Posted By MikeT23 on 3/05/2010You don't need 25. I'll sometimes start a season with 23-24 and add a couple after the 20th game

They ought to factor in a human element on this. Where if the team doesn't fill its major league roster, players in the org suffer a ratings hit on patience/makeup or somesuch. No way this would fly in MLB. Players could strike over this type of stuff.

Not saying you should carry 25 in HBD - there's obviously no extra incentive to do so, other than needed depth at some point.

I agree. It would never happen in MLB. But, with all the early off days, the desire to hold players back to delay arb/FA and the risk of a demotion hit when you do bring up the young player at the 20 game mark, it's worthwhile to do in HBD.