I have an SP prospect whose current ratings are strong enough to be in the majors. He'll be 21 next season (drafted at age 20), and his current/projected OVR is 63/75.

Assuming my best coaches are at the big-league level, and assuming that as my 5th starter he gets 28 or so starts and throws 140-150 IP, will his ratings improve slower, faster, or about the same as if I'd kept him at AA or AAA for the same season?

I've seen at least three RP prospects get to the majors at the same age and with the same level of experience -- two IFAs and a 1st round draft pick. In all three cases, the ratings seemed to improve at a normal rate, although it took the pitchers a couple of seasons to produce stats that matched their "talent" level. But I haven't seen it with an SP.

Any thoughts?

Why would you think a SP would develop differently under the same circumstances?

Because I've had guys -- mostly RPs -- who didn't grow much at all after reaching the majors at 21 or 22.

That would be their third or fourth year, vs. the second year for the guy mentioned above.

So wouldn't you think the number of pro years was the determining factor rather than the position?

I've had guys who have gained a significant # of points at AA or AAA in their third or fourth year. I have had a handful of guys basically flatline after reaching the majors in their 3rd or 4th year. These are all RPs.

I have not brought an SP to the majors this early before, so I was looking for other owners who had -- and what their experiences were.

Logically, 150 IP at the big-league level, with superior coaching, should benefit an SP's growth more than 150 IP at AA or AAA, with not as good coaching. But I don't want to make any assumptions.

Sander, I had Al Gomez up in the majors from very early on, and even promoted/demoted him quite irresponsibly, and yet he still managed to be one of the few guys I have ever had who might hit all of his projections.

Good example, movet.

MikeT, are we to assume that your guy had two minor-league seasons before the game started?

I would.