So I sign an IFA pitcher that I judge to belong either in Low A or High A ball to start his career. My Low A pitching and bench coaches have pitching ratings of 59 and 50. My High A coaches have ratings of 68 and 3. Which level gives my prospect the best odds of advancing? Or put another way, just how much influence do minor league bench coaches have on players?

Dang. I knew I should have posted this under the 'Ask MikeT23 thread.'

Given that patience and disipline also factor in somehow, not sure what the right answer is based on the information you provided (and the fact that no one really knows anyway).

but based on the info provided, I'd put him in Low A and promote after the low A team is eliminated from the playoffs.

Thanks jp. Didn't expect a conclusive answer, but thought it would at least generate conversation. My personal opinion is that it doesn't matter a damn bit. More and more I am coming to believe that coaching is vastly overrated.

Do the ratings of the coach only affect the position he's hired for?

If I understand your question right, you're wondering (as an example) if bench coaches and pitching coaches influence hitters? My take on it is that pitching coaches have almost no affect on hitters, because their ratings in those areas are generally extremely low. Bench coaches may have some affect on every player, because they can have high enough ratings at hitting, fielding or pitching to help players develop. Apparently though, no one has any idea just how much they contribute. I suspect that all coaching has a much smaller effect than we are led to believe.