I'm new to HBD and just wanted to get some veteran advice. I've checked out the ML average position ratings (should they be updated) and it got me to thinking which ratings are more important than others when determining where a player should play? For instance, if I have a player that is at or above all avg CF position ratings except range, would his speed help him make up for lack of range?

So in essence, do all ratings factor into whether or not a player will be successful at a certain position?

Another example, does a pitchers pitch calling help him at all on the mound? Does he shake off the catcher if the catcher has a below 50 pc?

The only ratings that affect fielding are fielding ratings; often, a player's speed ratings might coincide with his range ratings, but the range rating is the only one that matters in the field (since it can also take into account things like positioning, footwork, diving, etc). All sacrifices you take on ratings will have tradeoffs-- I wouldn't necessarily reccommend putting a guy in CF if he has below average range, but I've got a guy in CF for several seasons now whose range is below average but he makes up for it (in my mind) with a 90 glove and some Silver Slugger awards. It all depends on how you want to build your team.

As for the second question, pitch calling only applies to catchers' abilities. It has no effect on any other player on the field, including pitchers.

Here's one way to look at it. Hitters create runs at the plate and help prevent runs in the field. In the end you need to estimate how many runs a guy will create with his bat and modify that by how many he will give up or save with his glove. Then you can compare that to another option. So, what does that have to do with your question? It comes down to how you define "successful at a certain position".

A CF who has 100 Runs Created but his defense is lousy and he gives up 15 runs more than replacement level may be fine. But if another guy generates 70 RC's but his defense is prevents 20 Runs Allowed he might be a more productive player for you - at that position.

Of course, tough to forecast that, but looking at the other players in your league with similar ratings (accounting for park differences) will put you on the right track.

Look at a player card -

Ratings with green icons are fielding ratings. They only impact fielding and they are the only ratings that impact fielding.

Ratings with blue icons are hitting ratings. The only impact hitting and - along with speed and (according to some) temper - impact effectiveness at the plate.

Ratings with red icons are pitching ratings. They only impact pitching and they are the only ratings that impact pitching.