Question for pitchers park owners. Topic

tbarket
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I have a team in Seattle just finishing its first season.  Strong pitchers park.  Heading into year two what suggestion(s) would you offer with regards to setting the table for future seasons?

I am leaning toward pitching and strong defense.  Defense let me down like nobuddies business this year (starting SS had 42 errors) and my # 1 Starter finished 9 and 17 with a 2.54 ERA. (Lead the league in ERA) 

Best hitter hit .278 and in this park I am not expecting any better.

10/26/2010 4:23 PM
dwoolery
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Is it that time of year again already for the pitcher's park thread?

You'll get multiple points of view on this, but my take is that when your park reduces offense across the board you want to emphasize those traits that are NOT impacted by park effects. So, for hitters, batting eye and SB ability. For pitchers, control (reduce walks). Also strong defense is crucial - at least up the middle.
10/26/2010 6:48 PM
zbrent716
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If you starting SS had 42 errors, in any park, he's not *really* a SS and you should probably review the suggested ratings for each position. Do not go by the position the AI says he is.
10/26/2010 7:01 PM
nordique93
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i would lean toward small ball and smaller scripts

10/26/2010 7:24 PM
tedwmoore
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Yeah, I looked at your SS, Wan, and a 75/81 range/glove combo is not going to get it done at SS, as his  43 errors and 16 minus plays can attest.

If you figure out how to win in Seattle, let me know, I'm still trying to not suck in San Diego.  Pitching and defense is what everyone says, and, yes, emphasize batting eye and base running for your offense (plus, of course, high vR/L ratings).
10/26/2010 9:40 PM
zbrent716
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Posted by tedwmoore on 10/26/2010 9:40:00 PM (view original):
Yeah, I looked at your SS, Wan, and a 75/81 range/glove combo is not going to get it done at SS, as his  43 errors and 16 minus plays can attest.

If you figure out how to win in Seattle, let me know, I'm still trying to not suck in San Diego.  Pitching and defense is what everyone says, and, yes, emphasize batting eye and base running for your offense (plus, of course, high vR/L ratings).
To say nothing of his 71 Arm Strength and 80 Arm Accuracy.
10/26/2010 10:05 PM
iain
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I've had a team that was Top 5 in HR in San Diego, and even included a 2-time Silver Slugger at 3B.  Truly awesome hitters will still do well.  It's the marginal guys that get really killed.

My key has been to get better-than-usual bats at premier defensive positions.  C, SS, CF.... all Silver Slugger contenders, while being solid defensively (multiple Gold Gloves at SS and CF).

I've found you can sacrifice pitch calling at C, too, since your park will help you out (as will strong D).

Don't be as picky about stamina and durability for your pitchers.  A pitcher's park will be more forgiving and help you get more IP out of better arms.
10/26/2010 11:56 PM
tbarket
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Posted by tedwmoore on 10/26/2010 9:40:00 PM (view original):
Yeah, I looked at your SS, Wan, and a 75/81 range/glove combo is not going to get it done at SS, as his  43 errors and 16 minus plays can attest.

If you figure out how to win in Seattle, let me know, I'm still trying to not suck in San Diego.  Pitching and defense is what everyone says, and, yes, emphasize batting eye and base running for your offense (plus, of course, high vR/L ratings).

My replacement will be up from AAA for season 2, since I am stuck with Wan for another year at his salary, he will move to a utility position and cover off days for a few different positions.  He gets on base at least.  Speed was not a problem this year.  The weird thing though is my two best pitchers had better stats on the road than at home, can't wrap my brain around that one yet.  Can't wait for the playoffs to end and next season to begin.  I have about 30 guys earmarked as possible ML players on the roster.  (At least improvements over last year) Also Melky Melo will be moving from 2b to OF for season 2 and a AAA replacement will come up there too.

10/29/2010 10:26 AM
tbarket
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Has anyone determined what factor pitch calling has on games.  My two ML catchers have a 92 and 88 respectively and I am living with low offense for the ability to call better games.  Does this even matter?
10/29/2010 10:28 AM
mdymond
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Posted by iain on 10/26/2010 11:56:00 PM (view original):
I've had a team that was Top 5 in HR in San Diego, and even included a 2-time Silver Slugger at 3B.  Truly awesome hitters will still do well.  It's the marginal guys that get really killed.

My key has been to get better-than-usual bats at premier defensive positions.  C, SS, CF.... all Silver Slugger contenders, while being solid defensively (multiple Gold Gloves at SS and CF).

I've found you can sacrifice pitch calling at C, too, since your park will help you out (as will strong D).

Don't be as picky about stamina and durability for your pitchers.  A pitcher's park will be more forgiving and help you get more IP out of better arms.
Thanks iain! I'm in SD in a world and trying to figure out how best to compete. I've copied your post to my team notes! Cheers
10/29/2010 3:09 PM
FW_Kekionga
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Just get the best players you can and don't overspend on veterans.  It doesn't matter which park you play in if the players are good enough.  Park factor plays a role, but not one so great that you can wholesale change your strategy and still be successful.  A team with better players than yours will still have the advantage of playing in your park as well.  But one thing I would recommend that be done a little different is to look for power at all positions. HR's will be at a premium in pitchers parks, and increasing the power of your lineup will lead to more home runs or sac flies, which are essential for knocking in all those high contact/speed guys that usually litter pitchers park teams. 
10/29/2010 3:14 PM
iain
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Posted by tbarket on 10/29/2010 10:28:00 AM (view original):
Has anyone determined what factor pitch calling has on games.  My two ML catchers have a 92 and 88 respectively and I am living with low offense for the ability to call better games.  Does this even matter?
DevChats have told us that PC is a factor in opponent's batting average for your pitchers, hence why (while I typically like to see 70-80+) I'm willing to live with something in the 40s in a pitcher's park.
10/29/2010 3:14 PM
iain
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Posted by mdymond on 10/29/2010 3:09:00 PM (view original):
Posted by iain on 10/26/2010 11:56:00 PM (view original):
I've had a team that was Top 5 in HR in San Diego, and even included a 2-time Silver Slugger at 3B.  Truly awesome hitters will still do well.  It's the marginal guys that get really killed.

My key has been to get better-than-usual bats at premier defensive positions.  C, SS, CF.... all Silver Slugger contenders, while being solid defensively (multiple Gold Gloves at SS and CF).

I've found you can sacrifice pitch calling at C, too, since your park will help you out (as will strong D).

Don't be as picky about stamina and durability for your pitchers.  A pitcher's park will be more forgiving and help you get more IP out of better arms.
Thanks iain! I'm in SD in a world and trying to figure out how best to compete. I've copied your post to my team notes! Cheers
yw, mdymond... of course, the first part is a pretty sound strategy in just about any park (sorta what KW's getting at).  The last two are the only real concessions I've made for Petco.
10/29/2010 3:16 PM
tbarket
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We just hit started roll over so I am going to try some of your suggestions in the spring.  I have moved guys with the best control into rolls on the pitching staff and will be (and have in some cases) moved better fielding guys up to the BL squad.  I think that was my biggest achilles heal last season.  I had horrible glove stats and poor range.  A lot of extra hits and poorly played balls cost me a bunch of runs.

11/8/2010 9:00 AM
kneeneighbor
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Posted by tbarket on 10/29/2010 10:28:00 AM (view original):
Has anyone determined what factor pitch calling has on games.  My two ML catchers have a 92 and 88 respectively and I am living with low offense for the ability to call better games.  Does this even matter?
I would think you might be able to move one of them and pick up something useful. Then you can replace that catcher with a more offensive minded one and have a decent balance there.
11/8/2010 11:34 AM
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