I have a platoon at catcher where both guys hit well (RC/27>6.5) but both guys are poor at throwing out base stealers (AS & AA ~60).  There is a good chance that I will play a dangerous speed happy team in the playoffs that averages more than 2 SBs/game.  I have a AA catcher with AS & AA in the upper 70s but whose key hitting ratings average about 50.  He won't hit at all vs. playoff pitching.  Should I consider calling him up or should I let my MLB Catchers play and expect to see about 4SBs/game vs. their arms? 

I'd take the hitting over giving up stolen bases all day every day.

SBs generally don't win games, IMO.

Call up the guy and use him as D-Replacement.    Playoff rosters are made for such things.    There's really no need for more than 8-9 pitchers on your playoff roster.

Posted by MikeT23 on 11/16/2010 10:03:00 AM (view original):
Call up the guy and use him as D-Replacement.    Playoff rosters are made for such things.    There's really no need for more than 8-9 pitchers on your playoff roster.

agreed.

sort of related,

I've noticed that not many (I don't think I've seen any in my world) catchers have a highly rated arm (90-90) so, what is considered to be an elite arm for a catcher? and what would be the lowest without being a disaster on the basepaths?

80-80 is probably elite.   Not sure if I've every seen a 90-90 or, if I have, I likely ignored him because his hitting ratings were a bunch of teens.

Catchers in the 50s are better utilized at DH.  Although I wouldn't rule out using one if he hits well enough.

In a computer sim game, I wouldnt worry about stolen bases doing a huge amount to win or lose a game.  It does something, but the main element to speed, distracting the opposing team and getting inside their heads, is hard to do when the heads are all CPU chips.

Thanks guys.

Posted by torrone on 11/16/2010 9:58:00 AM (view original):
SBs generally don't win games, IMO.

They can in sim, nothing like stealing home to win the game.

Jay Gates has won me plenty of games (though it hasn't helped me remain in first place...)

The name of the game is to move 4 times around the board.   A SB is one of those times.  Not sure how that can't help win games.

A CS one less of those times. Not sure how a catcher that achieves that doesn't help you win games.

It's all about balance.

I agree with that also.  A single and a SB is like a double.    A single and a SB is like any other out.   

Posted by Crump123 on 11/18/2010 9:16:00 AM (view original):

Posted by torrone on 11/16/2010 9:58:00 AM (view original):
SBs generally don't win games, IMO.

They can in sim, nothing like stealing home to win the game.

I have never seen that happen, but I'm sure it has on rare occasion. But I'm certainly not going to build my roster on trying to keep a guy from stealing home. And that would have nothing to do with a C's arm/acc anyway.