yep, I agree with that.  With zero ADV scouting you take a gamble when evaluating very young talent (1-2 years in the world).  I end up looking at draft position/IFA bonus and the corresponding budgets the other team has in those categories during the season they acquired them, before making a decision on trading for young guys.

Everyone says the same things, but I am still concerned about bringing guys to the bigs without time in AAA.  These two seem ready based on ratings -- Hardball Dynasty – Fantasy Baseball Sim Games - Player Profile: Omar Balentien and Hardball Dynasty – Fantasy Baseball Sim Games - Player Profile: Santo Posada -- but neither has had time in AAA.  I know that people say players still develop, but I cannot get past thinking that they will stall in their development, that somehow I would be leaving some ratings points on the table by skipping AAA.  Should I bring them up and trust that they will continue developing (they would both be regulars)?

Also, independent of development, is there any evidence that guys might struggle and never adapt to the bigs if brought up too early?

If you know the answer "everyone" gives, why ask the question?

No, there is no evidence of any such thing.

It isn't so much a question, just a concern.  What I am saying is that I would like some reassurance, if I bring these guys up, they will continue to develop as normal, right?  They both have three years of development, so I should get some amount of growth from them this next season, i don't want to miss out on it just to get them into the bigs sooner.  Like I said, I have never skipped levels like that (except with Rule 5 draftees), and it makes me nervous, even though I know what the general opinion is on the subject.  They are two of my better prospects, and I don't want to mess them up, that's all.

Well, I'm only going to give the answer "everyone" gives.    Players will develop just fine at the BL level if they play.   If they're going into their 4th season, they're pretty close to what they will be anyway.

Okay.  "Thanks".

Basicaly it comes down to the fact that player development in HBD is very predictable which is not the way it is in real life MLB.  This predictablity greatly lessens but does not eliminate the need for adv scouting.