hey guys i have another question for you, when can i sign a type A free agent without giving up compensation?  Do i have to wait until the regular season.

Comp is awarded until the amateur draft prospect lists are released, somewhere around game 40 or so.

Regarding performance and development:

How is playing time measured for pitchers? Batters faced? Then only pitch count matters. Innings pitched? Then performance matters. Lower WHIP = more outs/innings in same number of pitches.

The same is true for position players. Is it only PAs and defensive chances? Then in-over-head doesn't matter. Do games/innings matter? If so, playing on a winning team will maximize those over a given durability.

thanks again