I'm talking about those 36+ year old pitchers with 70+ control 70/80 splits and 80-60-x-x pitches with era's in the 6's and whips near 2.

Just small sample size for the season or is there some sort of secret decline variable inserted into the game?

I'm think about trading for one of these guys but, don't know if just sticking him in front of a better defense and adjusting pich count will make that much of a difference for these guys

Just my experiences here: Don't think it's a secret variable, it's just how aging decline is handled in the game.

I've had good seasons from 38 year olds. Almost none from 39 year olds. And if a pitcher still has useful looking ratings at 40, he had to have been a beast back in the day.

Aging starts in the late 30s but sometimes earlier, 34 or 35. Durability/Stamina go first. Individual pitches next. Control next, Splits last.

The biggest problem is that by age 38 the pitcher is having continuous in-season ratings drops. A pitcher who starts the season say at 80 overall will be a 72 or 74 by the end. By age 40 you're lucky if you can 50 pitches out of him.

Demand for such a pitcher is dependent on pitching scarcity in the league. I gave big money to a 37 year old once for four seasons just because I missed out on the bigger FAs and I needed a third starter for the playoffs. He got one playoff start, lost, and by age 39 he was mopping up in AAA. Bought him out at age 40.

If you're considering acquiring a player like this, just be thinking about how and when you can get out of his contract.

The secret variable that stumps me is the one where the thoroughly mediocre long reliever routinely comes into the game in the 3rd inning and pitches 3+ innings of perfect ball, after a much better starter gets shelled. That seems to happen to me a lot.

It only stands out because its a reason to notice it.

Alex Beltran won a Cy Young at the ripe age of 38.

https://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerRatings.aspx?pid=3343894

Posted by hypnotoad on 1/16/2019 8:02:00 AM (view original):
The secret variable that stumps me is the one where the thoroughly mediocre long reliever routinely comes into the game in the 3rd inning and pitches 3+ innings of perfect ball, after a much better starter gets shelled. That seems to happen to me a lot.

Sometimes you take advantage of pitching matchups like that. Often (especially if I'm trying to conserve guys) I'll set up a pitching tandem with the first pitcher only scheduled to throw one inning with a pull rating of 5. This is always a right handed pitcher. Then I switch over to my leftie.

You'd be surprised how many teams play with guys like Gregory Goldman:

https://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerRatings.aspx?pid=8944499

My leadoff against righties but rides the pine against lefties. If you can take advantage of that matchup before they start pinch hitting and making defensive changes you can have a below average pitcher really pad their stats.

Posted by McGirkTheJer on 1/16/2019 12:34:00 AM (view original):
I'm talking about those 36+ year old pitchers with 70+ control 70/80 splits and 80-60-x-x pitches with era's in the 6's and whips near 2.

Just small sample size for the season or is there some sort of secret decline variable inserted into the game?

I'm think about trading for one of these guys but, don't know if just sticking him in front of a better defense and adjusting pich count will make that much of a difference for these guys

Ive never seen a player play different then his ratings given enough time. I do not believe age ahs a role. He did ok for me in a hitters park. Age 37.

Player Profile: Gabe Gilbert - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Posted by brianp87 on 1/16/2019 8:42:00 AM (view original):

Posted by McGirkTheJer on 1/16/2019 12:34:00 AM (view original):
I'm talking about those 36+ year old pitchers with 70+ control 70/80 splits and 80-60-x-x pitches with era's in the 6's and whips near 2.

Just small sample size for the season or is there some sort of secret decline variable inserted into the game?

I'm think about trading for one of these guys but, don't know if just sticking him in front of a better defense and adjusting pich count will make that much of a difference for these guys

Ive never seen a player play different then his ratings given enough time. I do not believe age ahs a role. He did ok for me in a hitters park. Age 37.

Player Profile: Gabe Gilbert - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

Lmao. 'I don't notice a difference' (Guy is out with elbow surgery despite having a health of 89)

Lol. The age has no affect on the injury. Look at his stats for the season. Injuries are pretty random as far as I can tell.

I am in agreement with brianp87.