Hello,
1st time suggestion for this game. This game has been around so I'm sure this has already been suggested, but I really think it will strengthen the game experience a lot.
The biggest divide between this game and real life is the stats are so predictable when it comes to production and potential. This removes the blur when it comes to drafing, signing, trades etc. To support this game experience while keeping this obvious flaw in the simulation, there must be a variable based on luck. The DITR system is supposed to deliver that, however it does not.
If there was a overhauled DITR system that really rewarded players, you would be giving more players more options when it comes to hiring coaches, hiring on draft picks and INTL signings, and budgeting. This increases gameplay and experience, and that should be the developer's very goal.
I propose increased chances to get a DITR the higher up the draft board a player goes, but not greater than a certain cut off. Say pick 200 overall and below only has a chance to be a DITR, and the closer a player is to 200, the higher algorithm is awarded to that player. This system should be applied to INTL signings as well based on overall potential rating. Below a certain overall of say 70 there is a better chance to draw a DITR.
DITR also needs to have a minimum of 10 -15 points increase in major stats for that season, prompting players who decide to short change their coaching staff and spend the bare minimums something to think about when it comes to hiring coaches. Also successful teams and teams with high payroll budgets often have little talent in their minors, so they care less. If the DITR overhaul is successful, it should give them a player or two to actually watch and nurture in their system, and would encourage at least the hiring of at least good coaches at 1 level each season. I.e. "I got that 1 guy who will be in AA this season, I gotta get a good hitting coach for AA at least."
In addition to a big boost in stats for the DITR season, all potential stats should be increased so if the player was going to be just 'so-so' before, now it can be said he has had some kind of breakthrough and has the potential to big a Big League player.
Suggestion #2 - In addition, I think coaches of a certain level should have increased chance to 'critically increase or decrease' a prospect's stats a single time by + or - a major stat by 5 based on an algorithm along the players patience and temper stat. If you have a coach with low youth stat, there will be a temper check or chance 1 or 2 times a season where a player with a high temper stat may have an alteraction and one of his stats will be decreased a single time by 2 to 5 points. This player will never be subject to an altercation again if he has one. If a coach has a high youth stat, there should be a patience check where 1 or 2 times a season, a player with high patience will raise a stat by 2-5 points one time during his career.
I think there are a lot you can do with this game still and overhauls like this won't be require more time spent on the game by the player, but will increase his experience tremendously as well as reward the minor league system that is generally seen has a nuisance by many with little reward besides prospects who will definately make their big league rosters assuming no injury.
I offer this suggestion freely and from the standpoint of a coder myself and a huge new fan to WHATIFSPORTS.
Thanks,