So we know pitching coaches can have influence/development -- how much, we don't know -- based on their "Pitching Focus": Power Pitchers, Finesse Pitchers, Groundballers, and Neutral. We also know managers (or general managers, based on how much you can adjust specific sliders in team strategy) can affect frequency of "Pitch Around" and "Intentional Walk" and opener/follower usage.
With more and more data and analysis and reporting being done over the lat ten to twenty years, some teams and front offices have been known to have specific pitching philosophies. Case in point:
PHILOSOPHY | TEAM(S) |
---|---|
Pitch to contact | Pre-2020 Twins, Pre-2020 Pirates (thanks to Ray Searage) |
Pro sinker/Groundballers | Pirates, Rockies, Cardinals |
Draft command, develop velo | Mariners |
Four-seam over two-seam | Astros, Cubs, Rays |
Two-seam over four-seam | D'Backs, Rockies |
First-pitch strike | Rick Peterson stressed this working for A's, Met's, Brewers and Orioles |
Pitching backwards/More off-speed | Twins, Yankees |
Anti-intentional walk | Astros |
Anyways, what are your thoughts on OOTP allowing for the designation of a philosophy, either via front office (controlled by GM) and/or pitching coaching?
Of course, there are some inherent issues based on the game's current engine:
- The game doesn't designate between two-seamers and four-seamers
- For all I know, the game only factors pitches in and out of the strike zone, but not where (high/low, inside/outside) in or out of the zone
Anyways, I thought the concept of a organizational philosophy (not only in the majors but across all minor league teams) that could affect performance and/or pitcher ratings is a cool/fun idea. What say you?