As "commissioner" of this universe, I'll be making a few player edits from time to time based on a modified version of
Thrift's Training Matrix. Additional tweaks to player attributes or other interventions will be envoked when certain game events happen. This may or may not include player jumping teams, teams raiding players, throwing games, blacklisting or bans, increased loyalty once signed to the PCL, military service, and application of the
Training Matrix to acquire or lose certain skills.
With respect to the
Training Matrix, I'll add the element of time to development. The spitball was considered a difficult pitch to master, and it probably helps to have a coach or fellow pitcher help that process. An additional "roll" based on player intelligence will be performed for all historical pitchers to determine when their first training session takes place. You have to know if you've got the stuff or not to compete, and the sense to seek an edge to save your career. Also, another "roll" based on player work ethic will determine how long the benefits or costs of training will be applied to player attributes. An outcome of "GREAT" will wait until spring training (when all rolls are done) or produce immediate results whereas a "BUST" will take 5 years either way. Hopefully this won't dilute the effects of the Matrix thinner than it may be already, but also keep the
OOTP engine robust and true as she goes.
For fictional players, you can decide when to start training. Only development time has its own fate. Be on the look out for Tryouts!
As for the "spell" of Spit Ball:
Player Skill: Work Ethic
Limitations: Time of first training and development rate. I might consider "removing curve ball" randomly, as I've read that for the most part the two pitches were incompatible.
Bust: -20 STF, -10 CON, +30 arm injury proneness
Failure: -10 STF, -5 CON, +20 arm injury proneness
Ignore: +5 STF, -5 CON, +5 arm injury proneness
Good: +5 STF, -5 CON, +10 MOV, +5 GB%
Excels: +10 STF, +15 MOV, +10 GB%, -10 arm injury proneness
Great: +15 STF, +5 CON, +20 MOV, +20 GB%, -20 arm injury proneness
Points will be added to both current and potential ratings, in increments depending on the development time roll as mentioned above.
Player edits will occur during spring training or when a notable spitball pitcher is traded to the same team, in which case a pitcher may recieve an additional training roll or some other bonus.
Remember, all pitchers not selected as those able to continue pitching with the spitter in 1920 envoke the "remove change of pace spell" or face banishment to the obscure semi-pro leagues! Such a selection process will occur as that year approaches.