Quote:
Originally Posted by ae37jr
One of the reasons why stats don't support this is because certain types of pitchers are effected greater then others. Someone like Greg Maddux in his prime could pitch to a great game caller or a rubber tire and wouldn't matter. The outcome will be the same. Why? Because he had enough intelligence to where he'd call his own pitches, never get rattled, and the catcher did just that...catch.
On the other hand take a guy like Oliver Perez. He's a nut case who can't repeat his delivery, tips pitches, and implodes after a few runs score. If an offensive minded catcher works with him then it's the blind leading the blind. If a defensive minded, high intelligence, high leadership catcher works with him to keep him calm, call his pitches, and correct his mechanics, then he has a shot at being an effective pitcher. Catchers are an extension of the pitching coach.
It would be neat if OOTP could reflect it in that way. Something like if a pitcher has an intelligence of 8(10 scale) or higher then the catcher is insignificant. If the pitcher's INT is 3 or lower then the catcher's leadership and intelligence are very important. Then if it's between 4-7, the catchers skills are somewhat important. You could always adjust the levels or add more, just the thought that counts.
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Greg Maddux might not be a good example. He always avoided Javy Lopez.
(though, maybe an old rubber tire was a better catcher than Javy, I dont know)
It would give actual value to the catcher position in OOTP. As it stands, there are very few good hitting catchers in most OOTP leagues. But, also as it stands unless they have a bazooka hanging off their shoulder or they give up 20 PBs a year they serve less defensive impact than a 1B. So, offense in OOTP at C is a premium. But, there are few good-hitting catchers. So, therefore you have to waste 2 spots on the roster (because if you play any non-catcher there they will give up 20 PBs and then some) just to catch a thrown ball essentially.
I do, however, like the idea of INT being a factor like that. Maybe, in the scheme of things it shouldnt be of much effect overall in OOTP. (or maybe just end up being a factor for the tandem for say 4-5 of the 30+ starts) But, it would at least give some value to position of catcher other than bat and arm.