MD,
I'll preface this by saying that I'm no expert. I haven't done any extensive studies or plotted any graphs to prove my settings...
I'm enjoying my settings because I seem to be getting a good mix of results. Players are peaking at the right ages, but some are also getting to the big show at 21-23 and doing fairly well.
At the same time, there are some guys who just aren't ready until they're a bit older. But I'm getting peaks at ages 26-31.
The actual
aging process though, which is what you specifically asked about, is what is really making me love these settings.
Again, I'm getting a fantastic mix, especially for hitters. Here are two screenshots to show what I'm seeing.
This is my career hits leader, after playing from 1912-1962. Injuries are off, FYI. I have a good mix of guys who just keep on playing. But check out his VORP...peaks exactly at age 27.
Now, look at this guy...
Oh, Tom Van de Bosch. First two years were with the same team..they moved. He was then traded in a blockbuster deal.
In the 1940's, he won EIGHT triple crowns. This guy was the best hitter on the planet. I was coaching Detroit, and I watched him fall. At the age of 31, he became a shell of himself. Again, no injuries. By 34, he was riding the pine. I like to think he stuck around to enjoy the end of his 10-year deal.
Anyway, the main thing I'm seeing is guys getting to 35-37 and their skills starting to fall down gracefully.