Why "strictly bullpen"

[Marinersfan51]

Every single pitcher in the draft has a recommended role of strictly bullpen, even the starters. Why is this and is there any way to change it to a realistic spread.

[Afino]

They're listed as such because based on their CURRENT ratings, they would not be able to be a starting pitcher in your major league.


If you go to their player page, you can adjust the level that their role is based on, and it will change. Likely, every pitcher (unless they have very low endurance and/or very low Stuff potential) will be a "starter" on the lowest level of minors you have.

As the player develops, it will change as they become more viable starters at higher levels. So when you're drafting, don't take that recommended role into account too much. As long as they have three pitches and above a 3/10 Stamina, they can start in OOTPX. That's the bottom line.

[Afino]

Oh, and I must add that even when a pitcher gets to the major leagues, if they still have a "strictly bullpen" recommendation, there's nothing physically stopping you from starting that pitcher. You can start anyone you want to, but their effectiveness will vary.

[Marinersfan51]

Thanks, that clears it up

[Malleus Dei]

Originally Posted by Afino

You can start anyone you want to, but their effectiveness will vary.

But be careful who you start. Some pitchers really are "bullpen only."

[kq76]

Anybody know the difference between "Bullpen" and "Strictly Bullpen"? I had a theory that the latter meant they have no chance outside of the bullpen while the former is just one step below "Borderline Starter", but when I try to confirm it by looking at pitch and stamina ratings, I can't. That is, it's possible to find SB guys with 3 or more pitches or 2 pretty good pitches or good stamina while it's also possible to find guys who are just suggested as "Bullpen" with less.

While I'm at it, has anyone seen an "Emergency Starter" in awhile? I could have sworn I had seen one before and I see them mentioned in the manual, but I just went through maybe 200 pitchers and didn't see a single one. If they do exist, what's the difference between them and a "Borderline Starter"?