pitcher/catcher cohesion

[PSUColonel]

I think a great added feature would be to have cohesion established between pitchers and catchers who work with each other. The longer a pitcher and catcher have worked together, the better the rating. Another idea for an additional catcher ratings, would be to have a "call game" ability rating. There might be better ways to implement my idea, but I think these are good basic premises to start with.

[Dylema]

I think their is something to pitchers and catchers connecting. If a pitcher likes the way his catcher is calling the game he can be more confidant in the pitches he is throwing.

[daveawrit]

I for one LOVE this idea, I think I either posted it in the Suggestions forum, or at least thought about posting it a while back. I think this would add a ton more immersion to the game, but I can't imagine that it would be something easy for Markus & co. to code into the game.

[Dr. P.R. Park III]

I always thought a "batterymates" attribute or relationship would be great. Good call my man.

[Kelric]

As long as I don't get stuck with Greg Maddux and Javy Lopez on the same team.

[spark240]

I'd say this is only a good idea if somebody has some data that appears to describe and quantify this effect in real life, so there's a concrete idea of what the game effect of such ratings could be.

[dcpcarmona]

Originally Posted by spark240

I'd say this is only a good idea if somebody has some data that appears to describe and quantify this effect in real life, so there's a concrete idea of what the game effect of such ratings could be.

Exactly!

[andymac]

Originally Posted by spark240

I'd say this is only a good idea if somebody has some data that appears to describe and quantify this effect in real life, so there's a concrete idea of what the game effect of such ratings could be.

That is the thing, though, all of the research data that has been done on this has pretty much pointed out that there isn't an effect. I don't really like a call game rating but I would be fine with some kind of "battery" rating if it only effected moral. Maybe some pitchers will get mad if you match them up with catchers they don't like or don't match them up with a catcher they really like or something. However, it really shouldn't effect performance (at least not any more than moral does) unless someone can find some evidence that it should.

[Syd Thrift]

In the interests of making unkind comparisons to Baseball Mogul... Baseball Mogul has players being friends with each other. It is a neat idea, I will admit, although in typical Mogul fashion the catcher for the Rockies is automatically friends with *everybody*. That Yorvit Torrealba, he should run for President...

[Base Stealer]

I really like the idea of a catcher-pitcher rating growing over time, but also for other team members. I think it makes sense that players staying together for a long time perform better and would take a hit in motivation if someone of the group is traded. But i don't know how difficult to code this would be....

[PSUColonel]

Originally Posted by Syd Thrift

In the interests of making unkind comparisons to Baseball Mogul... Baseball Mogul has players being friends with each other. It is a neat idea, I will admit, although in typical Mogul fashion the catcher for the Rockies is automatically friends with *everybody*. That Yorvit Torrealba, he should run for President...

So does FM, in fact in FM, some players don't like each other either.

[falkonisback]

Originally Posted by Kelric

As long as I don't get stuck with Greg Maddux and Javy Lopez on the same team.

HA! That's easily fixed...Just trade Javy Lopez for Eddie Perez

[StyxNCa]

I have seen one of my pitchers, over the past few years, pitches much better with my young catcher behind the plate and not so well with the older guy. This is the only pitcher on my team I have noticed this for.

The only reason I can see for it is the extremely high work ethic and intelligence of the young catcher which helps the pitcher who has a rather low intelligence rating. The older catcher is average in intelligence and work ethic which doesn't seem to be able to overcome the pitchers lack of intelligence.

[Jose Cardenal's Afro]

Originally Posted by andymac

That is the thing, though, all of the research data that has been done on this has pretty much pointed out that there isn't an effect. I don't really like a call game rating but I would be fine with some kind of "battery" rating if it only effected moral. Maybe some pitchers will get mad if you match them up with catchers they don't like or don't match them up with a catcher they really like or something. However, it really shouldn't effect performance (at least not any more than moral does) unless someone can find some evidence that it should.

It is very hard to quantify. I agree it should be a morale thing only.

Zambrano and Barrett anyone?

A call game stat may be doable, how many times have we heard someone say that a catcher calls a good game.
Again, very hard to quantify.

[Childress]

The poster was right, the 'battery mates' concept would open a Pandora's box of issues. How about a 'Pitcher handling' rating for catchers that increases with age? Much simpler to implement.

[endgame]

Originally Posted by spark240

I'd say this is only a good idea if somebody has some data that appears to describe and quantify this effect in real life, so there's a concrete idea of what the game effect of such ratings could be.

"ay, there's the rub", as this has been debated off and on for a few years in these forums. Personally, I really like the idea of chemistry, egos, and personalities across the player framework. Currently, albeit rationalization, I perceive the catcher ability rating to encompass those 'intangibles' like battery mates. To the best of my knowledge, there is an absence of hard statistical data to show significant impact, while many a manager might be inclined to argue otherwise.

[Terpripken]

Originally Posted by endgame

"ay, there's the rub", To the best of my knowledge, there is an absence of hard statistical data to show significant impact, while many a manager might be inclined to argue otherwise.

I like the idea.

...but....he's right...

What about personal catcher's?

Like Maddux/Perez...back in the day.

[Purple Cowboy]

Originally Posted by PSUColonel

So does FM, in fact in FM, some players don't like each other either.

Yup, and the relationships in FM are dynamic too. I've had a player go from disliking me to having me as one of his favorites and vice versa. They also develop like/dislike relationships with clubs too which is very cool.

[Jose Cardenal's Afro]

I think saying a catcher calls a good game is based on personal opinion from coaches. Its kinda like pr0n. You know it when you see it but not very tangible. You could make a hidden random stat for catchers that may affect K's and hits by maybe a 5% swing over the course of the year.

[PSUColonel]

Originally Posted by Jose Cardenal's Afro

I think saying a catcher calls a good game is based on personal opinion from coaches. Its kinda like pr0n. You know it when you see it but not very tangible. You could make a hidden random stat for catchers that may affect K's and hits by maybe a 5% swing over the course of the year.

agreed. In fact, I think ALL personality ratings should be hidden. These are things as a GM you just can't quantify until you "get to know" a player.