by Ragnarokpc » Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:02 am
It isn't that simple. 1-5 are typically for guys who cannot hit the ball out of the park; 6-8 are for guys who can. A 5 will hit for more average than an 8, but the 8 will have a better OPS, I believe.
You will run across guys that are rated 5NR, meaning that they can hit it out if they roll a HR on the pitcher's card . . . but good luck with that.
I couldn't rate them for you in order. I would probably go 8-7-5-6-4 personally, but it's kind of up to you. Also, you may want to note that HAL will still sac bunt a lot with your pitcher, even with a good hitting card.
Just for some reference, my four starters in my recently finished season:
W. Johnson 8NR 118 AB .246 AVG .276 OB .297 SLG
B. Foster 3NS 103 AB .184 AVG .227 OB .272 SLG
N. Hahn 2WL 96 AB .104 AVG .173 OB .115 SLG
H. McQuillan 4NR 55 AB .236 AVG .259 OB .273 SLG
I was a bit disappointed in Johnson, but 118 AB is likely about the most you're going to get (he actually led all pitchers in ABs). Also of note, he only hit 1 HR; Fergie Jenkins, a 6NR, led the pitchers with 5.
Hope some of this helps...
EDIT: Looking at the cards, I see how good that 5 card is. And that the 8 card doesn't really have any better power than the 6 card. Still, I like seeing my pitcher hit one out. Maybe you can find some 5s with that N rating but again up to you. Maybe you're happier with a guy who can keep innings alive rather than power.