Outfielder Positioning and Defensive Ratings

Why not change them to accord with the Board Game rules? I mean, we should be able to put a center fielder in right or left, or play any outfielder in any outfield position for that matter, with there being defensive adjustments as outlined in the board rules. In the board game, I believe you can put a center fielder in right or left, and do so without any “penalty” to their defensive rating - I think actually on a move to left his defensive rating would improve according to the board game, but I’d have to go check.

Also, as I understand it now, if a corner outfielder is injured and we have no natural corner to replace him, and a center fielder is put in his place, I believe the center fielder gets a 5 defensive rating for being out of position. Center fielders are generally moved to the corners when their defensive skills erode. If you put a 1 or 2 center fielder in his prime in a corner, how does he become a 5? I think that’s a bit absurd.

Someone might have suggested this change already, but it is long over due.

I believe the board game rules do apply; however, you cannot, of course, voluntarily move an outfielder out of position.

I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing. It makes for more strategy in who you pick for your team.

This game is meant to be a partial simulation of actual MLB. So, having outfielders play outfield positions they don't play in real life would obviously detract from that. I do agree that a 5 is excessive, unless it's a 3 or 4 corner outfielder moved to CF, which he doesn't play. However, not all centerfielders play corner outfield positions as well as they play CF. Many have a difficult time playing fly balls hit on angles they don't see in CF, so their losing points in defensive rating isn't outlandish.

If you've just started playing, and it seems like you have, I suggest you just enjoy yourself for a bit and see all the things that work for Online SOM, as opposed to focusing on the things you think don't.