[dunningrb]

It would be a nice improvement if OOTP provided the user the option to move the first baseman behind the runner. For example, if I'm on defense, ahead 3-0 in the ninth inning, and there is a runner on first base, I want my first baseman to play behind the runner. In that situation, the run represented at first base means nothing. I need to prevent the batter reaching base a lot more than I need to prevent a stolen base.

The reason of course is simple. My first baseman has a better chance of converting a ball hit his way into an out if he plays behind the runner. I'm certain OOTP includes this fact in the game engine (right???), but right now it only plays the first baseman behind the runner when there are runners on first and second or when the bases are loaded, without giving the user the option to do so in situations like the one I described.

Whether my pitcher "holds" the runner seems much less relevant to creating good game play. In fact, I've never understood what OOTP is trying to model here. It is certainly not "pitching from the stretch." First, the correct term is pitching from the "set position." The stretch is a specific part of the pitcher's motion when pitching from the set position. Second, *all* pitchers pitch from the set position when there is a risk of a stolen base. So in OOTP world, "holding" a runner means something in addition to pitching from the set position. According to the manual, it's something like paying closer attention to the runner. But whatever it is, according to the manual it also has a small effect on the outcome of each play, and apparently corresponds to something you can't easily see from the stands if you're at a real game. I'm left scratching my head at this particular design choice.