Send Forced?

[RJEwing03]

Durring play-by-play, what does "Send Forced" mean? I'm not sure when it shows up, but for example I have a runner on 1st and 3rd with one out. Delayed steal, maybe?

[magnet]

It sends the runner on the next pitch. If you just hit Steal 2nd, the runner might not get a good jump.

I don't think it will send the runner on 3rd, but I don't believe I've ever used it with a runner on third.

[BIG17EASY]

It sends the runners who are "forced" to go when the ball is hit on the ground, so in that instance it sends only the runner on first. I've found that this is only useful when you play in pitch-by-pitch mode and want to send a runner on a 3-2 count. The runner goes on the pitch, but he's not necessarily trying to steal the base. He's only trying to avoid a double play, so he's less likely to get picked off because it's not a straight steal.

Hope that makes sense.

[bwburke94]

It's generally for use in a 3-2 count with two outs, though I have had success using it with no outs as well.

[DoubleBacon]

I always send forced when I want to attempt a steal. Otherwise, the runner will not go. If I choose the regular "steal second" option, the runner always breaks and then stops. They never attempt to steal.

[henry296]

Would it also work if you want the runner on third to break on contact?

[bwburke94]

Only if the bases are loaded, since they aren't forced with runners on first and third.

[BIG17EASY]

Originally Posted by DoubleBacon

I always send forced when I want to attempt a steal. Otherwise, the runner will not go. If I choose the regular "steal second" option, the runner always breaks and then stops. They never attempt to steal.

The baserunner's steal rating determines how often he gets a good jump. I agree that it's too common when runners start and then stop, but the guys with very high steal ratings will go most of the time, at least in my experience.

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by DoubleBacon

I always send forced when I want to attempt a steal. Otherwise, the runner will not go. If I choose the regular "steal second" option, the runner always breaks and then stops. They never attempt to steal.

"Run & Hit" works pretty well for this also. I play in one-pitch mode and use it a lot. I get a mixed bag of (a) runner steals second or gets thrown out trying and batter either took pitch or swung and missed, and (b) batter hits the ball somewhere and runner advances either on a hit or a ground out. Sometimes the hit is a fly ball out and the batter retreats successfully. Occasionally, this strategy results in a double play (line out/fly out, runner does not get back).

I never see the runner fail to go using this option, and I have the same problem with "steal second" that you do, i.e. the runner won't attempt the steal unless he has a very high steal rating. With my very best base stealers, I do use steal second.

[henry296]

Originally Posted by bwburke94

Only if the bases are loaded, since they aren't forced with runners on first and third.

Why would you need to tell a runner who is forced to run. Shouldn't they do that automatically?

[BIG17EASY]

Originally Posted by henry296

Why would you need to tell a runner who is forced to run. Shouldn't they do that automatically?

You're not telling them to run when the ball is hit. Rather, you're telling them to go on the pitch, so it's a steal attempt, albeit not a typical steal attempt where the runner is trying to get the best jump possible. That's why (in theory) it's most effective on a 3-2 count.

[evanbarth]

Anyone notice that when you "steal second" the batter always takes the pitch. I get it to allow the runner to run -- but is this ALWAYS the case? what about two strikes? I have "steal second" on for a batter with two strikes and they take strike three...could be a coincidenece -- just wondering if the batter ALWAYS takes the pitch or if they swing with two strikes?

Maybe this is was something from a prior version.

[Bmeister]

On a straight steal, the batter always takes the pitch. I tend to agree with your approach, which is why I like to use Run & Hit.

[RchW]

Originally Posted by BIG17EASY

It sends the runners who are "forced" to go when the ball is hit on the ground, so in that instance it sends only the runner on first. I've found that this is only useful when you play in pitch-by-pitch mode and want to send a runner on a 3-2 count. The runner goes on the pitch, but he's not necessarily trying to steal the base. He's only trying to avoid a double play, so he's less likely to get picked off because it's not a straight steal.

Hope that makes sense.

No, the manual says differently but with no elaboration. I'm of the opinion that send forced will send the runner from any base in any base occupied state. That's how it reads to me.

Offensive Play-by-Play Controls

The following options are available when you are controlling the team at bat:
Offensive Option Description

Swing Away The batter will make a normal attempt to hit the ball.

Bunt for Hit The batter will attempt to bunt to get on base. This option is usually used when the batter is both a good bunter and very fast. It is more often used with left-handed hitters.

Take Pitch The batter will let the pitch go by, even if it is a good pitch. This option is often used when the pitcher is struggling with his control, or if the count is 3-0 or 3-1 and you hope to get a walk.

Steal (2nd, 3rd, Home) The runner on the selected base will try to steal. He might not actually go if he cannot get a good jump, however.

Send Forced The runners on base will go, no matter what happens at the plate.

Hit & Run The runners will leave before the ball is hit, and the batter will try to make contact. This option is often used by teams who do not have a lot of power and need to 'manufacture' runs.

Run & Hit The runners will leave before the ball is hit, and the batter has the option of trying to make contact or taking the pitch. This option is usually used only when the runner has a good chance of stealing a base.

Safety Squeeze The batter will attempt to bunt, and the runner on third will try to score on the bunt. He will wait to see the ball hit the ground to prevent getting doubled up. (Available only when there is a runner on third.)

Suicide Squeeze The batter will attempt to bunt, and the runner on third will try to score on the bunt as soon as the pitcher begins his forward motion toward the plate. (Available only when there is a runner on third.)

[RchW]

Originally Posted by Bmeister

On a straight steal, the batter always takes the pitch. I tend to agree with your approach, which is why I like to use Run & Hit.

That makes no sense to me. Batting 2nd as I did often, swinging at a pitch on a straight steal was expected unless it was a foot outside or at your head.

Edit

I'm sure I see swings in the game too.