PLEASE fix the bullpen AI

[oldtimey]

Originally Posted by David Watts

Just wondering, what's the fatigue system like in The Show for pitchers?

As best as I can determine, if a reliever pitches 1 IP or less, he can pitch the next day. If he goes 2 or more, the cpu manager will not use him the next game. And I have seen setup men with 4-5 saves on certain teams who were used to close games when the closer was used longer because of extra innings or if he is "cold" over his last 10 appearances.
Now, I remember a situation where the setup man came into the game in the ninth with his team leading by 4 runs in a game I was watching. The series of events led to the bases loaded and two out. The manager brings in the closer, who gets the final out and records the save. Now, I admit this is the cheapest of saves (getting only one out, with the tieing run in the on-deck circle), and this might be how so many saves were amassed if the AI handles this situation everytime it occurs. If this is the case, the AI is only doing what it was programmed to do. If there is a save situation, deploy the player in the closer role. And because it is to get one out, a manager will bring him in despite him being fatigued. In this case, the closer threw one pitch and got a popup. Game over, closer records a save despite his team winning by 4 runs. Managers do go to a tired reliever and ask can you get one out if we need it. So, if this is the case, I will except this logic because the Ai is trying win the ballgame, not necessarily trying to amass saves. The save came because of the save rule stating that if a pitcher faces the tieing or winning run or if the same is on deck and he finishes the game without giving up the lead, he gets a save. That is just the AI doing what it is programmed to do.

[David Watts]

Originally Posted by oldtimey

As best as I can determine, if a reliever pitches 1 IP or less, he can pitch the next day. If he goes 2 or more, the cpu manager will not use him the next game. And I have seen setup men with 4-5 saves on certain teams who were used to close games when the closer was used longer because of extra innings or if he is "cold" over his last 10 appearances.
Now, I remember a situation where the setup man came into the game in the ninth with his team leading by 4 runs in a game I was watching. The series of events led to the bases loaded and two out. The manager brings in the closer, who gets the final out and records the save. Now, I admit this is the cheapest of saves (getting only one out, with the tieing run in the on-deck circle), and this might be how so many saves were amassed if the AI handles this situation everytime it occurs. If this is the case, the AI is only doing what it was programmed to do. If there is a save situation, deploy the player in the closer role. And because it is to get one out, a manager will bring him in despite him being fatigued. In this case, the closer threw one pitch and got a popup. Game over, closer records a save despite his team winning by 4 runs. Managers do go to a tired reliever and ask can you get one out if we need it. So, if this is the case, I will except this logic because the Ai is trying win the ballgame, not necessarily trying to amass saves. The save came because of the save rule stating that if a pitcher faces the tieing or winning run or if the same is on deck and he finishes the game without giving up the lead, he gets a save. That is just the AI doing what it is programmed to do.

So how many games in a row can the closer pitch with no fatigue if he only goes 1 inning?

[oldtimey]

It is determined by how many pitches the closer, or any reliever, throws. But when it comes to winning a game, the AI will allow for a pitcher to pitch even when he is supposed to rest. In the series I just watched, it was obvious in the final game of the season that Cpu Mgr. Washington was trying not use closer Nathan because he had pitched the first two games of the four game series, with the second win clinching the AL West. No closer needed in game 3, another win by the Ranger 6-2. In the 4th game of the series and the final game of the season, the Rangers bust up a great pitchers duel between Ogando and Wilson with a 4-run 8th-inning rally, giving them a 4-1 lead going into the top of the ninth. CPU Mgr. Washington ops to go to Kyle McClellan for the save, with play-by-play commenting on the fact the usual closer has shown signs of fatigue. Then McClellan gets in trouble. Leadoff man Aybar doubles. Play-by-play now tells me that CPU Mgr Washington has gotten his closer Nathan up in hopes he has enough for one or two outs. McClellan retires Kendrick on a 3-1 ground out, moving Aybar to third. Now due up is the AL's leading hitter, Mike Trout. Play-by-play now announces the emergence of CPU Mgr. Washington from the dugout. McClelland gives him the ball, while play-by-play announces that closer Nathan is being waved in. This immediately seems like a terrible idea, as Trout rips a double to left-center, driving in Aybar. Score, 4-2. An obviously-fatigued Nathan then walked cleanup batter Pujols. After an encouraging visit to the mound by catcher Soto, he gets Hamilton to ground into a 6-4 FC, as he barely beat the relay to keep LAA's hopes alive. CPU Mgr Scioscia now deploys pinch runner Bourjos, as he carries the tying run. Next batter Vernon Wells (still an Angel in my league), is then fooled on a 1-0 curveball and taps in front of the plate. Soto makes the play to Moreland at first for the ballgame. Nathan racks up save 55, with play-by-play stating that he should be considered for the Cy Young (his ERA is 0.93). This is the "bullpen drama" I missed during my half of season playing OOTP 13.
So to answer your question, The Show 13 has a heavy pitch count emphasis.Fatigue is determined by pitch count. There are some LOOGY pitchers with 85 appearances, but 65 or less IP. But fatigue status overridden when it comes down to winning or losing.