Why Does the AI Do This?

[pstrickert]

Originally Posted by TomVeal

In the top of the 8th, Pittsburgh is ahead by one run and has a man on third with two out. The pitcher is up. Only one pinch hitter is available, a guy called up from AAA a couple of weeks ago (to fill a gap left by a trade) but a decent hitter. The AI chooses to have the pitcher bat for himself. He strikes out. The AI then puts in a new pitcher for the 9th (who, happily, gets the save).

Whatever was the AI thinking?

Buck may want to think about using a pitcher to pinch hit for Chris Davis one of these days. Couldn't do any worse.

[Matt Arnold]

Originally Posted by Padreman

A real manager might have to consider the possibility of going extra innings on a close game so he would save the pinch hitter for later use

I do understand that notion - if the boost from pinch hitting wasn't much, then I'd certainly keep them there. Or if there was nobody on, for example. But in the case listed above, with a man on 3rd, you have to do as much as you can to get that extra run in, to get a little more insurance. Especially if you're already planning on bringing in a new pitcher the next inning, I don't know any manager who would let their pitcher hit.

[jaysdailydose]

Originally Posted by Matt Arnold

I do understand that notion - if the boost from pinch hitting wasn't much, then I'd certainly keep them there. Or if there was nobody on, for example. But in the case listed above, with a man on 3rd, you have to do as much as you can to get that extra run in, to get a little more insurance. Especially if you're already planning on bringing in a new pitcher the next inning, I don't know any manager who would let their pitcher hit.

If he gets the runs maybe he doesn't switch pitchers?

Hopefully OP will share the box score...there are definitely scenarios where I might try to continue with that pitcher. Is it my starter throwing a shutout or just a great game? Maybe if I get that run in with the pitcher I don't make the switch. Sure, most people would, but a lot of them are just trying to get the save stat...some might try to get their pitcher the CG...or, if it's a pitcher like a Kershaw, maybe he is significantly better than my closer...

Just a ton of variables we don't know.

[jaysdailydose]

It's a one run game, but maybe it's 1-0 and the batter is bumgarner. All we know for sure is that the pinch hitter is a recent call up from AAA. I don't think this is cut and dry, and the decision might not be either.

I swear, I'm not trying to be "that guy" this one is just pretty interesting!

[TomVeal]

Here is the box score. The last pinch hitter is Michael Choice, who in this game was traded by Texas to Pittsburgh and has been floating between AAA and the Majors.