Why is it so hard for me to steal, so easy for AI?

bigyunit · 05-15-2015, 04:38 PM

I just finished the 2015 season with the Mariners, having played every game.

My team finished dead last in steals by a mile, but not because I was never trying to steal.

For most of the season I had James Jones (17/18/18 in speed categories by OSA, 17/17/17 by my scout) and Mookie Betts (15/17/12, 15/17/14) at the top of the order. Almost every single time they were on 1st base I would attempt to steal 2nd.

Almost every single time I would get a message that they weren't able to get a good jump. By the end of the season, Jones was able to steal 21 bases in 30 attempts, while Betts stole 15 in 26 attempts.

I ran with almost nobody else, given how hard it was for these two guys to steal and how often they got thrown out (they were the two fastest guys on my team). This was especially frustrating because I rarely even ran unless the opposing catcher had an arm of 11 or below.

Meanwhile, my catcher is Mike Zunino. He's 15 arm by my scout (14 by OSA) and 17 catcher ability. In 2015, he threw out just 22.5% of runners, despite often being run on by guys with speed and stealing ability of 12 or below.

In 2016 this seems to be getting worse. Jones has been thrown out 5 times in 6 attempts (every other time he doesn't run, despite sporting a .364 OBP through 40 games) and Zunino has thrown out just 11.8% of baserunners. He has also NEVER, in two seasons, managed to throw somebody out stealing third.

Am I missing something here? Why can every other team steal so many bases?

RchW · 05-15-2015, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigyunit

I just finished the 2015 season with the Mariners, having played every game.

My team finished dead last in steals by a mile, but not because I was never trying to steal.

For most of the season I had James Jones (17/18/18 in speed categories by OSA, 17/17/17 by my scout) and Mookie Betts (15/17/12, 15/17/14) at the top of the order. Almost every single time they were on 1st base I would attempt to steal 2nd.

Almost every single time I would get a message that they weren't able to get a good jump. By the end of the season, Jones was able to steal 21 bases in 30 attempts, while Betts stole 15 in 26 attempts.

I ran with almost nobody else, given how hard it was for these two guys to steal and how often they got thrown out (they were the two fastest guys on my team). This was especially frustrating because I rarely even ran unless the opposing catcher had an arm of 11 or below.

Meanwhile, my catcher is Mike Zunino. He's 15 arm by my scout (14 by OSA) and 17 catcher ability. In 2015, he threw out just 22.5% of runners, despite often being run on by guys with speed and stealing ability of 12 or below.

In 2016 this seems to be getting worse. Jones has been thrown out 5 times in 6 attempts (every other time he doesn't run, despite sporting a .364 OBP through 40 games) and Zunino has thrown out just 11.8% of baserunners. He has also NEVER, in two seasons, managed to throw somebody out stealing third.

Am I missing something here? Why can every other team steal so many bases?

Run and hit; hit and run. The straight steal is passé.

The Game · 05-15-2015, 06:35 PM

Also how often do you hold runners? I know in most leagues when I do not hold runners even slow guys will run on my C and my C isn't great (6 arm 7 ability 1-10) scale but he threw out 34% of the runners last season. I play in a league where stealing is set to Normal and the top 3 guys all had 80 or more. My LF had 74 SB in 90 att. 9 speed. I only use run & hit. 1 pitch mode.

RchW · 05-15-2015, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Game

Also how often do you hold runners? I know in most leagues when I do not hold runners even slow guys will run on my C and my C isn't great (6 arm 7 ability 1-10) scale but he threw out 34% of the runners last season. I play in a league where stealing is set to Normal and the top 3 guys all had 80 or more. My LF had 74 SB in 90 att. 9 speed. I only use run & hit. 1 pitch mode.

I never hold runners. Throwing over has a better effect.

olivertheorem · 05-15-2015, 09:59 PM

What's that quote on the loading screen? You only ever really steal on a pitcher, you never steal on a catcher.

RubeBaker · 05-17-2015, 09:34 AM

I usually take a look at the pitcher's "hold runners" rating and then look at the catcher's arm. If you're facing a pitcher with an average rating, but a guy like Yadier Molina behind the plate, you're wise not to get too aggressive. However, if you've got a really fast runner, you might be inclined to be more aggressive especially in the later innings when the pitcher starts tiring.

I usually pay attention to his control. If he starts throwing a lot of balls and getting behind in the count, that's a good time to think about a steal. Also, if you've got a good contact hitter with a 2-1 or 3-2 count, that's a good time to call for a hit-and-run.

05-15-2015, 04:38 PM	#1
bigyunit Bat Boy Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 18	Why is it so hard for me to steal, so easy for AI? I just finished the 2015 season with the Mariners, having played every game. My team finished dead last in steals by a mile, but not because I was never trying to steal. For most of the season I had James Jones (17/18/18 in speed categories by OSA, 17/17/17 by my scout) and Mookie Betts (15/17/12, 15/17/14) at the top of the order. Almost every single time they were on 1st base I would attempt to steal 2nd. Almost every single time I would get a message that they weren't able to get a good jump. By the end of the season, Jones was able to steal 21 bases in 30 attempts, while Betts stole 15 in 26 attempts. I ran with almost nobody else, given how hard it was for these two guys to steal and how often they got thrown out (they were the two fastest guys on my team). This was especially frustrating because I rarely even ran unless the opposing catcher had an arm of 11 or below. Meanwhile, my catcher is Mike Zunino. He's 15 arm by my scout (14 by OSA) and 17 catcher ability. In 2015, he threw out just 22.5% of runners, despite often being run on by guys with speed and stealing ability of 12 or below. In 2016 this seems to be getting worse. Jones has been thrown out 5 times in 6 attempts (every other time he doesn't run, despite sporting a .364 OBP through 40 games) and Zunino has thrown out just 11.8% of baserunners. He has also NEVER, in two seasons, managed to throw somebody out stealing third. Am I missing something here? Why can every other team steal so many bases?

05-15-2015, 06:35 PM	#3
The Game Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Inside The Game Posts: 30,807	Also how often do you hold runners? I know in most leagues when I do not hold runners even slow guys will run on my C and my C isn't great (6 arm 7 ability 1-10) scale but he threw out 34% of the runners last season. I play in a league where stealing is set to Normal and the top 3 guys all had 80 or more. My LF had 74 SB in 90 att. 9 speed. I only use run & hit. 1 pitch mode. __________________ Go today don't wait for tomorrow It isn't promised, all the time you get borrowed Don't live your life for other people Don't bottle your emotions till they crack and fill a couple just sorrows Take your mind and refocus go get a paper write your goals out Throw your middle fingers to all your haters "Stay Strong"

05-15-2015, 09:59 PM	#5
olivertheorem All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,919	What's that quote on the loading screen? You only ever really steal on a pitcher, you never steal on a catcher.

05-17-2015, 09:34 AM	#6
RubeBaker All Star Reserve Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: USA Posts: 640	I usually take a look at the pitcher's "hold runners" rating and then look at the catcher's arm. If you're facing a pitcher with an average rating, but a guy like Yadier Molina behind the plate, you're wise not to get too aggressive. However, if you've got a really fast runner, you might be inclined to be more aggressive especially in the later innings when the pitcher starts tiring. I usually pay attention to his control. If he starts throwing a lot of balls and getting behind in the count, that's a good time to think about a steal. Also, if you've got a good contact hitter with a 2-1 or 3-2 count, that's a good time to call for a hit-and-run.