Sometimes the AI just dumbfounds me

[Bluenoser]

Game 7 of the WS, you're trailing 2-1 in the top of the 8th and you're going to let your SP bat while you entire bench & bullpen is available? (image 1) Not the AI, leave the SP in, let him bat. Of course he strikes out, and the next batter lines out. Inning over.

Surprisingly, the Twins manage to score 2 in the top of the 9th. So with a 3-2 lead going into the bottom of the 9th in the WS you're bringing in your closer, right? Nope, not the AI. Let's leave the 107 pitches thrown, tired starter in to finish it off. Amazingly, he gets 3 up, 3 down and a CG win. (image 2)

Despite the fact it worked out, have to question those decisions.

[Curve Ball Dave]

Originally Posted by Bluenoser

Game 7 of the WS, you're trailing 2-1 in the top of the 8th and you're going to let your SP bat while you entire bench & bullpen is available? (image 1) Not the AI, leave the SP in, let him bat. Of course he strikes out, and the next batter lines out. Inning over.

Surprisingly, the Twins manage to score 2 in the top of the 9th. So with a 3-2 lead going into the bottom of the 9th in the WS you're bringing in your closer, right? Nope, not the AI. Let's leave the 107 pitches thrown, tired starter in to finish it off. Amazingly, he gets 3 up, 3 down and a CG win. (image 2)

Despite the fact it worked out, have to question those decisions.

There are times when playing OOTP you have to use your imagination to fill in the blanks. In this case I'd imagine the pitching coach and manager talking to the pitcher who tells them they'll have have to drag him off the mound, he's not coming out, it's his game. The manager and PC calm him down a bit so there's some sense of reason and all parties agree that if anyone gets on the Closer is coming in. The starter who is locked in and dealing retires the side in order, game over, the rejoicing begins. The scenario I just laid is out is well within reality, it can happen. I like that OOTP simulates all possibilities.

[Bluenoser]

Originally Posted by Curve Ball Dave

There are times when playing OOTP you have to use your imagination to fill in the blanks. In this case I'd imagine the pitching coach and manager talking to the pitcher who tells them they'll have have to drag him off the mound, he's not coming out, it's his game. The manager and PC calm him down a bit so there's some sense of reason and all parties agree that if anyone gets on the Closer is coming in. The starter who is locked in and dealing retires the side in order, game over, the rejoicing begins. The scenario I just laid is out is well within reality, it can happen. I like that OOTP simulates all possibilities.

I could see that scenario in the bottom of the 9th. I can't see it in the top of the 8th when you're trailing by 1 run in game 7 of the WS. I don't care what the SP tells me about dragging him out of the game while he's standing in the on deck circle, he's not hitting. There's no way you don't put a pinch hitter in there.

[Curve Ball Dave]

Originally Posted by Bluenoser

I could see that scenario in the bottom of the 9th. I can't see it in the top of the 8th when you're trailing by 1 run in game 7 of the WS. I don't care what the SP tells me about dragging him out of the game while he's standing in the on deck circle, he's not hitting. There's no way you don't put a pinch hitter in there.

I'm feelin' ya on that. I agree, I'd have pinch hit for him too and deal with his feelings later in the clubhouse.

[panda234]

I had an opposing team's AI leave a reliever in after he hit 4 of my batters in a row with the bases loaded and then gave up a hit. Didn't see that in OOTP 19.

[TomVeal]

Every now and then, a manager makes a really dumb decision that works. Perhaps OOTP tries to replicate that.

Or maybe the pitcher in this anecdote was Don Newcombe.