Road to Release: Part 4

Sebastian Palkowski · 04-20-2011, 05:32 AM

Welcome back to the Road to Release for iOOTP Baseball 2011. In the fourth installment, I will continue my season with the Boston Red Sox up to the All-Star Break. Along the way, I will show you the ins and outs of managing your team during the regular season.

But first, as promised last time, I will show you how deep the world of iOOTP is. The game is not just stats and ratings — it builds a world that evolves around you, just like the baseball world we all avidly follow every season. Here are a few examples:

Players get injured ...

Trades happen ...

Players get suspended ...

Various weekly and monthly awards are handed out ...

Heroic game events happen ...

and players reach milestones:

There are even more news blurbs and messages beyond those, but before I show them to you, let’s pick up my season that’s underway. I’ve simulated the month of April, so let's take a look at the standings:

As expected, it is a close race between my Red Sox and the Evil Empire. But it’s still early in the season, so I will continue the action before I start thinking about possible upgrades. So I hit "Finish Week" ...

... and get bad news: one of my key players suffered a major injury. First, I go to my lineup:

Crawford is my leadoff man, and despite his .244 batting average, he is an important part of my team. Now I have two things to do: make room on the active roster for a replacement player and then adjust the lineups. After tapping Crawford’s name, I take a closer look at his injury:

He will miss about 6 weeks, so to make room for his replacement I will put him on the Disabled List. For that I can use the Action Menu in the bottom bar (all actions concerning a player are in that menu):

Now I need a replacement to fill his role on the active roster. I open my Minor League Roster and take a look at the available options:

I need a left fielder and my only option is Josh Reddick. A closer look reveals ...

... he had two short stints in the majors with Boston in 2009 and 2010, with below average success. However, I have no other options at the moment, so I’ll give him another shot at the big leagues. His Potential (the four grey stars) is pretty good, so maybe this is his breakthrough moment.

I promote him to Boston (again, using the Action Menu) and update my lineups:

Hopefully the number 9 spot will take away some of the pressure.
Let’s continue the season!

After another month, I'm still in first place but Pedroia got hurt too, so I lost another important player for a few weeks.

And I received a personal message from J.D. Drew. Take a look:

That’s another of your between-game duties: signing new contracts with players you want to keep. Let’s take Drew as an example.

A look at his profile shows he is 35 years old and his stats are in decline, so if I sign him it has to be a short-term contract.

I have about $45 million available for contract extensions, and David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez are two more possible Free Agents after the season ends.

Now, just as a real General Manager does, we can meet with Drew. I tap his name in the message and open the Offer Extension Screen (as always, through the Action Menu).

Wow, he wants $17 million and 3 years (his current contract is $14 million). That's way too much in my opinion, so I lower the years to two and the money to the $14 million he gets now. I don't think he will accept that offer, but we will see. It is important to keep in mind that even if offers are declined, you can continue to negotiate with players. But be careful: some players will stop talking to you faster than others. I submit the offer to Drew and now I have to wait a few days.

Today brings with it another season highlight: the First-Year Player Draft.

Here you can draft the future of your franchise. It’s exciting to see who gets selected first and then watch the number one pick start his career in the majors, achieve his first hit, get chosen for his first All Star Team, receive awards, break records, and maybe even earn election to the Hall of Fame! Or maybe he suffers a career-ending injury during his first season. As in real life, you never know what will happen in iOOTP.

I planned to pick a starting pitcher, but with my 26th pick there are no good starter prospects left, so I change my mind and find a pretty interesting reliever: Sergio Ramirez.

He has good potential (5 stars), but his overall rating (4 stars) is what makes him interesting: he could be part of my bullpen during the season. I choose to let the CPU handle the rest of my draft picks.

After a few days, I get an update from Drew:

As I expected. He lowers his demand but insists on three years. I update my offer (again, only two years) and continue.

After a few days I get another update from Drew and this time, I'm surprised.

That gives me at least one year to find a replacement in RF. In other good news, I received word that Crawford can be reactivated from the Disabled List. That means Reddick goes back to the Minors, but this time he had a nice stint.

All is not puppies and rainbows in Red Sox land, though: one of my players is not happy with his role on the team.

I use Cameron in my starting lineup against LHP, but that doesn’t seem to be enough for him. You have to be careful with this kind of thing in iOOTP because morale is an important part of the game. As in real life, lousy morale can not only affect that player’s performance but also the entire team’s play. I make a note to think about trading Cameron at the trading deadline (this will be part of the next article).

Finally, I reach the All-Star Game and can take a look at the selected players for both leagues:

Boo, only Lackey was nominated from the American League. Something is not right at the moment.

Well, that's it for today. I made it halfway through the 2011 season and I showed you iOOTP’s deep game world and some of the duties you have as a GM. I'm now 3 games behind first place Tampa Bay, so when I continue I will take a look at my team and see what I can do to improve it at the trading deadline. Then we will finish the season, see if my first round pick makes his major league debut, and find out who wins the World Series. After that, we’ll take a look at the off-season, which has plenty for you to do before spring training starts again. Yes, just like real life.

ootp3to6 · 04-20-2011, 08:11 AM

Looking forward to Road to Release: Part 5 to see if your Red Sox make it to the World Series.

birdsofprey02 · 04-20-2011, 09:40 AM

Wow my last logon was March 2009. I've been an avid OOTP user for many years. I think I first played OOTP2 because I was getting tired of random stats in Baseball Mogul.

I remember sitting in college (2002-2006) and buying a laptop specifically so that I'd go to class, but yet still be able to play OOTP. Fast forward five years and I'm slightly older now, married, and have a happy job/career/life. The spare hours I used to spend playing OOTP just aren't there anymore. I appreciate the advancements and the limitless possibilities of tweaking, managing and simulating the game, I would have loved these additions a few years ago. I think I last purchased OOTP9 or 10 and I just didn't have the dedication like I did in college. The game was almost too involved for me (or required more devotion at least). This is not a dis on the game, more like a dis on me that I'm too lame to spend some time figuring things out.

With that said, now comes iOOTP. Its looks a bit simpler (but still feature-rich). I love the get up and go spirit of the game. I'm very excited for this and can't wait to get back into the OOTP community. I almost feel like you're creating this game JUST FOR ME! So thank you! My only issue now is being able to put my phone down while I'm stuck in traffic

JayWigley · 04-20-2011, 12:11 PM

So two more updates on the "Road to Release," at least? That saddens me. That suggests at least two more weeks until we might even hope for the release, which takes us OUT of April and into May. . .oh, the pain, the pain.

CHOWDERHEAD · 04-20-2011, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayWigley

So two more updates on the "Road to Release," at least? That saddens me. That suggests at least two more weeks until we might even hope for the release, which takes us OUT of April and into May. . .oh, the pain, the pain.

Same thought I had. They have put out the last few every Wednesday, so at this rate (guessing that there is at least two more RTR blogs to go), we will be in to May before it is released. Now if they bump up their timetable (or shorten the number of RTR to go), then we might get the game in April. Here's hoping for an April release.

Doby12 · 04-20-2011, 07:51 PM

Looking fantastic. Can't wait.

Marc Vaughan · 04-21-2011, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHOWDERHEAD

Same thought I had. They have put out the last few every Wednesday, so at this rate (guessing that there is at least two more RTR blogs to go), we will be in to May before it is released. Now if they bump up their timetable (or shorten the number of RTR to go), then we might get the game in April. Here's hoping for an April release.

From the 'TouchArcade' thread about iOOTP ...

Just a small update: We're submitting the game to Apple today. So keep your fingers crossed that the review process doesn't take too long!

So might not be that long - but do bear in mind the release date of the game is dependent on when it passes the submission process at Apple (so not entirely under OOTP Dev's control).

DaleReeck · 04-21-2011, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marc Vaughan

From the 'TouchArcade' thread about iOOTP ...

Just a small update: We're submitting the game to Apple today. So keep your fingers crossed that the review process doesn't take too long!

So might not be that long - but do bear in mind the release date of the game is dependent on when it passes the submission process at Apple (so not entirely under OOTP Dev's control).

Apple's review process is legendary for its inconsistency. Could be a few days. Could be a month (though more likely a week or two at the most).

40-40 Club · 04-21-2011, 11:20 AM

This looks great, any info on almanac/hall of fame/all time leader boards?

iBrandon · 04-21-2011, 11:55 AM

Wait, so this has already been submitted to Apple? Hopefully we get it soon...

CHOWDERHEAD · 04-21-2011, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marc Vaughan

From the 'TouchArcade' thread about iOOTP ...

Just a small update: We're submitting the game to Apple today. So keep your fingers crossed that the review process doesn't take too long!

So might not be that long - but do bear in mind the release date of the game is dependent on when it passes the submission process at Apple (so not entirely under OOTP Dev's control).

This is good to hear - thanks for the info.

rangers85 · 04-21-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by birdsofprey02

Wow my last logon was March 2009. I've been an avid OOTP user for many years. I think I first played OOTP2 because I was getting tired of random stats in Baseball Mogul.

I remember sitting in college (2002-2006) and buying a laptop specifically so that I'd go to class, but yet still be able to play OOTP. Fast forward five years and I'm slightly older now, married, and have a happy job/career/life. The spare hours I used to spend playing OOTP just aren't there anymore. I appreciate the advancements and the limitless possibilities of tweaking, managing and simulating the game, I would have loved these additions a few years ago. I think I last purchased OOTP9 or 10 and I just didn't have the dedication like I did in college. The game was almost too involved for me (or required more devotion at least). This is not a dis on the game, more like a dis on me that I'm too lame to spend some time figuring things out.

With that said, now comes iOOTP. Its looks a bit simpler (but still feature-rich). I love the get up and go spirit of the game. I'm very excited for this and can't wait to get back into the OOTP community. I almost feel like you're creating this game JUST FOR ME! So thank you! My only issue now is being able to put my phone down while I'm stuck in traffic

Totally agree. I dont have the time I did in college and high school to have an all inclusive universe in OOTP so I'm looking forward to it.

JayWigley · 04-21-2011, 01:46 PM

If you don't mind revealing this, did you ask that it be made available for purchase immediately on approval, or on a specific date after approval?

CHOWDERHEAD · 04-21-2011, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayWigley

If you don't mind revealing this, did you ask that it be made available for purchase immediately on approval, or on a specific date after approval?

Very good question.....

caseyd · 04-25-2011, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by birdsofprey02

Wow my last logon was March 2009. I've been an avid OOTP user for many years. I think I first played OOTP2 because I was getting tired of random stats in Baseball Mogul.

I remember sitting in college (2002-2006) and buying a laptop specifically so that I'd go to class, but yet still be able to play OOTP. Fast forward five years and I'm slightly older now, married, and have a happy job/career/life. The spare hours I used to spend playing OOTP just aren't there anymore. I appreciate the advancements and the limitless possibilities of tweaking, managing and simulating the game, I would have loved these additions a few years ago. I think I last purchased OOTP9 or 10 and I just didn't have the dedication like I did in college. The game was almost too involved for me (or required more devotion at least). This is not a dis on the game, more like a dis on me that I'm too lame to spend some time figuring things out.

With that said, now comes iOOTP. Its looks a bit simpler (but still feature-rich). I love the get up and go spirit of the game. I'm very excited for this and can't wait to get back into the OOTP community. I almost feel like you're creating this game JUST FOR ME! So thank you! My only issue now is being able to put my phone down while I'm stuck in traffic

LOL. This is me to a T.

04-20-2011, 05:32 AM	#1
Sebastian Palkowski Developer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hamburg, Germany Posts: 5,114	Road to Release: Part 4 Welcome back to the Road to Release for iOOTP Baseball 2011. In the fourth installment, I will continue my season with the Boston Red Sox up to the All-Star Break. Along the way, I will show you the ins and outs of managing your team during the regular season. But first, as promised last time, I will show you how deep the world of iOOTP is. The game is not just stats and ratings — it builds a world that evolves around you, just like the baseball world we all avidly follow every season. Here are a few examples: Players get injured ... Trades happen ... Players get suspended ... Various weekly and monthly awards are handed out ... Heroic game events happen ... and players reach milestones: There are even more news blurbs and messages beyond those, but before I show them to you, let’s pick up my season that’s underway. I’ve simulated the month of April, so let's take a look at the standings: As expected, it is a close race between my Red Sox and the Evil Empire. But it’s still early in the season, so I will continue the action before I start thinking about possible upgrades. So I hit "Finish Week" ... ... and get bad news: one of my key players suffered a major injury. First, I go to my lineup: Crawford is my leadoff man, and despite his .244 batting average, he is an important part of my team. Now I have two things to do: make room on the active roster for a replacement player and then adjust the lineups. After tapping Crawford’s name, I take a closer look at his injury: He will miss about 6 weeks, so to make room for his replacement I will put him on the Disabled List. For that I can use the Action Menu in the bottom bar (all actions concerning a player are in that menu): Now I need a replacement to fill his role on the active roster. I open my Minor League Roster and take a look at the available options: I need a left fielder and my only option is Josh Reddick. A closer look reveals ... ... he had two short stints in the majors with Boston in 2009 and 2010, with below average success. However, I have no other options at the moment, so I’ll give him another shot at the big leagues. His Potential (the four grey stars) is pretty good, so maybe this is his breakthrough moment. I promote him to Boston (again, using the Action Menu) and update my lineups: Hopefully the number 9 spot will take away some of the pressure. Let’s continue the season! After another month, I'm still in first place but Pedroia got hurt too, so I lost another important player for a few weeks. And I received a personal message from J.D. Drew. Take a look: That’s another of your between-game duties: signing new contracts with players you want to keep. Let’s take Drew as an example. A look at his profile shows he is 35 years old and his stats are in decline, so if I sign him it has to be a short-term contract. I have about $45 million available for contract extensions, and David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez are two more possible Free Agents after the season ends. Now, just as a real General Manager does, we can meet with Drew. I tap his name in the message and open the Offer Extension Screen (as always, through the Action Menu). Wow, he wants $17 million and 3 years (his current contract is $14 million). That's way too much in my opinion, so I lower the years to two and the money to the $14 million he gets now. I don't think he will accept that offer, but we will see. It is important to keep in mind that even if offers are declined, you can continue to negotiate with players. But be careful: some players will stop talking to you faster than others. I submit the offer to Drew and now I have to wait a few days. Today brings with it another season highlight: the First-Year Player Draft. Here you can draft the future of your franchise. It’s exciting to see who gets selected first and then watch the number one pick start his career in the majors, achieve his first hit, get chosen for his first All Star Team, receive awards, break records, and maybe even earn election to the Hall of Fame! Or maybe he suffers a career-ending injury during his first season. As in real life, you never know what will happen in iOOTP. I planned to pick a starting pitcher, but with my 26th pick there are no good starter prospects left, so I change my mind and find a pretty interesting reliever: Sergio Ramirez. He has good potential (5 stars), but his overall rating (4 stars) is what makes him interesting: he could be part of my bullpen during the season. I choose to let the CPU handle the rest of my draft picks. After a few days, I get an update from Drew: As I expected. He lowers his demand but insists on three years. I update my offer (again, only two years) and continue. After a few days I get another update from Drew and this time, I'm surprised. That gives me at least one year to find a replacement in RF. In other good news, I received word that Crawford can be reactivated from the Disabled List. That means Reddick goes back to the Minors, but this time he had a nice stint. All is not puppies and rainbows in Red Sox land, though: one of my players is not happy with his role on the team. I use Cameron in my starting lineup against LHP, but that doesn’t seem to be enough for him. You have to be careful with this kind of thing in iOOTP because morale is an important part of the game. As in real life, lousy morale can not only affect that player’s performance but also the entire team’s play. I make a note to think about trading Cameron at the trading deadline (this will be part of the next article). Finally, I reach the All-Star Game and can take a look at the selected players for both leagues: Boo, only Lackey was nominated from the American League. Something is not right at the moment. Well, that's it for today. I made it halfway through the 2011 season and I showed you iOOTP’s deep game world and some of the duties you have as a GM. I'm now 3 games behind first place Tampa Bay, so when I continue I will take a look at my team and see what I can do to improve it at the trading deadline. Then we will finish the season, see if my first round pick makes his major league debut, and find out who wins the World Series. After that, we’ll take a look at the off-season, which has plenty for you to do before spring training starts again. Yes, just like real life.

04-20-2011, 08:11 AM	#2
ootp3to6 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Haliburton,Ontario Canada Posts: 3,238	Looking forward to Road to Release: Part 5 to see if your Red Sox make it to the World Series. Last edited by ootp3to6; 04-20-2011 at 08:13 AM.

04-20-2011, 09:40 AM	#3
birdsofprey02 Minors (Double A) Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Baltimore Posts: 181	Wow my last logon was March 2009. I've been an avid OOTP user for many years. I think I first played OOTP2 because I was getting tired of random stats in Baseball Mogul. I remember sitting in college (2002-2006) and buying a laptop specifically so that I'd go to class, but yet still be able to play OOTP. Fast forward five years and I'm slightly older now, married, and have a happy job/career/life. The spare hours I used to spend playing OOTP just aren't there anymore. I appreciate the advancements and the limitless possibilities of tweaking, managing and simulating the game, I would have loved these additions a few years ago. I think I last purchased OOTP9 or 10 and I just didn't have the dedication like I did in college. The game was almost too involved for me (or required more devotion at least). This is not a dis on the game, more like a dis on me that I'm too lame to spend some time figuring things out. With that said, now comes iOOTP. Its looks a bit simpler (but still feature-rich). I love the get up and go spirit of the game. I'm very excited for this and can't wait to get back into the OOTP community. I almost feel like you're creating this game JUST FOR ME! So thank you! My only issue now is being able to put my phone down while I'm stuck in traffic __________________ -Mike

04-20-2011, 07:51 PM	#6
Doby12 Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 29	Looking fantastic. Can't wait. __________________ Man's greatest invention....BASEBALL

04-20-2011, 12:11 PM	#4
JayWigley Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 129	So two more updates on the "Road to Release," at least? That saddens me. That suggests at least two more weeks until we might even hope for the release, which takes us OUT of April and into May. . .oh, the pain, the pain.

04-21-2011, 11:20 AM	#9
40-40 Club Bat Boy Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 14	This looks great, any info on almanac/hall of fame/all time leader boards?

04-21-2011, 11:55 AM	#10
iBrandon Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Waco, TX Posts: 214	Wait, so this has already been submitted to Apple? Hopefully we get it soon...

04-21-2011, 01:46 PM	#13
JayWigley Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 129	If you don't mind revealing this, did you ask that it be made available for purchase immediately on approval, or on a specific date after approval?