Trouble winning

[nauds3000]

I've been playing OOTP for awhile (starting with 2012). The only real success I ever have is by trading my ML players for prospects and sucking for 5 star draft picks.

I always start as the dodgers, and in my first season (in 2014). I'm 57-51.

#2 in runs scored
#1 in ERA
#1 in Deff Effic

Yet a few games out of the playoff race, I usually manage the games against tough opponents, and would say I only win about 50% of them.

I play in pitch by pitch mode. And take pitches until two balls then swing away. Doesn't really seem to make a difference what I do in-game I always end up winning about 50% of em.

As you know the dodgers are pretty stacked in 2014. I'm not sure what else I can do to win at this point.

Any tips for winning the games I manage?

[Incognitobear]

Originally Posted by nauds3000

I've been playing OOTP for awhile (starting with 2012). The only real success I ever have is by trading my ML players for prospects and sucking for 5 star draft picks.

I always start as the dodgers, and in my first season (in 2014). I'm 57-51.

#2 in runs scored
#1 in ERA
#1 in Deff Effic

Yet a few games out of the playoff race, I usually manage the games against tough opponents, and would say I only win about 50% of them.

I play in pitch by pitch mode. And take pitches until two balls then swing away. Doesn't really seem to make a difference what I do in-game I always end up winning about 50% of em.

As you know the dodgers are pretty stacked in 2014. I'm not sure what else I can do to win at this point.

Any tips for winning the games I manage?

I have the same problem. I havn't found a winning formula. I usually let the computer manage the pitching and defensive strategy and I give up 1-5 runs per game, but I still only score 2-3 and lose. I often hit alot, but I leave a lot of runners on base in every game. I have tried having the computer manage the offense as well, just pressing continue. I have tried one pitch mode - taking. I have tried pitch by pitch. I havn't found the right way of doing this yet.

Would be nice to hear from some winning guys here how you manage your games. And yes, I play out all my games. That is a must.

[Tyler87898]

My strategy is to take a pitch until I get a strike, then swing away (on most batters... sometimes I'll make my player steal in the middle of one of these sequences).

When I pitch, I usually just press "Pitch" and hope for the best .

[TLB1975]

Originally Posted by Incognitobear

Would be nice to hear from some winning guys here how you manage your games. And yes, I play out all my games. That is a must.

I'll try and help as best I can. FYI, I've had to do things to make the game harder as my teams consistently win 100+ games per year.

I play all of my games in one pitch mode and I simulate an inning at a time until my SP is nearing 70 pitches. I then play it out from there. I do change it up depending on mojo. As an example, when Tajuaan Walker pitchers for me (current Mariners Prospect), I play out the game entirely. When every I simulate him an inning at a time, he gets destroyed. I have other SP's that I simulate the entire game without playing.

I'm curious to hear more about what you are doing from a development standpoint because that is where I find my biggest advantage and it is where I have had to make the game harder by lowering rating ranges to 1-10 and by turning off current ratings.

[JMDurron]

Originally Posted by nauds3000

I've been playing OOTP for awhile (starting with 2012). The only real success I ever have is by trading my ML players for prospects and sucking for 5 star draft picks.

I always start as the dodgers, and in my first season (in 2014). I'm 57-51.

#2 in runs scored
#1 in ERA
#1 in Deff Effic

Yet a few games out of the playoff race, I usually manage the games against tough opponents, and would say I only win about 50% of them.

I play in pitch by pitch mode. And take pitches until two balls then swing away. Doesn't really seem to make a difference what I do in-game I always end up winning about 50% of em.

As you know the dodgers are pretty stacked in 2014. I'm not sure what else I can do to win at this point.

Any tips for winning the games I manage?

I'm not understanding any logic behind taking pitches until you have two balls. Did you mean two strikes?

I play in one-pitch mode, and always take until I have two strikes. It's quite effective in my experience.

Also, Do. Not. Let. The. AI. Do. Anything. For. You.

For longer answers to the last bolded piece, I put together what I might refer to as "The Dirty Person of Illegitimate Paternity's Guide To Winning At OOTP" in the OOTP 13 Forum.

Relevant posts in that thread:

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399538

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399560

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399567

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399646

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399729

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3400072

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3400184

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3400212

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3402017

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3414004

I got a PM recently from somebody asking me about something I hadn't addressed in there - positioning the defense. Here's what I wrote to him (or thought I had, apparently the PM didn't send?).

I only play corners in when a bunt has already been attempted, as I haven't found it to be significantly more effective in preventing successful sacrifices, and I seem to rarely give up bunt singles in either my historical or current leagues anyway.

I only play the IF in if the game is within 1 run or tied in the 8th inning or later. Otherwise, I'm counting on my offensive approach to make up the difference, given enough chances remaining in the game.

I'm not certain how significant shifting the field to the left or right is, so I came up with a system I follow. I don't shift against any batter the first time up. If a batter is a pull hitter, and gets 1 hit against me, I shift to the appropriate side the next time he comes up. If he gets 2 hits, I go back to no shifting, and then alternate along odd/even lines from then on.

I never shift the outfield. I always pitch out for the first pitch with a base-stealing threat on 1B or 2B, as the AI tends to go on the first pitch. I may have mentioned that somewhere else in my shower of links. Apologies if I did so.

[Incognitobear]

Originally Posted by JMDurron

I'm not understanding any logic behind taking pitches until you have two balls. Did you mean two strikes?

I play in one-pitch mode, and always take until I have two strikes. It's quite effective in my experience.

Also, Do. Not. Let. The. AI. Do. Anything. For. You.

For longer answers to the last bolded piece, I put together what I might refer to as "The Dirty Person of Illegitimate Paternity's Guide To Winning At OOTP" in the OOTP 13 Forum.

Relevant posts in that thread:

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399538

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399560

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399567

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399646

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399729

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3400072

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3400184

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3400212

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3402017

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3414004

I got a PM recently from somebody asking me about something I hadn't addressed in there - positioning the defense. Here's what I wrote to him (or thought I had, apparently the PM didn't send?).

I only play corners in when a bunt has already been attempted, as I haven't found it to be significantly more effective in preventing successful sacrifices, and I seem to rarely give up bunt singles in either my historical or current leagues anyway.

I only play the IF in if the game is within 1 run or tied in the 8th inning or later. Otherwise, I'm counting on my offensive approach to make up the difference, given enough chances remaining in the game.

I'm not certain how significant shifting the field to the left or right is, so I came up with a system I follow. I don't shift against any batter the first time up. If a batter is a pull hitter, and gets 1 hit against me, I shift to the appropriate side the next time he comes up. If he gets 2 hits, I go back to no shifting, and then alternate along odd/even lines from then on.

I never shift the outfield. I always pitch out for the first pitch with a base-stealing threat on 1B or 2B, as the AI tends to go on the first pitch. I may have mentioned that somewhere else in my shower of links. Apologies if I did so.

Thanks! Those are some good tips. Just one question. When you pitch with runners on base, do you just PITCH, or do you HOLD RUNNERS?

[JMDurron]

Originally Posted by Incognitobear

Thanks! Those are some good tips. Just one question. When you pitch with runners on base, do you just PITCH, or do you HOLD RUNNERS?

Pitch. I never, ever hold runners. As far as I can tell, it has a negligible impact on controlling the running game, while weakening my pitcher's ability. It's much better to just lose a pitch to pitch out (why bother holding unless there's a basestealing threat?) and try to catch the runner if he is going, then concentrate on the hitter.

[nauds3000]

Originally Posted by JMDurron

I'm not understanding any logic behind taking pitches until you have two balls. Did you mean two strikes?

I play in one-pitch mode, and always take until I have two strikes. It's quite effective in my experience.

Also, Do. Not. Let. The. AI. Do. Anything. For. You.

For longer answers to the last bolded piece, I put together what I might refer to as "The Dirty Person of Illegitimate Paternity's Guide To Winning At OOTP" in the OOTP 13 Forum.

Relevant posts in that thread:

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399538

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399560

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399567

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399646

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399729

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3400072

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3400184

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3400212

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3402017

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3414004

I got a PM recently from somebody asking me about something I hadn't addressed in there - positioning the defense. Here's what I wrote to him (or thought I had, apparently the PM didn't send?).

I only play corners in when a bunt has already been attempted, as I haven't found it to be significantly more effective in preventing successful sacrifices, and I seem to rarely give up bunt singles in either my historical or current leagues anyway.

I only play the IF in if the game is within 1 run or tied in the 8th inning or later. Otherwise, I'm counting on my offensive approach to make up the difference, given enough chances remaining in the game.

I'm not certain how significant shifting the field to the left or right is, so I came up with a system I follow. I don't shift against any batter the first time up. If a batter is a pull hitter, and gets 1 hit against me, I shift to the appropriate side the next time he comes up. If he gets 2 hits, I go back to no shifting, and then alternate along odd/even lines from then on.

I never shift the outfield. I always pitch out for the first pitch with a base-stealing threat on 1B or 2B, as the AI tends to go on the first pitch. I may have mentioned that somewhere else in my shower of links. Apologies if I did so.

fantastic advice, thank you

[Perceptor]

Originally Posted by JMDurron

I'm not understanding any logic behind taking pitches until you have two balls. Did you mean two strikes?

I play in one-pitch mode, and always take until I have two strikes. It's quite effective in my experience.

Also, Do. Not. Let. The. AI. Do. Anything. For. You.

For longer answers to the last bolded piece, I put together what I might refer to as "The Dirty Person of Illegitimate Paternity's Guide To Winning At OOTP" in the OOTP 13 Forum.

Relevant posts in that thread:

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399538

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399560

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399567

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399646

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3399729

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3400072

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3400184

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3400212

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3402017

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ml#post3414004

I got a PM recently from somebody asking me about something I hadn't addressed in there - positioning the defense. Here's what I wrote to him (or thought I had, apparently the PM didn't send?).

I only play corners in when a bunt has already been attempted, as I haven't found it to be significantly more effective in preventing successful sacrifices, and I seem to rarely give up bunt singles in either my historical or current leagues anyway.

I only play the IF in if the game is within 1 run or tied in the 8th inning or later. Otherwise, I'm counting on my offensive approach to make up the difference, given enough chances remaining in the game.

I'm not certain how significant shifting the field to the left or right is, so I came up with a system I follow. I don't shift against any batter the first time up. If a batter is a pull hitter, and gets 1 hit against me, I shift to the appropriate side the next time he comes up. If he gets 2 hits, I go back to no shifting, and then alternate along odd/even lines from then on.

I never shift the outfield. I always pitch out for the first pitch with a base-stealing threat on 1B or 2B, as the AI tends to go on the first pitch. I may have mentioned that somewhere else in my shower of links. Apologies if I did so.

Thanks Definitely going to try some of these strategies. I've usually simmed through games because whenever I've played, I've just been woeful. My pitching stinks and my hitters all seem to not hit

[Lukas Berger]

Realistically, strategy will only take you so far. You really just need better players. Even with poor strategy, but good players, you'll likely win a lot. Good strategy and bad players and you'll still lose. Strategy isn't unimportant in baseball but it's far less important than in any other sport.

[JMDurron]

Originally Posted by lukasberger

Realistically, strategy will only take you so far. You really just need better players. Even with poor strategy, but good players, you'll likely win a lot. Good strategy and bad players and you'll still lose. Strategy isn't unimportant in baseball but it's far less important than in any other sport.

This is right. Somewhere in that flood of posts was the acknowledgement that I can't say for certain how much my in-game management matters, as compared to my roster management. My in-game management is far superior to that of the AI, if only due to my plate discipline, but the overall success rate is certainly driven to a large degree by the talent on the roster I'm playing with.

[TLB1975]

Originally Posted by JMDurron

This is right. Somewhere in that flood of posts was the acknowledgement that I can't say for certain how much my in-game management matters, as compared to my roster management. My in-game management is far superior to that of the AI, if only due to my plate discipline, but the overall success rate is certainly driven to a large degree by the talent on the roster I'm playing with.

I agree as well and it was part of the point I made earlier. In my experience, my biggest advantage over the AI is on player development/drafting/not overpaying declining in age FA's with long-term contracts, etc.. I've had to take steps to make the game more difficult because these inherent advantages consistently yield me with better, younger talent, all throughout my system compared to the AI managed teams.

[Perceptor]

Originally Posted by lukasberger

Realistically, strategy will only take you so far. You really just need better players. Even with poor strategy, but good players, you'll likely win a lot. Good strategy and bad players and you'll still lose. Strategy isn't unimportant in baseball but it's far less important than in any other sport.

True. It's good to be able to play with a solid strategy in game to further aid the team winning process.

[nauds3000]

Originally Posted by JMDurron

This is right. Somewhere in that flood of posts was the acknowledgement that I can't say for certain how much my in-game management matters, as compared to my roster management. My in-game management is far superior to that of the AI, if only due to my plate discipline, but the overall success rate is certainly driven to a large degree by the talent on the roster I'm playing with.

Hey JM, what do you look for when you're building your offense (in the always take strategy)

Contact, Avoid K's?

[JMDurron]

Originally Posted by nauds3000

Hey JM, what do you look for when you're building your offense (in the always take strategy)

Contact, Avoid K's?

Those are two key factors, yes. I originally focused on Eye and Power, before I realized that I was basically acting as the eye until there were 2 strikes anyway. Focusing on Contact and Power is how I proceed now. Given two players with similar contact ratings, I prefer the guy with a high Avoid K's rating. Ultimately, as long as he has a good contact rating, and enough power to get the balls out of the IF and into the gaps (long strings of singles/walks are still unlikely even with this strategy, so I still want high-SLG guys whenever possible), I'm happy.

[Darviathar]

Originally Posted by nauds3000

I've been playing OOTP for awhile (starting with 2012). The only real success I ever have is by trading my ML players for prospects and sucking for 5 star draft picks.

I always start as the dodgers, and in my first season (in 2014). I'm 57-51.

#2 in runs scored
#1 in ERA
#1 in Deff Effic

Yet a few games out of the playoff race, I usually manage the games against tough opponents, and would say I only win about 50% of them.

I play in pitch by pitch mode. And take pitches until two balls then swing away. Doesn't really seem to make a difference what I do in-game I always end up winning about 50% of em.

As you know the dodgers are pretty stacked in 2014. I'm not sure what else I can do to win at this point.

Any tips for winning the games I manage?

I can tell you you're problem:

You're the Dodgers, a well-known cursed franchise!

How do you usually lose games? I see you are second in runs scored and first in ERA. Toss in first in defensive efficiency, and its hard to see how you aren't playing at least .600 ball.

I always manage the Dodgers as well, and invariably have one of the top 2 staffs in the league. Problem is that (true to real life) the Dodgers simply don't ever hit much. LA hasn't had a good hitting team since 2009, and haven't finished higher than 4th in the league in runs scored since 1990. Dodger stadium in this game seems to just strangle pitching staffs even more than in real life. My staff always leads the league in fewest home runs surrendered, but the flip side of that is that my hitters don't ever figure among league leader in power production.

[rudel.dietrich]

This is still a game of die rolls.

Your one version of a season is just one variation of tens of millions of possible outcomes and just one out of tens of thousands of different players.

Take any one team and run the season 1000 times. Most teams will have a spread running all the way from 100 wins to 100 losses.

[Lukas Berger]

Originally Posted by rudel.dietrich

This is still a game of die rolls.

Your one version of a season is just one variation of tens of millions of possible outcomes and just one out of tens of thousands of different players.

Take any one team and run the season 1000 times. Most teams will have a spread running all the way from 100 wins to 100 losses.

Yeah. Absolutely. This can't be emphasized enough.

[nauds3000]

Hey JM, are there ever any players you just let swing away?

I traded half my minor league system for Yasmani Grandal.

86 contact
73 gap power
64 home run power
83 eye
62 avoid k's

In 138 AB's (using take pitch)

He has a line of .217, .377, .239

With one extra base hit (no home runs)

This might just be a massive slump, but im just wondering if I left him alone and just let him swing away if that would be a better strategy.

[RchW]

Originally Posted by nauds3000

Hey JM, are there ever any players you just let swing away?

I traded half my minor league system for Yasmani Grandal.

86 contact
73 gap power
64 home run power
83 eye
62 avoid k's

In 138 AB's (using take pitch)

He has a line of .217, .377, .239

With one extra base hit (no home runs)

This might just be a massive slump, but im just wondering if I left him alone and just let him swing away if that would be a better strategy.

I play in pitch by pitch mode. And take pitches until two balls then swing away

Uh yeah. If you take pitches until 2 balls then he's very likely swinging many times with 2 strikes or not swinging at all. Do you seriously let a batter strike out on 3 or 4 pitches without swinging?

Not surprising you don't win.