Does AI manager just completely ignore Depth Chart settings?

sandman2575 · 06-04-2013, 11:29 AM

I'm trying to find a way of playing where I delegate as much responsibility to the AI manager as possible, while still getting some critical things done the way I want them done. I'm finding this is a hard balance to strike.

Case in point, setting up my Depth Charts.

From what I've seen, the AI manager just completely ignores these. I've set up fairly involved schedules designed to rest players, using the "Start every X game" settings for replacements. However, it appears that the AI manager *only* starts subs when the starter is tired, regardless of the settings I've given it. Am I missing something here?

AI manager also seems to completely ignore the ladder for pinch hitters. It is always using my backup catcher as a pinch hitter, even though I've put 2 other players on the Pinch Hitter Depth Chart and left the catcher off completely.

I've tried using 7-Day lineups but find them more trouble than they're worth.

...Incidentally, I really, really wish there were an option under "Player Strategy" settings to 'Bench for X number of days if used X number of days consecutively'. I'm constantly having to go in and bench Relief pitchers for a day or two because the AI manager will just run them into the ground, day after day until they are Tired/Exhausted. Setting a low number of pitches on the pitch count helps, but only to a certain point. But that's another matter.

Questdog · 06-04-2013, 03:07 PM

Perhaps you have left the "Use 7 day lineups" setting turned on?......I play out all my solo games, but in my on-line league, I am having no issues getting the AI manager to behave as I desire....I use the start every X day option extensively and it works fine....my only complaint is that against left-handers, the setting seems to mean every X day overall, instead of every X time we face a lefty.....setting it to every third day against lefties, means the player will start virtually every game against a lefty, if you don't have him scheduled to play against righties at all.....

sandman2575 · 06-04-2013, 04:07 PM

Thanks for these suggestions. I think the problem I'm having must have to do with how the AI manages the Depth Charts vs. Right and vs. Left. I had assumed that these were on separate 'timetables,' but it appears they are not from what you say.

I think I will just set up substitution schedules for the Depth Chart vs. RHP, and leave all the subs on vs. LHP set to "If Starter is tired," since facing lefties is so infrequent anyway.

It's also possible I've left 7-Day lineups "on" when I didn't mean to.

Orcin · 06-04-2013, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandman2575

I think I will just set up substitution schedules for the Depth Chart vs. RHP, and leave all the subs on vs. LHP set to "If Starter is tired," since facing lefties is so infrequent anyway.

This is exactly what I do and it works best for me.

aquapong · 06-04-2013, 04:14 PM

I wish there was an option to a least set the starting players you want while still letting the manager decide in-game and day to day strategy. He can make in-game adjustments and play others when the starters need rest, but otherwise leave the lineup alone. I don't know how many times the AI starts a bench player with a high defensive rating over the hot young prospect I want to have play or play a guy with higher defensive rating over a guy with slightly lower defensive rating but much higher offensive ratings. That or they platoon guys base on R/L matchups a lot. That sucks when you are paying the guy to be a $10 mil platoon player.

RchW · 06-04-2013, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquapong

I wish there was an option to a least set the starting players you want while still letting the manager decide in-game and day to day strategy. He can make in-game adjustments and play others when the starters need rest, but otherwise leave the lineup alone. I don't know how many times the AI starts a bench player with a high defensive rating over the hot young prospect I want to have play or play a guy with higher defensive rating over a guy with slightly lower defensive rating but much higher offensive ratings. That or they platoon guys base on R/L matchups a lot. That sucks when you are paying the guy to be a $10 mil platoon player.

This must be new. I've never seen the AI consider defense in the batting lineup. I haven't played enough v14 to see this yet. If so it will be a good thing from my pov.

mgoetze · 06-04-2013, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquapong

I wish there was an option to a least set the starting players you want while still letting the manager decide in-game and day to day strategy.

Uhm, there is such an option. Richt-click the player, set game strategy, and use the force start at... option.

Quote:

That or they platoon guys base on R/L matchups a lot. That sucks when you are paying the guy to be a $10 mil platoon player.

Well, why did you give him a $10m contract if he is only good against LHPs?

Padreman · 06-04-2013, 08:26 PM

I got a similar complain against the AI in my league I have a 28 man roster ad set it for 8 relievers and 15 batters and my settings steal bases in have for normal, pinch hit for position players I have it on normal but after every season it changes it and I have to constantly keep changing them back its annoying

Fenway · 06-04-2013, 09:06 PM

My main complaint is that the AI insists on putting my slow-footed, .208-hitting catcher in the leadoff spot! Even though my lineup has him batting 8th or 9th. Is there a way to insist that a player always bat last?

(Incidentally, this is an online league, with the DH. Right now we're using two-week sims, so the 7-day lineups are not an option.)

olivertheorem · 06-04-2013, 09:11 PM

I think that's the next step in the player strategy settings. Add a "force to bat in X spot" to the "force start at X position."

Fenway · 06-04-2013, 09:17 PM

I would love that! So there's no way to do that now?

Questdog · 06-04-2013, 09:20 PM

On days that your lead-off man rests, the AI will usually put the #7 hitter there.....at least w/o a DH......never play with a DH, so I don't care how it's done in that case...

sandman2575 · 06-04-2013, 10:18 PM

So something still is not right. I checked to make sure I had 7-day lineups off (it's off); I set my Lineup vs. RHP to rest one key player "Every 5th game" another "Every 6th game" and another every 7th. I just checked a 10 game stretch for my team -- the AI manager started those 3 players each of the 10 games. Didn't rest a single one. (I have the Lineup vs. LHP set for all subs to play 'only if starter tired'.)

What am I doing wrong? I really want these guys to rest, but AI manager insists on playing them constantly unless they are tired. - ??

Questdog · 06-04-2013, 11:15 PM

check your manager options......make sure that you are the one in control of lineups and not the computer AI....

aquapong · 06-05-2013, 12:20 AM

Thanks, mgoetze. I never looked into that menu before. Will the manager still rest them if they are tired though, pinch run, or pinch hit as appropriate?

sandman2575 · 06-05-2013, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Questdog

check your manager options......make sure that you are the one in control of lineups and not the computer AI....

Yep, I'm controlling lineups. Completely baffled by this.

Questdog · 06-05-2013, 12:39 AM

You said this is an online league?.....hmmmm....I'd like to look at your league, but there's be nothing I could do with an online league file, except look.....

sandman2575 · 06-05-2013, 12:49 AM

No, not online.

Questdog · 06-05-2013, 01:09 AM

PM sent....

Fenway · 06-05-2013, 01:17 PM

Ah, I didn't realize the AI grabs your #7 guy if your leadoff guy rests. I checked, and my catcher is indeed in the #7 spot on my depth charts. Why would the AI assume #7 makes for a good leadoff man? Anyway, I'll move the catcher to 8 or 9, and I'll put someone faster (and with a higher on-base percentage) in the number 7 spot.

Question about 7-day lineups, in online leagues: I gather this lets you set exactly who bats in what position, which would eliminate the leadoff problem I mention above. (Right?) And I get that you're supposed to set your leadoff based on anticipated starters for the coming week. But what if the opposing team moves starters around unexpectedly, so that you're facing a LHP on the day you expected a righty, or vice-versa? Do the 7-day lineups react to that? The manual says "allow use of alternative lineup" can deal with this situation. Does it work well in practice?

06-04-2013, 11:29 AM	#1
sandman2575 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 255	Does AI manager just completely ignore Depth Chart settings? I'm trying to find a way of playing where I delegate as much responsibility to the AI manager as possible, while still getting some critical things done the way I want them done. I'm finding this is a hard balance to strike. Case in point, setting up my Depth Charts. From what I've seen, the AI manager just completely ignores these. I've set up fairly involved schedules designed to rest players, using the "Start every X game" settings for replacements. However, it appears that the AI manager only starts subs when the starter is tired, regardless of the settings I've given it. Am I missing something here? AI manager also seems to completely ignore the ladder for pinch hitters. It is always using my backup catcher as a pinch hitter, even though I've put 2 other players on the Pinch Hitter Depth Chart and left the catcher off completely. I've tried using 7-Day lineups but find them more trouble than they're worth. ...Incidentally, I really, really wish there were an option under "Player Strategy" settings to 'Bench for X number of days if used X number of days consecutively'. I'm constantly having to go in and bench Relief pitchers for a day or two because the AI manager will just run them into the ground, day after day until they are Tired/Exhausted. Setting a low number of pitches on the pitch count helps, but only to a certain point. But that's another matter.

06-04-2013, 03:07 PM	#2
Questdog Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a dark, damp cave where I'm training slugs to run the bases...... Posts: 16,142	Perhaps you have left the "Use 7 day lineups" setting turned on?......I play out all my solo games, but in my on-line league, I am having no issues getting the AI manager to behave as I desire....I use the start every X day option extensively and it works fine....my only complaint is that against left-handers, the setting seems to mean every X day overall, instead of every X time we face a lefty.....setting it to every third day against lefties, means the player will start virtually every game against a lefty, if you don't have him scheduled to play against righties at all.....

06-04-2013, 04:07 PM	#3
sandman2575 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 255	Thanks for these suggestions. I think the problem I'm having must have to do with how the AI manages the Depth Charts vs. Right and vs. Left. I had assumed that these were on separate 'timetables,' but it appears they are not from what you say. I think I will just set up substitution schedules for the Depth Chart vs. RHP, and leave all the subs on vs. LHP set to "If Starter is tired," since facing lefties is so infrequent anyway. It's also possible I've left 7-Day lineups "on" when I didn't mean to.

06-04-2013, 04:14 PM	#5
aquapong Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 378	I wish there was an option to a least set the starting players you want while still letting the manager decide in-game and day to day strategy. He can make in-game adjustments and play others when the starters need rest, but otherwise leave the lineup alone. I don't know how many times the AI starts a bench player with a high defensive rating over the hot young prospect I want to have play or play a guy with higher defensive rating over a guy with slightly lower defensive rating but much higher offensive ratings. That or they platoon guys base on R/L matchups a lot. That sucks when you are paying the guy to be a $10 mil platoon player.

06-04-2013, 08:26 PM	#8
Padreman Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2013 Location: Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico (formally San Diego, CA.) Posts: 4,131	I got a similar complain against the AI in my league I have a 28 man roster ad set it for 8 relievers and 15 batters and my settings steal bases in have for normal, pinch hit for position players I have it on normal but after every season it changes it and I have to constantly keep changing them back its annoying

06-04-2013, 09:06 PM	#9
Fenway Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Back Bay in Boston Posts: 295	My main complaint is that the AI insists on putting my slow-footed, .208-hitting catcher in the leadoff spot! Even though my lineup has him batting 8th or 9th. Is there a way to insist that a player always bat last? (Incidentally, this is an online league, with the DH. Right now we're using two-week sims, so the 7-day lineups are not an option.)

06-04-2013, 09:11 PM	#10
olivertheorem All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,919	I think that's the next step in the player strategy settings. Add a "force to bat in X spot" to the "force start at X position."

06-04-2013, 09:17 PM	#11
Fenway Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Back Bay in Boston Posts: 295	I would love that! So there's no way to do that now?

06-04-2013, 09:20 PM	#12
Questdog Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a dark, damp cave where I'm training slugs to run the bases...... Posts: 16,142	On days that your lead-off man rests, the AI will usually put the #7 hitter there.....at least w/o a DH......never play with a DH, so I don't care how it's done in that case...

06-04-2013, 10:18 PM	#13
sandman2575 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 255	So something still is not right. I checked to make sure I had 7-day lineups off (it's off); I set my Lineup vs. RHP to rest one key player "Every 5th game" another "Every 6th game" and another every 7th. I just checked a 10 game stretch for my team -- the AI manager started those 3 players each of the 10 games. Didn't rest a single one. (I have the Lineup vs. LHP set for all subs to play 'only if starter tired'.) What am I doing wrong? I really want these guys to rest, but AI manager insists on playing them constantly unless they are tired. - ??

06-04-2013, 11:15 PM	#14
Questdog Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a dark, damp cave where I'm training slugs to run the bases...... Posts: 16,142	check your manager options......make sure that you are the one in control of lineups and not the computer AI....

06-05-2013, 12:20 AM	#15
aquapong Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 378	Thanks, mgoetze. I never looked into that menu before. Will the manager still rest them if they are tired though, pinch run, or pinch hit as appropriate?

06-05-2013, 12:39 AM	#17
Questdog Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a dark, damp cave where I'm training slugs to run the bases...... Posts: 16,142	You said this is an online league?.....hmmmm....I'd like to look at your league, but there's be nothing I could do with an online league file, except look.....

06-05-2013, 12:49 AM	#18
sandman2575 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 255	No, not online.

06-05-2013, 01:09 AM	#19
Questdog Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In a dark, damp cave where I'm training slugs to run the bases...... Posts: 16,142	PM sent....

06-05-2013, 01:17 PM	#20
Fenway Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Back Bay in Boston Posts: 295	Ah, I didn't realize the AI grabs your #7 guy if your leadoff guy rests. I checked, and my catcher is indeed in the #7 spot on my depth charts. Why would the AI assume #7 makes for a good leadoff man? Anyway, I'll move the catcher to 8 or 9, and I'll put someone faster (and with a higher on-base percentage) in the number 7 spot. Question about 7-day lineups, in online leagues: I gather this lets you set exactly who bats in what position, which would eliminate the leadoff problem I mention above. (Right?) And I get that you're supposed to set your leadoff based on anticipated starters for the coming week. But what if the opposing team moves starters around unexpectedly, so that you're facing a LHP on the day you expected a righty, or vice-versa? Do the 7-day lineups react to that? The manual says "allow use of alternative lineup" can deal with this situation. Does it work well in practice?