Frustrated

sreem · 07-19-2013, 05:18 PM

Can someone please tell me I'm not going crazy!?

Scenario: New MLB game, simulated first season, then expanded by 2 teams. I took control of one of the expansion teams. League evolution is on, scouting normal. Rating scales 1 - 100. Only thing not on is Injury Rating.

Now, I have not kept any numbers on what I'm about to say but I think the numbers might bear it out. It seems to me that NONE of my starters (Nolasco, Shields are my studs

) can get past the 5th inning without getting HAMMERED. They will be cruising along, give up a couple hits, striking out a few and maybe walk one or two for the first 4 innings. Then we start the 5th and BAM, the can't get anyone out! I start using "Pitch Around" in situations with runners on and it seems like 90% of the time the batter gets and extra base hit or a homerun. That silly button called "Pitch to Contact", whew, that scares me. AAARRRGHHH!!!

Now to hitting. I've tried to build a roster with high contact and high avoid K ratings....take a guess at what happens? My team is 16th in BA, and we help give Ace starting pitchers like Ross Ohlendorf (sarcasm intended) a 0 walk 14 SO appearance. Are you kidding me? Again, it seems like when I do get runners on, my hopes are dash 90% of the time with a 2 on 2 out strike out, or ground into double play if theres only 1 out. Don't even get me started on runner on third with less than two outs. Also, as the computer team is bashing line drives off and over the wall against my pitchers, my team is hitting 10 pop ups on the infield and weak grounders to the pitcher.

Baserunning now. I don't even attempt to steal second unless the cathers arm rating is below 65, and my baserunner has a speed and stealing rating higher than 70. I have not been able to swipe second yet, thrown out every time. On the flip side, not only has my catcher NOT been able to catch runners at second better than 10% of the time, but he has never thrown anyone out stealing 3rd (which has been attempted 8 times, twice in one game) but the computer has stolen home on my twice!!! Again...AAAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!

Now I have a pitching coach and hitting coach that both have Excellent ratings for there respective teaching fields, I admit my manager and bench coach are both lacking in coaching ratings, but do coaches really make that big of a difference?

I've only played 16 games, so maybe my sample size is too small. Maybe it will get better and this is an anomaly. Or maybe this game IS making me crazy.

I understand strange things will happen in the course of a season, and I certainly don't expect to make an expansion team win 116 games in their first season, heck, I don't even expect to win 81 games this season. I just feel at this juncture that I might start kicking the dog if these games keep playing out like this.

Someone please tell me I'm not crazy. Please give me some comfort. If not, I hope I've entertained you

.

The Game · 07-19-2013, 07:48 PM

Turn on scouting to 100% see if it's just your scouts? I hate playing past modern year, I always have problems. (not saying that is the problem) It could be a # of reasons why your team sucks early.

olivertheorem · 07-19-2013, 09:08 PM

16 games is too small. Presuming the ratings you see are reasonably accurate, things will start to even out eventually.

sreem · 07-19-2013, 09:15 PM

Thanks. Back on the topic of pitch around. What exactly is the purpose of this function? It seems when ever I do it something bad happens, like it makes it easier for the batter to hit. Should I only use it if my pitcher has a certain level of ratings?

The Game · 07-19-2013, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sreem

Thanks. Back on the topic of pitch around. What exactly is the purpose of this function? It seems when ever I do it something bad happens, like it makes it easier for the batter to hit. Should I only use it if my pitcher has a certain level of ratings?

I would guess that pitchers with good control would be most effective doing it. i use it often in a close game when the opposing teams best HR hitter is up. I usually get them to pop out to the C or 2B. For my main league 3 of my 5 SP have a CON of 7 or higher. Some of my MR have given up a HR with it.

cblacker · 07-20-2013, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sreem

Thanks. Back on the topic of pitch around. What exactly is the purpose of this function? It seems when ever I do it something bad happens, like it makes it easier for the batter to hit. Should I only use it if my pitcher has a certain level of ratings?

I have a similar experience using Pitch Around, but I think at least some of it is due to confirmation bias. I only remember when the batter hits a home run, not when I get a strikeout or a weak grounder. Overall, though, I think the Pitch Around could use some tweaking. There should be fewer balls put in play and more walks when using it.

dodger300 · 07-21-2013, 02:11 AM

I have found if you want a pitcher with bad control to throw a strike, ask him to pitch around someone. Then watch him throw it down the middle, and watch the ball fly out of the ballpark.

07-19-2013, 05:18 PM	#1
sreem All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 673	Frustrated Can someone please tell me I'm not going crazy!? Scenario: New MLB game, simulated first season, then expanded by 2 teams. I took control of one of the expansion teams. League evolution is on, scouting normal. Rating scales 1 - 100. Only thing not on is Injury Rating. Now, I have not kept any numbers on what I'm about to say but I think the numbers might bear it out. It seems to me that NONE of my starters (Nolasco, Shields are my studs ) can get past the 5th inning without getting HAMMERED. They will be cruising along, give up a couple hits, striking out a few and maybe walk one or two for the first 4 innings. Then we start the 5th and BAM, the can't get anyone out! I start using "Pitch Around" in situations with runners on and it seems like 90% of the time the batter gets and extra base hit or a homerun. That silly button called "Pitch to Contact", whew, that scares me. AAARRRGHHH!!! Now to hitting. I've tried to build a roster with high contact and high avoid K ratings....take a guess at what happens? My team is 16th in BA, and we help give Ace starting pitchers like Ross Ohlendorf (sarcasm intended) a 0 walk 14 SO appearance. Are you kidding me? Again, it seems like when I do get runners on, my hopes are dash 90% of the time with a 2 on 2 out strike out, or ground into double play if theres only 1 out. Don't even get me started on runner on third with less than two outs. Also, as the computer team is bashing line drives off and over the wall against my pitchers, my team is hitting 10 pop ups on the infield and weak grounders to the pitcher. Baserunning now. I don't even attempt to steal second unless the cathers arm rating is below 65, and my baserunner has a speed and stealing rating higher than 70. I have not been able to swipe second yet, thrown out every time. On the flip side, not only has my catcher NOT been able to catch runners at second better than 10% of the time, but he has never thrown anyone out stealing 3rd (which has been attempted 8 times, twice in one game) but the computer has stolen home on my twice!!! Again...AAAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!! Now I have a pitching coach and hitting coach that both have Excellent ratings for there respective teaching fields, I admit my manager and bench coach are both lacking in coaching ratings, but do coaches really make that big of a difference? I've only played 16 games, so maybe my sample size is too small. Maybe it will get better and this is an anomaly. Or maybe this game IS making me crazy. I understand strange things will happen in the course of a season, and I certainly don't expect to make an expansion team win 116 games in their first season, heck, I don't even expect to win 81 games this season. I just feel at this juncture that I might start kicking the dog if these games keep playing out like this. Someone please tell me I'm not crazy. Please give me some comfort. If not, I hope I've entertained you .

07-19-2013, 07:48 PM	#2
The Game Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Inside The Game Posts: 30,937	Turn on scouting to 100% see if it's just your scouts? I hate playing past modern year, I always have problems. (not saying that is the problem) It could be a # of reasons why your team sucks early. __________________ 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"

07-19-2013, 09:08 PM	#3
olivertheorem All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,919	16 games is too small. Presuming the ratings you see are reasonably accurate, things will start to even out eventually.

07-19-2013, 09:15 PM	#4
sreem All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 673	Thanks. Back on the topic of pitch around. What exactly is the purpose of this function? It seems when ever I do it something bad happens, like it makes it easier for the batter to hit. Should I only use it if my pitcher has a certain level of ratings?

07-21-2013, 02:11 AM	#7
dodger300 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 268	I have found if you want a pitcher with bad control to throw a strike, ask him to pitch around someone. Then watch him throw it down the middle, and watch the ball fly out of the ballpark.