Creating a team built for Speed!

osullivan90 · 05-21-2021, 09:50 AM

Hi all,

Trying to start a save that utilizes speed, baserunning, contact, and gap. On the defensive side, looking for great defenders and groundball pitchers with control and movement. My intention is to start with the Rockies, as ballpark factors my favor my ability to get XBH.

I am looking for strategy advice! There are a lot of brilliant minds here, so hoping to glean some relevant knowledge. Also, has anyone tried/had success with this tactic?

Thank you!

Bobbyraz49 · 05-21-2021, 11:47 AM

IMO...draft well.
Get speedy players in all your minors. Pitching will also be a key for you. If they hit it out of the ballpark then defense won't matter much.

osullivan90 · 05-21-2021, 11:55 AM

That's also why I am looking at groundball pitchers. If I can't get to quality guys, hoping to at lease have guys that keep it on the ground.

mrbadguy · 05-21-2021, 03:04 PM

im a huge fan of mid 70s, 80s baseball. Love steals, defensive and contact hitters.
My only real issue with OOTPB over the years is the Stolen Base results.

Just seems when I have players who historically stole 70-100 bases (Henderson, Raines) I can never get near those numbers when actually playing the game. If I sim, those guys can steal 2-3 bases in a game, but when I actually play I cant steal at all. (no jump or pitchout 90 vast majority of the time).
Can pad stats with Double Steals but I find that cheap.

Dave Stieb II · 05-21-2021, 03:53 PM

I think your plan for that team and park is very sound.
Assuming by 'gap' hitters you mean live drive hitters (same difference) and avoid ground ball hitters who make soft contact.
I would also emphasize 'eye' among this group of players so that hopefully you can get plenty of guys on base to put your plan into motion and score more than one run at a time. You'll need those runs in that ballpark and environment.
And, of course, you should try to inject some power into the middle of your line up, hopefully starting by retaining a Trevor Story type.
But those are just minor 'additions' to the plan you have in mind, which is solid in my opinion.
My best piece of advice follows:

SPOILER ALERT**** The attached screenshot relates to Trevor Story contract extension in my current save, so if you're immersion will be damaged by looking at...don't!

Sign Trevor Story to THIS sort of contract extension - if you can! (The AI managed to do it in my game)
Let's see, 28-year-old all star SS with speed, power and Gold Glove calibre defence.Popular with the fan base. The term and value of this extension look like winners for the Rockies to me.

Name: 10 CLE TREVOR STORY CONTRACT EXTENSION.jpg
Views: 488
Size: 277.6 KB

Name: 10 CLE TREVOR STORY CONTRACT EXTENSION.jpg
Views: 488
Size: 277.6 KB

osullivan90 · 05-21-2021, 03:54 PM

I am the same. I do love the occasional bombs (who doesn't) but I love guys stretching singles into doubles and doubles into triples, just so much more exciting IMO. Stealing as well.

I do typically sim, and play big games/playoffs. Do you have advice for maximizing steals without doing it cheaply?

osullivan90 · 05-21-2021, 03:57 PM

If I can get him to sign a contract like that, I happily would. The Rockies have decent financial leeway to start, so retaining him for the middle of my lineup is definitely preferred.

LordTC · 05-21-2021, 04:05 PM

Yeah, there should be fewer instances of players signing contracts that end at age 32-33. It's a good way to get a terrible contract for the ending part of one's career. Great that it worked out for you though. 28-year olds should mostly want longer deals.

Dave Stieb II · 05-21-2021, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osullivan90

If I can get him to sign a contract like that, I happily would. The Rockies have decent financial leeway to start, so retaining him for the middle of my lineup is definitely preferred.

Good Luck. (and I mean that sincerely)
Something tells me you'll have to work hard and smart to get him to agree to a contract like this. Just don't pull the plug if his first request is "over the top". You still have months to work on it and you can decide whether you want/need to trade him at the deadline. You can always take it to the end of the season, keep trying or try again then, and get the draft pick compensation if you can't come to agreement.
Let us know how it turns out.

Dave Stieb II · 05-21-2021, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordTC

Yeah, there should be fewer instances of players signing contracts that end at age 32-33. It's a good way to get a terrible contract for the ending part of one's career. Great that it worked out for you though. 28-year olds should mostly want longer deals.

I wish it worked for me but Colorado's not my team. The AI re-signed him at this term and rate.
I don't recall ever re-signing this calibre of player to this sweetheart of deal for my teams. Maybe it happened. But not often.

Brad K · 05-21-2021, 06:57 PM

I'm reminded of a Michael Lewis interview from right after the Moneyball book came out saying foot speed was over valued. I wonder if OOTP puts a premium price on it.

Royalsusedtorule · 05-21-2021, 08:37 PM

Good luck! I gave that a try once. Thought I had all the assets in place and was pretty optimistic. I'm old, and this was going to be somewhat of a return to the baseball I grew up with.

It was an unmitigated disaster! I went as long as I could take it and never had close to a winning season. I don't know if it had to due with the way the game is set for the modern style of play, or if I was just a dumb ass. I have done really well in other games and leagues using more traditional (for today) lineups and staffs, and also in historical sims.

But, man, this did not work for me. Hope you find the magic!

bailey · 05-22-2021, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osullivan90

That's also why I am looking at groundball pitchers. If I can't get to quality guys, hoping to at lease have guys that keep it on the ground.

This is a classic mistake. Flyball pitchers do NOT lead to more HR. The pitcher's movement rating determines pitcher HR proneness . FB vs GB determines how outs are made when the ball is put in play. A flyball pitcher means more outs will be made by fly balls vs. ground balls. Groundballs are prone to more errors than flyballs no matter how great your defense is, so flyball pitchers are more desirable when you have OF with great range. Focusing on flyball pitchers and OF range is a productive strategy.

lencombs · 05-22-2021, 04:09 PM

Colorado Coor's field is a HR friendly park built for power numbers so I'm not sure if that is the best park to start such a project in, unless you are just wanting to play the Rockies.

I'm running a similar team with speed all over my lineup. Make sure to change the strategy for each player and turn up the base running aggressiveness, and stealing frequency. It is nice to be putting constant pressure on the opposing team with speed on the bases.

KBLover · 05-22-2021, 05:45 PM

The only problem with Coors is that other teams will exploit the HR proneness better than you if you go for doubles and triples with fewer HR. Instead of a park that's neutral or building one yourself that also depresses HR and augments doubles/triples (like old Busch Stadium or Griffith Stadium (my favorite park in MLB The Show when I played that franchise)

So, you'll need pitchers with high movement, but you should want that anyway since you're in Coors (or in general, really). It will be more important since you're probably giving that up if you're focusing heavily on gap power and baserunning. This would be true outside of Coors but even more so in it.

You'll also want a very good 3rd base coach if you're simming or watching the AI manage the team. He'll be making the send decisions if you aren't. You'll want a manager aggressive on the bases to help exploit your good 3B Coach and Baserunning Instincts (again if you're not doing it). Also do what was already mentioned with Player Strategy.

Don't overlook bunting either, both for a hit or sacrificing. You'll probably have a team that puts a lot of balls in play, which might add to double play possibilities. Also for cases where you don't hit a double, a bunt can move them into scoring position, or move a runner on second after a double along to third.

While this is usually considered not optimal, a team like this probably should play for one run every inning. It doesn't sound like a lot but 1 run per inning is 9 R/G. If you do this in even half the innings, it's 4-5 runs per game.

Of course, the times where you string together doubles, you'll explode, but there's going to be times where the hits don't fall and you'll want to maximize the chances of scoring one in each chance you get, imo.

LordTC · 05-23-2021, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bailey

This is a classic mistake. Flyball pitchers do NOT lead to more HR. The pitcher's movement rating determines pitcher HR proneness . FB vs GB determines how outs are made when the ball is put in play. A flyball pitcher means more outs will be made by fly balls vs. ground balls. Groundballs are prone to more errors than flyballs no matter how great your defense is, so flyball pitchers are more desirable when you have OF with great range. Focusing on flyball pitchers and OF range is a productive strategy.

When you edit a player in the editor to have a higher groundball percentage the ERA goes down in the projected stats and the opposing batting average goes up. I'm fairly sure it's at least intended to reduce HR.

The Game · 05-23-2021, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrbadguy

im a huge fan of mid 70s, 80s baseball. Love steals, defensive and contact hitters.
My only real issue with OOTPB over the years is the Stolen Base results.

Just seems when I have players who historically stole 70-100 bases (Henderson, Raines) I can never get near those numbers when actually playing the game. If I sim, those guys can steal 2-3 bases in a game, but when I actually play I cant steal at all. (no jump or pitchout 90 vast majority of the time).
Can pad stats with Double Steals but I find that cheap.

i play 1 pitch mode primarily. My SS has led the league in SB the last 3 seasons. Most of my leadoff hitters are speed guys. I use Run & Hit 99% of the time. Sometimes i will switch to pitch by pitch to steal. While, yes, some players CS will be higher than normal, i run a ton.

The Game · 05-23-2021, 06:35 PM

What are Coors fields doubles & Triples factors? i would guess that KC, DET, MIA, WAS, NYM might be better parks. I have won with high speed low power teams in the past. RD i had Knoblauch, Raines & Brian Jordan lead the league in SB while playing as the Pirates. I lost in the NLDS 3 years in a row but smallball is fun.

Dave Stieb II · 05-23-2021, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Game

What are Coors fields doubles & Triples factors? i would guess that KC, DET, MIA, WAS, NYM might be better parks. I have won with high speed low power teams in the past. RD i had Knoblauch, Raines & Brian Jordan lead the league in SB while playing as the Pirates. I lost in the NLDS 3 years in a row but smallball is fun.

According to this:
https://www.fantasypros.com/mlb/park-factors.php

Coors Field ranks second to Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati in HR's; second to Fenway Park in doubles and first in triples.
It is very spacious, thus the need for athletes in the outfield. Your prototypical 'corner OF' (Eloy Jiminez comes first to mind) is going to hit you some HR's but he is going to cost you plenty on defence.
I think the OP has the right idea but he certainly can't forsake power all together. He starts with an all-star SS with speed and power. I would aim for power at 1B and 3B as well.
Of course, if a couple of those OF's are speed/power types, then he'll be set offensively. Easier said than done but he needs OF's who can chase down balls when they are in the air, not simply pick them up when they stop rolling.

KBLover · 05-23-2021, 07:39 PM

Yeah, Coors is a huge park and beautiful for doubles and triples.

Only reason it's a home run haven is the altitude. Put that park at sea level and I'd imagine it'd be one of the worst for HR.

05-21-2021, 09:50 AM	#1
osullivan90 Bat Boy Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 6	Creating a team built for Speed! Hi all, Trying to start a save that utilizes speed, baserunning, contact, and gap. On the defensive side, looking for great defenders and groundball pitchers with control and movement. My intention is to start with the Rockies, as ballpark factors my favor my ability to get XBH. I am looking for strategy advice! There are a lot of brilliant minds here, so hoping to glean some relevant knowledge. Also, has anyone tried/had success with this tactic? Thank you!

05-21-2021, 04:05 PM	#8
LordTC Major Leagues Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 479	Contract Length Yeah, there should be fewer instances of players signing contracts that end at age 32-33. It's a good way to get a terrible contract for the ending part of one's career. Great that it worked out for you though. 28-year olds should mostly want longer deals.

05-22-2021, 04:09 PM	#14
lencombs All Star Reserve Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Eureka, Ca Posts: 535	Colorado Coor's field is a HR friendly park built for power numbers so I'm not sure if that is the best park to start such a project in, unless you are just wanting to play the Rockies. I'm running a similar team with speed all over my lineup. Make sure to change the strategy for each player and turn up the base running aggressiveness, and stealing frequency. It is nice to be putting constant pressure on the opposing team with speed on the bases. Attached Images __________________ "A passion for statistics is the earmark of a literate people." - Paul Fisher "Baseball isn't statistics. Baseball is (Joe) DiMaggio rounding second." - Jimmy Cannon

05-22-2021, 05:45 PM	#15
KBLover All Star Reserve Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 580	The only problem with Coors is that other teams will exploit the HR proneness better than you if you go for doubles and triples with fewer HR. Instead of a park that's neutral or building one yourself that also depresses HR and augments doubles/triples (like old Busch Stadium or Griffith Stadium (my favorite park in MLB The Show when I played that franchise) So, you'll need pitchers with high movement, but you should want that anyway since you're in Coors (or in general, really). It will be more important since you're probably giving that up if you're focusing heavily on gap power and baserunning. This would be true outside of Coors but even more so in it. You'll also want a very good 3rd base coach if you're simming or watching the AI manage the team. He'll be making the send decisions if you aren't. You'll want a manager aggressive on the bases to help exploit your good 3B Coach and Baserunning Instincts (again if you're not doing it). Also do what was already mentioned with Player Strategy. Don't overlook bunting either, both for a hit or sacrificing. You'll probably have a team that puts a lot of balls in play, which might add to double play possibilities. Also for cases where you don't hit a double, a bunt can move them into scoring position, or move a runner on second after a double along to third. While this is usually considered not optimal, a team like this probably should play for one run every inning. It doesn't sound like a lot but 1 run per inning is 9 R/G. If you do this in even half the innings, it's 4-5 runs per game. Of course, the times where you string together doubles, you'll explode, but there's going to be times where the hits don't fall and you'll want to maximize the chances of scoring one in each chance you get, imo. Last edited by KBLover; 05-22-2021 at 05:51 PM.

05-23-2021, 06:35 PM	#18
The Game Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Inside The Game Posts: 30,937	What are Coors fields doubles & Triples factors? i would guess that KC, DET, MIA, WAS, NYM might be better parks. I have won with high speed low power teams in the past. RD i had Knoblauch, Raines & Brian Jordan lead the league in SB while playing as the Pirates. I lost in the NLDS 3 years in a row but smallball is fun. __________________ 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"

05-21-2021, 11:47 AM	#2
Bobbyraz49 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 945	IMO...draft well. Get speedy players in all your minors. Pitching will also be a key for you. If they hit it out of the ballpark then defense won't matter much.

05-21-2021, 11:55 AM	#3
osullivan90 Bat Boy Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 6	That's also why I am looking at groundball pitchers. If I can't get to quality guys, hoping to at lease have guys that keep it on the ground.

05-21-2021, 03:04 PM	#4
mrbadguy Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 251	im a huge fan of mid 70s, 80s baseball. Love steals, defensive and contact hitters. My only real issue with OOTPB over the years is the Stolen Base results. Just seems when I have players who historically stole 70-100 bases (Henderson, Raines) I can never get near those numbers when actually playing the game. If I sim, those guys can steal 2-3 bases in a game, but when I actually play I cant steal at all. (no jump or pitchout 90 vast majority of the time). Can pad stats with Double Steals but I find that cheap.

05-21-2021, 03:53 PM	#5
Dave Stieb II All Star Reserve Join Date: Mar 2020 Posts: 661	I think your plan for that team and park is very sound. Assuming by 'gap' hitters you mean live drive hitters (same difference) and avoid ground ball hitters who make soft contact. I would also emphasize 'eye' among this group of players so that hopefully you can get plenty of guys on base to put your plan into motion and score more than one run at a time. You'll need those runs in that ballpark and environment. And, of course, you should try to inject some power into the middle of your line up, hopefully starting by retaining a Trevor Story type. But those are just minor 'additions' to the plan you have in mind, which is solid in my opinion. My best piece of advice follows: SPOILER ALERT The attached screenshot relates to Trevor Story contract extension in my current save, so if you're immersion will be damaged by looking at...don't! Sign Trevor Story to THIS sort of contract extension - if you can! (The AI managed to do it in my game) Let's see, 28-year-old all star SS with speed, power and Gold Glove calibre defence.Popular with the fan base. The term and value of this extension look like winners for the Rockies to me.

05-21-2021, 03:54 PM	#6
osullivan90 Bat Boy Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 6	I am the same. I do love the occasional bombs (who doesn't) but I love guys stretching singles into doubles and doubles into triples, just so much more exciting IMO. Stealing as well. I do typically sim, and play big games/playoffs. Do you have advice for maximizing steals without doing it cheaply?

05-21-2021, 03:57 PM	#7
osullivan90 Bat Boy Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 6	If I can get him to sign a contract like that, I happily would. The Rockies have decent financial leeway to start, so retaining him for the middle of my lineup is definitely preferred.

05-21-2021, 06:57 PM	#11
Brad K Banned Join Date: May 2016 Location: St Petersburg Florida USA Posts: 6,693 Infractions: 0/2 (4)	I'm reminded of a Michael Lewis interview from right after the Moneyball book came out saying foot speed was over valued. I wonder if OOTP puts a premium price on it.

05-21-2021, 08:37 PM	#12
Royalsusedtorule Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Nebraska Posts: 278	Good luck! I gave that a try once. Thought I had all the assets in place and was pretty optimistic. I'm old, and this was going to be somewhat of a return to the baseball I grew up with. It was an unmitigated disaster! I went as long as I could take it and never had close to a winning season. I don't know if it had to due with the way the game is set for the modern style of play, or if I was just a dumb ass. I have done really well in other games and leagues using more traditional (for today) lineups and staffs, and also in historical sims. But, man, this did not work for me. Hope you find the magic!

05-23-2021, 07:39 PM	#20
KBLover All Star Reserve Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 580	Yeah, Coors is a huge park and beautiful for doubles and triples. Only reason it's a home run haven is the altitude. Put that park at sea level and I'd imagine it'd be one of the worst for HR.