Pre-loading throws: What's the point?

[cowboype2000]

Whenever I have an IF pre-load a throw, he goes through a long animation to throw the ball to the base (except in most DP grounders, pre-loading does work well). Also, in say a 3-6-3 DP, the 1B takes so long to throw the ball to 2B that the runner is usually safe at 2B or just out, which means that it's near impossible to turn the DP because the runner is always safe at 1B. If I don't pre-load the throw, the IF will get rid of the ball so much more quickly. You do get a stronger throw from pre-loading, but the long animation negates the advantage of a stronger throw and turns it into a disadvantage. The only disadvantage to not pre-loading is that the throw has more of a chance to be inaccurate. Therefore, the only prudent time to use pre-loading would be to get routine ground ball outs when there isn't a close play at 1B. I would think it would be the opposite, pre-loading would allow the IF to get rid of the ball faster, stronger, and accurately since he knows where he's going before the throw (he would get into a better throwing position as he gloves the ball, be mentally ready to make the throw, etc.). Whereas, not pre-loading should result in a throw that takes longer to make (a more casual animation-not in a hurry), is less strong, and probably as accurate if not more accurate since the IF is taking his time with the throw.

Now, I do love the demo (this is my biggest complaint about the game), you can check my lastest demo impression here:
http://forums.operationsports.com/vB...38219&page=109

[ocelittle]

Re: Pre-loading throws: What's the point?

YEah, I know what you mean. I had a line drive hit off of me to right field and the runner went from first to third on it, and the guy that hit it moved to second because Lowell held onto the ball instead of throwing it to second quickly. It preloaded and just...sat there with it. And then it was second and third. Kind of dumb.

[HustlinOwl]

Re: Pre-loading throws: What's the point?

You guys obviously need a lot of practice in the field

[aukevin]

Re: Pre-loading throws: What's the point?

I don't like when infielders hold onto the ball for so long sometimes as well. I don't know what I'm doing with the controls to make this happen, but it happens from time to time (it did last year as well). I see it maybe once every 4 or 5 games. I had David Ortiz, DAVID ORTIZ!, run out an infield single once in the demo because of this slow animation. The ball wasn't hit very softly either.

[cowboype2000]

Re: Pre-loading throws: What's the point?

You guys obviously need a lot of practice in the field

Then, what's the proper way of pre-loading? I hold down the base button as quickly as I can before the ball gets to the IF, I then usually release the button just a bit after it is gloved. The only thing I haven't tried is releasing the base button before the ball is gloved, is that the proper way? I played MLB '06: The Show and had no problems with pre-loading, skip last year's game though.

[bcruise]

Re: Pre-loading throws: What's the point?

I just don't understand...I always preload and never see this problem - not in '06, not in '07, and not in the '08 demo. Yet people say it doesn't work every year. It must be a problem since there are always complaints, but it must have something to do with the way I play.

I preload as early as possible because I usually know where I'm going with the ball on any given play before the ball is even hit (except non-force plays, of course). I do get long animations, but they never end up interfering with my ability to get the runner out (unless the runner has Ichiro speed, in which case I charge the ball while preloading).

But since you mentioned the 3-6-3, I will comment on that - Fielders being slow to cover sometimes has been a problem in this series for a while. Sometimes when you preload the return throw at 2nd, it doesn't fire right away because there's nobody on first. It's also what creates that stupid high lob by the 1b to the pitcher covering - the pitcher is taking too long to get to the base, so the throw tries to compensate for it. Thankfully, that lob seems to have been fixed in the demo - pressing the 1b button will run the first baseman to the bag himself instead of flipping it to the pitcher. The flip still happens (I've seen it), but only in situations where it should happen.

[aukevin]

Re: Pre-loading throws: What's the point?

I just don't understand...I always preload and never see this problem - not in '06, not in '07, and not in the '08 demo. Yet people say it doesn't work every year. It must be a problem since there are always complaints, but it must have something to do with the way I play.

I preload as early as possible because I usually know where I'm going with the ball on any given play before the ball is even hit (except non-force plays, of course). I do get long animations, but they never end up interfering with my ability to get the runner out (unless the runner has Ichiro speed, in which case I charge the ball while preloading).

But since you mentioned the 3-6-3, I will comment on that - Fielders being slow to cover sometimes has been a problem in this series for a while. Sometimes when you preload the return throw at 2nd, it doesn't fire right away because there's nobody on first. It's also what creates that stupid high lob by the 1b to the pitcher covering - the pitcher is taking too long to get to the base, so the throw tries to compensate for it. Thankfully, that lob seems to have been fixed in the demo - pressing the 1b button will run the first baseman to the bag himself instead of flipping it to the pitcher. The flip still happens (I've seen it), but only in situations where it should happen.

I've seen it the past couple years. Last year I played 8 seasons of a RTTS career as a 2B/SS and it would happen on occasion. I'm not quite sure what it is that I'm doing with the controls. I always know where I'm going with the ball too, and release the button right after I glove it. Like I said, it doesn't happen often but it does happen. Basically it looks like the fielder is treating the grounder like a routine hit and takes his time to throw the ball. This is just a simple SS to 1B exchange on a grounder.

[mlblover15]

Re: Pre-loading throws: What's the point?

I just don't understand...I always preload and never see this problem - not in '06, not in '07, and not in the '08 demo. Yet people say it doesn't work every year. It must be a problem since there are always complaints, but it must have something to do with the way I play.

I preload as early as possible because I usually know where I'm going with the ball on any given play before the ball is even hit (except non-force plays, of course). I do get long animations, but they never end up interfering with my ability to get the runner out (unless the runner has Ichiro speed, in which case I charge the ball while preloading).

But since you mentioned the 3-6-3, I will comment on that - Fielders being slow to cover sometimes has been a problem in this series for a while. Sometimes when you preload the return throw at 2nd, it doesn't fire right away because there's nobody on first. It's also what creates that stupid high lob by the 1b to the pitcher covering - the pitcher is taking too long to get to the base, so the throw tries to compensate for it. Thankfully, that lob seems to have been fixed in the demo - pressing the 1b button will run the first baseman to the bag himself instead of flipping it to the pitcher. The flip still happens (I've seen it), but only in situations where it should happen.

I always charge every play i can. ive also made MANY "jeter-esc" plays at short going DEEEP into the hole and throwing out runners at first. i think it is just the abilit of the user. albeit i have the feilding set for assist which also gives you just that milisecond advantage over those that have fielding on manual. maybe that is it.. that split second jump that assist gives you that manual fielding doesnt...

if yoru useing manual fielding, just try assist and see if you see a difference... it might just be that is the problem

[Rod_Carew29]

Re: Pre-loading throws: What's the point?

When it comes to pre-loading...particularly on double play chances, there is an actual rhythm...believe it or not...JUST like in real baseball...and you definitely know when you're in that zone!

You guys obviously need a lot of practice in the field

[cowboype2000]

Re: Pre-loading throws: What's the point?

When it comes to pre-loading...particularly on double play chances, there is an actual rhythm...believe it or not...JUST like in real baseball...and you definitely know when you're in that zone!

On normal DPs to the SS or 2B, I actually don't have a problem. It's on everything else that pre-loading doesn't really work. It could be just a demo problem. Like I said earlier, I had no problems with '06: The Show. I do have Assist fielding ON, maybe I should try Manual.

[Rod_Carew29]

@ cowboype2000

I can't talk to you about The Show 2006?

I'm only referring to The Show 2007

On normal DPs to the SS or 2B, I actually don't have a problem. It's on everything else that pre-loading doesn't really work. It could be just a demo problem. Like I said earlier, I had no problems with '06: The Show. I do have Assist fielding ON, maybe I should try Manual.

[ps2baseball]

Re: Pre-loading throws: What's the point?

I have the same problem. I get these SLOW animations and the result is infield hits.

[countryboy]

Re: Pre-loading throws: What's the point?

I think that maybe you guys are holding the button too long. Believe it or not, holding the button when pre-loading throws only prolongs the throw.

What I do is say its a routine grounder to SS. I pre-load the throw until the meter is green and then release and I never have the problem with "slow" throws.

[2ndBase]

Re: Pre-loading throws: What's the point?

Sometimes I get better results fielding on the run. Running toward the ball and throwing on the run. The animation rarely takes effect this way.

[Rod_Carew29]

@ countryboy

Interesting...I don't even play with the meter...it took me some games in the begging to get a 'feel' for just how quickly and hard (or soft) to tap the button...I've pretty much mastered that now....

On occasion, when I have to REALLY rush a throw on a perfect bunt or on a ball deep to short, I may throw one away....

I think that maybe you guys are holding the button too long. Believe it or not, holding the button when pre-loading throws only prolongs the throw.

What I do is say its a routine grounder to SS. I pre-load the throw until the meter is green and then release and I never have the problem with "slow" throws.