iOOTP Baseball 2011 announced!

[Markus Heinsohn]

Hey guys!

We've just officially announced iOOTP Baseball 2011, our upcoming baseball management game for iOS devices (iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad). It is based on the OOTP 11/12 game engine and offers a lot of bang for the buck! The game will be released in April for a price of $4.99.

For more info and screenshots, please see our latest newsletter:
Slip the World Series in Your Pocket with iOOTP Baseball (http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/newsletters/nl0074/)

We are very proud of this little gem, we're sure it will introduce a lot of new people to the great world of sports simulation games. :)

All the best,
Markus

[samifan24]

Very cool, Markus. Will this app be a universal release?

[Markus Heinsohn]

Very cool, Markus. Will this app be a universal release?

Not yet, it will run on the iPad scaled up, and it does look quite good (better than I expected). Once we have it released, we will focus on optimizing it for the iPad and then update it as a universal.

[samifan24]

Not yet, it will run on the iPad scaled up, and it does look quite good (better than I expected). Once we have it released, we will focus on optimizing it for the iPad and then update it as a universal.

Ok, so, I'm sorry, but are you saying that this version will become universal later or the next version ('12) will be the first universal release?

[CleBrownsfan]

So awesome! Can't wait

[Markus Heinsohn]

Ok, so, I'm sorry, but are you saying that this version will become universal later or the next version ('12) will be the first universal release?

The plan is to make this version universal later on, and iOOTP 2012 to be universal from the start.

[samifan24]

The plan is to make this version universal later on, and iOOTP 2012 to be universal from the start.

Thanks for the clarification

[Travis]

Very interested in this, thanks for the heads up.

[FrogMan]

this is interesting. Can't say I've ever played OOTP before but I'm always on my iPod Touch and FMHi has sucked a lot of my time in the recent weeks.

I'll keep my eyes open for it.

FM

[SegRat]

Very excited for this. I have only played ootp 8, but I am on my iPad a lot and as frogman said FMHi has received a lot of my time.

[Pyser]

i just got an ipad, so i want to clarify for a second just so i know whats what

if i buy this for my iphone, i can play it on the ipad too, yes?

but then if an ipad-optimized version comes out for the same game ('11), do i have to buy it again for the ipad? or is it "free" since i already paid for the iphone version?

thanks!

[Sebastian Palkowski]

i just got an ipad, so i want to clarify for a second just so i know whats what

if i buy this for my iphone, i can play it on the ipad too, yes?

but then if an ipad-optimized version comes out for the same game ('11), do i have to buy it again for the ipad? or is it "free" since i already paid for the iphone version?

thanks!

Yes, you can buy it now and play it on your iPhone and scaled on your iPad. After the release we will start to work on an HD version and update the app to universal. You don't have to buy the game again, you get the update for free.

[Raiders Army]

Sweet. I can't wait to get it.

[terpkristin]

Oooh looking forward to this one. I like FMHi, but it's too hard for me to play without wanting to use a notebook while I play to keep track of WTF is going on. :D

/tk

[FBPro]

Just got my iPhone a couple of weeks ago so can't wait.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

For everyone who is interested, I posted the first Road to Release article:

iOOTP Baseball 2011 - Road to Release Part One (http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/iootp-2011-general-discussions/207078-road-release-part-1-a.html)

It´s perfect to get an idea what to expect from our first mobile release.

Next article will be about simulating and managing games.

[Grammaticus]

Does universal mean it will be on android?

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Does universal mean it will be on android?

Sorry, at the moment we do not have an android version planed. We are just a small company and supporting another platform would be to much. But if iOOTP does well, we will certainly look into Andriod too. :)

[Terps]

Can you mod anything in the game? Player pictures, team logos, etc.?

[SegRat]

Can you mod anything in the game? Player pictures, team logos, etc.?

That was asked on the ootp park boards and they said with a third party editor that it would be possible.

[stevew]

I would ideally buy this on my iPhone, which should make it available to download for free on my iPad, right?

[samifan24]

I would ideally buy this on my iPhone, which should make it available to download for free on my iPad, right?

Yes, it will be a universal app so one purchase price = both versions, just not right away.

[Marc Vaughan]

I would ideally buy this on my iPhone, which should make it available to download for free on my iPad, right?

If you purchase an item on iTunes you can install it on multiple devices that you own - so yes, purchase once and you can install on your iPhone and iPad.

(initially from what I understand it'll run as a sized up iPhone application on the iPad (same as FMHi does at the moment) - but eventually it'll turn into a universal application and support the iPad in HD)

[Schmidty]

So when is 12 coming out? I'm planning on preordering tomorrow for the discount, but I'm curious how long before it comes out.

[fantom1979]

So when is 12 coming out? I'm planning on preordering tomorrow for the discount, but I'm curious how long before it comes out.

Last time I checked (last week) the beta testing hasn't started for OOTP 12, so I wouldn't expect it in April.

[Schmidty]

Last time I checked (last week) the beta testing hasn't started for OOTP 12, so I wouldn't expect it in April.

Ah, ok. Guess I might have to pick up Puresim......although playing the free version seemed a bit bare. Very spartan.

[MizzouRah]

Late April, early May for OOTP 12 per Markus.

[Blackadar]

Late April, early May for OOTP 12 per Markus.

I know of two people this weekend that were looking for a good sports sim (one of 'em is me) and thought, "hey, let's check out OOTP". But since it wasn't released, the other guy bought FM and I decided to buy a wargame.

Still, I'll keep an eye out for OOTP 12. I haven't played one of his games in a number of years, but I remember they were pretty good.

[MizzouRah]

I know of two people this weekend that were looking for a good sports sim (one of 'em is me) and thought, "hey, let's check out OOTP". But since it wasn't released, the other guy bought FM and I decided to buy a wargame.

Still, I'll keep an eye out for OOTP 12. I haven't played one of his games in a number of years, but I remember they were pretty good.

I've read ootp 11 was $7.99 at best buy.. definitely worth the purchase.

IMHO, ootp 11 is the best in the series.. I'm in my 5th season and play it just about every day.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

We just released our second Road to Release article:

Welcome back to the Road to Release for iOOTP Baseball 2011, a portable version of Out of the Park Baseball planned for late April release on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. In the first installment, I started a new 2011 season and took over the Boston Red Sox. I showed you around the game and set up my team in preparation for Opening Day. Today, I will begin my season and play out the first game in Texas.

The real Boston Red Sox lost their first 3 games in Texas, so let’s see if I can guide my Red Sox to a better start.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0026.PNG

Above is the Home Screen from last time. As you can see, my first game is tomorrow, so I just tap "Finish Today" on the right side.

The game simulates the day and now I, one day later, I have the option to play out my game.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0027.PNG

After tapping "Play at Texas," I come to a screen where I can set some options. I could let the CPU handle parts (or all) of my job, I can decide between full Play by Play (PbP) detail or just one line describing the play, and I can set how fast the text should be presented.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0028.PNG

I want to make all my own managerial decisions, so I leave those settings on the defaults. I do the same with the PbP detail. The Play by Play database in iOOTP Baseball 2011 is rich and varied, so it’s a lot of fun to follow the detailed descriptions while managing my club. It’s like listening to a radio or TV announcer call the action.

Next, the starters for today's game:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0029.PNG

For me, lefty Jon Lester takes the mound against Brandon Webb.

On the last screen I get to set my lineup:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0030.PNG

I prepared the lineup during my last article, so I can just move on to the game. iOOTP uses the preset lineups you created before the season starts, but sometimes you might want to shuffle your players if you want to give someone the day off or if you’re looking to shake a sleepy offense out of its doldrums.

Now it’s time to play ball!

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0031.PNG

Now let's take a look around the game screen. On top you always see the most important information: the score, base runners, outs, and the inning. The bottom bar has all the buttons necessary to play out a game:

Quickplay lets you jump ahead a half inning or an inning, or you can just finish the game.

Swing (it reads Pitch when you’re on defense) starts the at-bat; with my first batter up and the bases empty, I’ll tap it to get the action started.
Strategies gives you such options as steal a base or put on a hit-and-run, and the baseball field icon lets you switch to different views. We’ll get to those buttons in a moment.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0032.PNG

That's the first part of the Play by Play text, giving you some basic information about the game. Then Ellsbury leads off with …

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0033.PNG

... a line drive single to right, and my leadoff man is on base!

Take a look at the new situation: Ellsbury on first base, Pedroia at bat. Ellsbury is fast and a good base stealer (Speed 20, Stealing 20) and the Texas catcher has only an average arm (Catcher Arm 9). See the screenshot:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0034.PNG

Let me show you more options you have: the middle part of the screen is used to display different views you can switch between. The default is the Field View, on which you can see the batter, pitcher, defense and base runner, with the most important ratings displayed. Long-time OOTP players will recognize this view.

I want to put pressure on the pitcher early and try to steal second base, but first I want to check the pitcher’s ability to hold runners. To do so, I switch the view to Batter/Pitcher by tapping the baseball field icon at the bottom of the screen and selecting that option.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0044.PNG

Note that this menu also lets you view the team rosters, the scoreboard and next three batters due up, the in-progress box score, and basic information about both teams (the number of available pinch hitters and pitchers, as well as basic team stats). From Field View, you can tap any player’s name and see basic information about him, including his biographical details, ratings overview, and stats from the past three seasons.

However, you’ll want to use the Batter/Pitcher screen to see more in-depth ratings for both players, which will give you better information for making decisions.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0035.PNG

As you can see, Webb has a Hold rating of 9, which is average. I will take my chances. To order the base runner to try a steal, I switch back to Field View (you can use any view you want when executing decisions; I just use the Field View most of the time) and tap Strategies:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0036.PNG

You can see the different options you have above. I tap Steal 2nd Base ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0037.PNG

... and Ellsbury is out at second base. Texas had a feeling I might try that, so they called for a pitch-out, which gave their catcher with an average arm a much better chance at throwing out Ellsbury, despite his speed. Now I have one out and Pedroia is still at bat.

I will finish my offensive half inning and welcome you back when Boston takes the field ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0038.PNG

As you can see, nothing more happened: after Ellsbury was caught stealing, Webb retired the next two batters. Now Lester is on the mound, so let’s check out your options on defense. In iOOTP Baseball 2011, you can set your defense separately for the infield ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0039.PNG

and the outfield ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0040.PNG

You can position your defense according to the current situation. Is it a close game with a runner on third? Bring the infield and outfield in to defend against the run at home plate. Are you facing bases loaded with one out? Set your infield at normal depth for your best shot at a double play. Have a hunch that the next batter will try to lay down a sacrifice bunt? Bring in your first or third baseman, or both of them.

Those are the basics of managing, so I’ll continue my game and check back in when it’s done…

Wow, what a game! I took an early 1-run lead in the second inning, but Texas came back in the 4th with 2 runs and added another in the 8th inning. Up by 2 runs in the top of the ninth inning, Texas brought O`Day in to close the game, but my batters got the best of him and I was able to score 3 runs to take the lead! Looking to seal a stunning come-from-behind victory in the bottom of the ninth, I brought in my closer, Papelbon, to finish the game and he delivered a strong 1-2-3 inning with 2 strikeouts. Take a look at the box score, which scrolls so you can view all the information:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0041.PNG

Part 2:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0042.PNG

Part 3:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr2/IMG_0043.PNG

That was a nice way to start the season: an exciting Opening Day victory that should provide some nice momentum.

That`s it for today. You now have a good idea how to manage games in iOOTP Baseball 2011. Next time I will set up my team to allow me to simulate games without handling the managing, which is useful if you want to quickly get through chunks of the season. Then I will simulate a few weeks and show you all the player, team, and league information at your fingertips as you undertake that marathon known as the baseball season.

[Marmel]

Nice preview. I am really looking forward to this.

[CleBrownsfan]

Awesome stuff there... this will for sure get a lot of playing time on my iPhone. Is it safe to play while driving?? ;)

[Ksyrup]

As long as you don't text the results to anyone - yes.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Really nice. Definitely going to buy this app.

[fantom1979]

That Texas manager had a pretty slow hook to allow the middle reliever to give up a hit and 4 walks while blowing the game.

[Ksyrup]

My guess is the Rangers are set up with Feliz starting in that league (default rosters set up that way?). That wasn't a middle reliever situation, that was the closer situation. That was the top of the 9th.

Also, if Brandon Webb is healthy in the game AND Feliz is starting, the Rangers aren't going to look much like they do IRL.

[fantom1979]

Ah, good point, that would be a closing situation. He would probably be given some leeway then. I would have pulled the pitcher by then, but I don't expect the AI to be me. I am sure there have been closers in MLB to put up a similar stat line. It just caught my eye.

[MizzouRah]

Can we get some ootp 12 screen shots? :P

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Ah, good point, that would be a closing situation. He would probably be given some leeway then. I would have pulled the pitcher by then, but I don't expect the AI to be me. I am sure there have been closers in MLB to put up a similar stat line. It just caught my eye.

The rosters are not final. That's probably the reason my beloved Redsox do better in iOOTP then in real life. :rant:

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Welcome back to the Road to Release for iOOTP, a portable version of our acclaimed baseball sim. Let’s recap the first two installments:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0046.PNG

I took over the Boston Red Sox to play the 2011 season and beyond. In the first article I showed you around the game, tweaked my game settings, and set up my team in preparation of Opening Day. In the second entry, I played out my first game of the season against the Texas Rangers and showed you the in-game part of iOOTP Baseball 2011.

Today, I want to continue the season and show you how to simulate games without your direct involvement.

The season marches forward on the Manager Home Screen, as shown above. You have two options for advancing your campaign: one day at a time or a week at a clip.

But when you simulate a game, how can you influence it? The game will be managed by your assistant coach (the computer), but you have many ways to give the computer guidance, beginning with setting your lineups, bullpen, and starting rotation. The computer will make decisions based on those settings. I previously showed you how to setup your lineup and pitching (Road to Release - Part 1 (http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/iootp-2011-general-discussions/207078-road-release-part-1-a.html)), so I will focus on your additional possibilities.

First, you have your Depth Charts:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0048.PNG

You use this screen to set a starter and utility player for each position, along with how often the utility player will get to start. For example, as you can see in the screenshot above, I have Varitek set as the utility catcher for starter Saltalamacchia and instructed the CPU to let him start every 3rd game (it’s not a bad idea to do this for your catcher as the position is very tough to play and you want him to stay healthy during a long season).

All other utility players are instructed to get into the starting lineup whenever the starter is tired. As you can see, I have Lowrie as a utility player for 2B, 3B and SS, so he will get the start whenever one of the starters needs a day off. A guy who can play a lot of defensive positions is always worthwhile because you are only allowed to have 25 men on your active roster, so Lowrie gives me some flexibility.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0049.PNG

You can set your Depth Charts for four different scenarios: vs. RHP, vs. RHP+DH, vs. LHP and vs. LHP+DH. For example, if you have a lefty and a righty platooning at a position, you can have the former start against RHP and the latter go up against LHP.

Next, you can set game strategies according to the players you have available and the style of play you want the computer to use.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0050.PNG

On the screenshot above you see the offensive strategies available. Please keep in mind that you only need to set these strategies when you simulate games; if you manage games yourself, then you make those decisions during the game (Road to Release - Part 2 (http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/iootp-2011-general-discussions/207218-road-release-part-2-a.html)).

This lets you decide how often the computer should give a green light to players for stealing, how aggressive your base runners should be on the base paths, how often you want to try a hit and run, and how often players should attempt a sacrifice bunt.

While these settings are for the team’s overall approach, the computer will still take the player and situation into account. For example, even if you have base stealing set at maximum, David Ortiz will still not steal many bases.
So you can get a good look at all available strategies, here are more screenshots:

Pitching:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0051.PNG

Defense:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0052.PNG

Substitutions:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0053.PNG

One last thing you should check out is on a screen you already know, the pitching staff screen:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0055.PNG

I set up my staff last time, but when I simulate games it is important to set the roles for each pitcher on the roster. As you can see, I elected a traditional 5-man rotation and I defined my Middle Relievers, Setup and Closer. When I start simulating, the computer will take always the next starter for each game. Then, during the game, based on the situation, the CPU will bring in relievers as I defined them, so, for example, with a close lead it would bring in Bard to set up Papelbon, who would get the call in the 9th to close out the game.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0056.PNG

If you want even more control over your pitching, you can set the rotation mode: with Strict it will always move through the rotation in order (you can change the rotation size from 5 to something smaller, which you will want to do for the playoffs) and then back to the number one starter. With Highest Rested, it will skip the last (usually the weakest) starter whenever your team has an off day and your number one starter can start on normal rest.

After I create all my settings, I go back to the Manager Home screen. Now I can get the season rolling.

I will use the Finish Today option first.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0057.PNG

I won again. As you can see, all the key information is presented on this screen: I won 4-3 in Texas and I'm now 2-0 and in first place. By tapping the blue link where the score is, I can open the box score of that game.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0058.PNG

It went extra innings, but it’s still another one for the W column. Since my team settings are humming along smoothly, I will now continue with my second option, Finish Week.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0060.PNG

As iOOTP simulates the season, you can still watch your team’s progress.

After the week is finished, I take a look at the new situation.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0061.PNG

A 7-2 record, not bad. But I'm only in 3rd place, so let's take a look at the standings. For that, I tap League Info:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0062.PNG

Here you can get all the information about your league. I choose Standings first.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0063.PNG

Baltimore and Toronto are in front of me, both with a 8-1 record. That's nothing I'm afraid of. And the Yankees are behind me — that's something I want to see until the end of the season.

Beside the division standings, you can also check the Wild Card standings, but this early in the season they’re not really interesting.

If you are interested in the games you (or other teams) played during the simulated time, you can check out the schedule.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0064.PNG

Beside the scores, you can take a look at any box score you are interested in. If you are only interested in your games, then the team schedule is a better place to look.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0066.PNG

But that is not all. You can also get in-depth statistics, something all baseball fans love to sift through.

Batting:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0067.PNG

Pitching:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0068.PNG

Defense:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0069.PNG

Not enough? Then let’s check out the League Leaders for Batting (a total of 16 categories):

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0070.PNG

and Pitching (14 categories):

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0071.PNG

Still not enough? We know, baseball is all about the statistics and we put in a lot of stats. So for each player, iOOTP tracks a lot of stats, both the actual season and his career.

First, you get an overview of his last 3 years and his actual season for the most common statistics on his profile page:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0073.PNG

Then you can go to his Stats page by tapping View and tapping the Stats button on the pop-up screen:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0074.PNG

His basics stats here cover his whole career. They are even split by teams in case he was traded mid-season!

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0077.PNG

Tap the dropdown at the top and select Expanded Statistics to view even more batting stats.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0075.PNG

That dropdown also has a Split Statistics option for a few split stats (vs. LHP and vs. RHP) and playoff stats.

You get the same detailed stats for Pitching and Fielding.

So now you know how to set up your team when you want to simulate games and how to tap into the wealth of information you can get about the league, your team and your players. But iOOTP Baseball 2011 is not only about stats. The game is also about a living world that unfolds with every week you play, with every season you continue into your career. You will see young players get drafted and begin their careers, you will see records get broken, and you will even see players get elected to the Hall of Fame. Just to give you a small hint of the exciting things happening in iOOTP, here is a final screenshot from the League News screen.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr3/IMG_0076.PNG

Just six news headlines in my young season, but you can already see how the world of iOOTP evolves as you guide your team.

That’s it for today. Next time I will show you more from the League News screen, simulate the season to the end, and make a few tough decisions regarding trades, injuries, and contract signings. And then there’s the most important question of all: Will I make the playoffs?

[MizzouRah]

I'm not going to say this again.. OOTP 12 screenshots! :rant:


:lol: :D :p :) ;)

[CleBrownsfan]

I'm not going to say this again.. OOTP 12 screenshots! :rant:


:lol: :D :p :) ;)

:+1:

but iOOTP does look pretty sweet ;)

[MizzouRah]

:+1:

but iOOTP does look pretty sweet ;)

If I ever get an ipad, I'm sure I'll purchase. :)

[Arles]

Has the release date been announced? I can't wait to fire this up on my new iPAD2 :)

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Has the release date been announced? I can't wait to fire this up on my new iPAD2 :)

We aim for a late April release. We are in the final stages of testing.

[JPhillips]

I'd buy OOTP 6.5 optimized for IPad right now.

[MikeVic]

Haven't clicked in this thread before, but with baseball starting it lured me in. Count me as excited for this as well. I'd pay $4.99 just to try it out and support development. I know I didn't really get along with OOTP before because I was used to the simple Baseball Mogul (OOTP required too much of my time). But I'll try this one out!

[stevew]

I'm not going to say this again.. OOTP 12 screenshots! :rant:


:lol: :D :p :) ;)

wrong thread.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Haven't clicked in this thread before, but with baseball starting it lured me in. Count me as excited for this as well. I'd pay $4.99 just to try it out and support development. I know I didn't really get along with OOTP before because I was used to the simple Baseball Mogul (OOTP required too much of my time). But I'll try this one out!

Then iOOTP is perfect for you. You can do a lot of stuff with the game but it is much easier to learn and use as it is strip down to the most important things a GM has to do. And the best thing? You can take the game with you and play it whenever you have a few minutes to kill.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

I'd buy OOTP 6.5 optimized for IPad right now.

To be honest, I see iOOTP go into exactly that direction. I think the 2011 version, our first release, is a great basis to build onto. We have a lot of great ideas to add in updates and later versions. :)

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Welcome back to the Road to Release for iOOTP Baseball 2011. In the fourth installment, I will continue my season with the Boston Red Sox up to the All-Star Break. Along the way, I will show you the ins and outs of managing your team during the regular season.

But first, as promised last time, I will show you how deep the world of iOOTP is. The game is not just stats and ratings — it builds a world that evolves around you, just like the baseball world we all avidly follow every season. Here are a few examples:

Players get injured ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0095.PNG

Trades happen ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0096.PNG

Players get suspended ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0097.PNG

Various weekly and monthly awards are handed out ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0098.PNG

Heroic game events happen ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0100.PNG

and players reach milestones:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0101.PNG

There are even more news blurbs and messages beyond those, but before I show them to you, let’s pick up my season that’s underway. I’ve simulated the month of April, so let's take a look at the standings:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0102.PNG

As expected, it is a close race between my Red Sox and the Evil Empire. But it’s still early in the season, so I will continue the action before I start thinking about possible upgrades. So I hit "Finish Week" ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0103.PNG

... and get bad news: one of my key players suffered a major injury. First, I go to my lineup:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0104.PNG

Crawford is my leadoff man, and despite his .244 batting average, he is an important part of my team. Now I have two things to do: make room on the active roster for a replacement player and then adjust the lineups. After tapping Crawford’s name, I take a closer look at his injury:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0105.PNG

He will miss about 6 weeks, so to make room for his replacement I will put him on the Disabled List. For that I can use the Action Menu in the bottom bar (all actions concerning a player are in that menu):

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0106.PNG

Now I need a replacement to fill his role on the active roster. I open my Minor League Roster and take a look at the available options:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0107.PNG

I need a left fielder and my only option is Josh Reddick. A closer look reveals ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0108.PNG

... he had two short stints in the majors with Boston in 2009 and 2010, with below average success. However, I have no other options at the moment, so I’ll give him another shot at the big leagues. His Potential (the four grey stars) is pretty good, so maybe this is his breakthrough moment.

I promote him to Boston (again, using the Action Menu) and update my lineups:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0109.PNG

Hopefully the number 9 spot will take away some of the pressure.
Let’s continue the season!

After another month, I'm still in first place but Pedroia got hurt too, so I lost another important player for a few weeks.

And I received a personal message from J.D. Drew. Take a look:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0110.PNG

That’s another of your between-game duties: signing new contracts with players you want to keep. Let’s take Drew as an example.

A look at his profile shows he is 35 years old and his stats are in decline, so if I sign him it has to be a short-term contract.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0111.PNG

I have about $45 million available for contract extensions, and David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez are two more possible Free Agents after the season ends.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0112.PNG

Now, just as a real General Manager does, we can meet with Drew. I tap his name in the message and open the Offer Extension Screen (as always, through the Action Menu).

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0113.PNG

Wow, he wants $17 million and 3 years (his current contract is $14 million). That's way too much in my opinion, so I lower the years to two and the money to the $14 million he gets now. I don't think he will accept that offer, but we will see. It is important to keep in mind that even if offers are declined, you can continue to negotiate with players. But be careful: some players will stop talking to you faster than others. I submit the offer to Drew and now I have to wait a few days.

Today brings with it another season highlight: the First-Year Player Draft.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0114.PNG

Here you can draft the future of your franchise. It’s exciting to see who gets selected first and then watch the number one pick start his career in the majors, achieve his first hit, get chosen for his first All Star Team, receive awards, break records, and maybe even earn election to the Hall of Fame! Or maybe he suffers a career-ending injury during his first season. As in real life, you never know what will happen in iOOTP.

I planned to pick a starting pitcher, but with my 26th pick there are no good starter prospects left, so I change my mind and find a pretty interesting reliever: Sergio Ramirez.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0115.PNG

He has good potential (5 stars), but his overall rating (4 stars) is what makes him interesting: he could be part of my bullpen during the season. I choose to let the CPU handle the rest of my draft picks.

After a few days, I get an update from Drew:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0116.PNG

As I expected. He lowers his demand but insists on three years. I update my offer (again, only two years) and continue.

After a few days I get another update from Drew and this time, I'm surprised.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0117.PNG

That gives me at least one year to find a replacement in RF. In other good news, I received word that Crawford can be reactivated from the Disabled List. That means Reddick goes back to the Minors, but this time he had a nice stint.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0119.PNG

All is not puppies and rainbows in Red Sox land, though: one of my players is not happy with his role on the team.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0120.PNG

I use Cameron in my starting lineup against LHP, but that doesn’t seem to be enough for him. You have to be careful with this kind of thing in iOOTP because morale is an important part of the game. As in real life, lousy morale can not only affect that player’s performance but also the entire team’s play. I make a note to think about trading Cameron at the trading deadline (this will be part of the next article).

Finally, I reach the All-Star Game and can take a look at the selected players for both leagues:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr4/IMG_0122.PNG

Boo, only Lackey was nominated from the American League. Something is not right at the moment.

Well, that's it for today. I made it halfway through the 2011 season and I showed you iOOTP’s deep game world and some of the duties you have as a GM. I'm now 3 games behind first place Tampa Bay, so when I continue I will take a look at my team and see what I can do to improve it at the trading deadline. Then we will finish the season, see if my first round pick makes his major league debut, and find out who wins the World Series. After that, we’ll take a look at the off-season, which has plenty for you to do before spring training starts again. Yes, just like real life.

[SegRat]

This game is looking fantastic.

[FrogMan]

you guys got a mention as some sort of preview on 148apps.com
Baseball Simulation Series Out of the Park Baseball Hits iOS With iOOTP 2011 – Blog, Upcoming – 148Apps – iPhone App and Game Reviews and News (http://www.148apps.com/news/baseball-simulation-series-park-baseball-hits-ios-iootp-2011/)

FM

[Sebastian Palkowski]

you guys got a mention as some sort of preview on 148apps.com
Baseball Simulation Series Out of the Park Baseball Hits iOS With iOOTP 2011 – Blog, Upcoming – 148Apps – iPhone App and Game Reviews and News (http://www.148apps.com/news/baseball-simulation-series-park-baseball-hits-ios-iootp-2011/)

FM

Thanks, I just saw it. It is nice to get coverage from a site like 148apps. We hope to get more people interested in sport text-sim games and previews like this should help a lot.

[stevew]

If Big Papi is slumping, can I buy him some steroids from the app store?

[Sebastian Palkowski]

If Big Papi is slumping, can I buy him some steroids from the app store?

We planed that but then decided to go for the 12+ rating. ;)

[SegRat]

Palli you still think you are going to make the April deadline by chance?

[CleBrownsfan]

Getting really excited for this and OOTP12. I've been itching to start a solo (play out each game - one pitch) league going....

iOOTP is looking way better than I expected...

[RainMaker]

Looking forward to this. Have a new computer, two new monitors setup. Plan is to work on one and play OOTP on the other.

[dubb93]

As someone who hasn't played since 6.5 I think this will be the game that gets me back into the game. A question, do teams go into rebuilding mode and win now mode like they did back in 6.5? This is probably a standard feature now, but one that important to me nonetheless. Thanks.

[SegRat]

Sounds like iootp has been submitted to apple!

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Sounds like iootp has been submitted to apple!

Yes, we submitted to Apple today. Now we have to wait. :)

[Sebastian Palkowski]

I guess most will see it but just to make sure. ;)

A nice preview of iOOTP 2011: Operation Sports (http://www.operationsports.com/previews/113/iootp-2011-hands-on-preview/)

[Sebastian Palkowski]

As we all know, a baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint, but I can see the finish line in the distance as I open the fifth installment in the Road to Release for iOOTP Baseball 2011. Last time, I played until the All-Star Game, and this time I’m ready to tackle the second half of the season. Let’s start with a quick peek at the standings, where I’m 3 games behind the Rays in the AL East. However, I’m ahead in the wild card race by a half-game over the Royals.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0123.PNG

To view the wild card standings, just scroll down:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0124.PNG

If I want to make a second-half push for the division crown, I’ll need to look at possible ways to improve my team. First, I check out my team stats:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0125.PNG

The team pitching looks good: I dominate my division. The batting side tells a different story, though:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0126.PNG

Okay, so it’s not my offense that carries me — every team has an imbalance between hitting and pitching, and right now my Red Sox are more like the 1982 Cardinals than the 1927 Yankees. (But, hey, both teams won the World Series, right?) My next visit is the Lineup Screen, where I can see which positions could use an upgrade. iOOTP has a trading deadline, just like in real life, so I can expect some wheeling and dealing over the next couple weeks.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0127.PNG

Looks like I have a weak spot in center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who is a good example of iOOTP Baseball 2011’s depth: As you can see below, Ellsbury hits only .259 against right-handed pitching. That's bad, especially since Ellsbury should have an advantage against RHP because he bats left-handed. I take a closer look at his split stats this season:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0128.PNG

That's the beauty of the game engine in iOOTP Baseball 2011: it works as real major league baseball does: a lefty batter will do better against RHP and has a hard time against LHP. In Ellsbury’s case, he gets killed by LHP with his paltry .152 average.

So now I look on his Profile page:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0129.PNG

He's only 27 years old, and after a injury-shortened 2010 campaign, his 2011 season has been ugly. He has the potential to be a good major league center fielder, but not this season. Notice also that he’s unhappy. I take a closer look at his morale by tapping View and then tapping the Status/Morale option:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0130.PNG

He is angry about his own performance, which is negatively affecting his overall morale. I talked before about how important morale is in iOOTP and this is a good example of that: a young player struggling at the plate and then trying too hard to come out of the slump.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0131.PNG

A look at my active roster shows that Ellsbury’s possible replacement, Mike Cameron, is unhappy too (remember, he wants to be traded). So my plan is to use Cameron in a trade to get a temporary replacement for Ellsbury.

You have different ways to approach trades. One is by checking the League News screen for trade rumors that are always swirling around:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0132.PNG

Player from your team can demand trades (like Cameron), and you can receive trade proposals from other teams.

Additionally, you can look around and initiate trades with other teams. I start to shop around Cameron but the answerer is always the same:

Nobody wants an old, overpaid player who does not perform well. Oh my, I have to reconsider. So I exchange Cameron with Ellsbury in the lineup and simulate a few days. Maybe I can find a decent upgrade for the lineup (a catcher would help) closer to the trading deadline.

Fast-forward a few days and the standings look better (I’m just 1/2 a game behind Tampa Bay), but my solution with Cameron does not work out: he is only hitting .192 since I inserted him into the lineup. During the last few days, I’ve also kept an eye open for trade rumors and saw this:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0134.PNG

Scott Hairston could be available, and he’s putting up good numbers this season (better than Cameron and Ellsbury, which is not that hard at the moment):

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0135.PNG

I tap View and then tap Contract, where I see that he’s in the final year of his contract, so I have just to pay the reminder of it for this season:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0136.PNG

His batting ratings look good too:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0137.PNG

And as a nice bonus, he can play center field:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0138.PNG

I open the Action menu in the bottom bar and tap Trade for Player.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0139.PNG

Trades in iOOTP can have up to 3 players on both sides, so you can construct typical trades, such as a good player for a couple prospects. Since I want to trade for Haiston, he is already placed on the right side and I can now add players from my organization to make this trade happen. The Trade Summary window gives you an idea of both teams’ weaknesses, so you can tailor your offer accordingly.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0140.PNG

You always can ask for the number of players from your team that would make the other team accept the trade, but be careful: most of the time this will favor the other team!

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0141.PNG

The Mets have a weakness in their bullpen and since Hairston wants to be traded (and will be a free agent after the season), I won’t offer too much. Reliever Aceves is a good candidate:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0142.PNG

He is an average reliever but not good enough for my active roster. He is unhappy with his situation in the minors and will most likely never play for the Red Sox.

The Mets are willing to do the trade, but my manager thinks we can get a little bit more out of this. I look at the Mets’ minor league roster and try a promising shortstop prospect:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0143.PNG

Maybe he will never develop into a star player, but he is only 19 and with 3.5 stars as potential, he could become a decent utility infielder for the Red Sox.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0144.PNG

After I finish filling out the trade, I get an immediate response. Since we’re so close to the trading deadline, the reaction is quick; otherwise, I would have to submit the offer and wait a few days. The Mets accept the deal, so I can now finalize it. After the deal is done, I put Hairston on my active roster and insert him into the lineup. Then I continue the game ...

August has more injuries in store for me: Hairston has a trip to the disabled list (great) and starting pitcher Lester misses at least one start. But that is nothing compared to the injury suffered by Scutaro, who will not see any more playing time this season:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0145.PNG

After I reactivate Hairston, I lose Wakefield for a few weeks and Dice-K for rest of the season. Right now I have the best record in the American League, but I have to overcome the injury crisis and make it through September.

On my way to the playoffs, I handle a few more contract extensions: Gonzalez and Papelbon sign new deals, but David Ortiz is destined to leave Boston as a free agent because his contract demands are just too much.

At last I reach the finish line and make it to the playoffs!

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0146.PNG

Now I switch back to day-to-day simulation as I prepare my team as well as possible for every game. I will play out games that could bring a decision, but that’s just my preference. You can simulate the playoffs or play out every game; it is up to you.

I win my first game against the Tigers, but it’s a Pyrrhic victory:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0147.PNG

Oh, the happy times of a major league manager.

The second game against Detroit goes to extra innings, but I manage to win it, 2-1 ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0148.PNG

Trivia question for you guys: who went 2 for 4 and score the winning run in the 11th Inning? I always have to smile at the small things that make iOOTP a great experience (Hint: his name shows up a lot in this article).

I play out game 3 and finish the sweep on a 3-hit masterpiece by Beckett and Papelbon.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0149.PNG

to the next round, this time against the Angels ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0150.PNG

I lose the first two games in Boston as my offense, riddled with injuries, stops hitting the ball. In Game 3, it looks like more of the same but I have a big inning, scoring 11 runs in the 7th, to win the game 11-1 (as a side note: Beckett throws another gem and has now a 0.59 ERA in the post-season).

In Game 4, the bats go silent again (just 4 hits) and I lose the game. To top it off, starter Lackey suffers another injury. I take over in Game 5 and manage an easy win to bring the series back to Boston. Due to injuries, I have to go with Tim Wakefield, and as you would expect from a knuckleballer, the game is a wild one. But I get to Angels starter Weaver early and hang on for a 13-7 victory.

Wow, the series is tied and we have a game 7. Both number one starters get the call: Dan Haren against Jon Lester; the winner goes to the World Series, the loser goes on vacation. Maybe it is just a game, but boy, I'm nervous.

You would expect a pitching duel, but neither starter has his best stuff: neither makes it to the 5th inning and both bullpens have to send in anyone they have. Despite 3 errors in the field, I take the game 12-9! To be honest, I don't care because I’m headed to the World Series.

I will play the St. Louis Cardinals. They had no problems, needing just one game more than the minimum to reach the World Series. They’re fresh and bring their number one starter to Game 1, whereas I’ve lost one starter (Lackey), my number one guy started in Game 7 of the previous round, and my bullpen is totally exhausted. But hey, Beckett will start, so everything should be okay ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0151.PNG

... or not. I finally run out of steam and luck. When Beckett ran into trouble in the 5th inning, I kept him in to give my bullpen a rest. Bad decision — I wish the CPU made it so I had someone to blame.

I also lose Game 2, so again I'm down 0-2 in a series. With Lester back on the mound and a solid outing from him, I manage to win Game 3. For Game 4, I decide to use Beckett on short rest and this time I have it right: Six strong Innings from him and another 3 hits from Pedroia (who has a .450 average in the playoffs) and the series is tied at 2.

In Game 5 I can bring Lackey back to the mound and his return is strong. But the story of the game is again Pedroia: he goes 5-for-5 and now hits .492 in the playoffs. There were even MVP chants during the game. (Okay, that was me; luckily, I play at home and not in a public place).

When I start Game 6, I'm pretty nervous, but the game is smooth and I never feel like I could lose it. An easy 10-1 victory and I bring a turbulent season to a happy end: a World Series title is in my hands!

The next article will center around the offseason: awards, arbitration, free agents and maybe some winter trading. But for now, let's close with my final season score. It's not a top score because I won the title with the powerhouse Red Sox. Do it with the Pirates and you can take the score over 1,000!

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr5/IMG_0152.PNG

[Sebastian Palkowski]

One of the most important websites for mobile gaming did a preview for iOOTP Baseball 2011!

Anyone who is interested go to:

Touch Arcade (http://toucharcade.com/2011/05/02/out-of-the-park-baseball-hitting-ios-soon-looks-sharp/)

[stevew]

release it dammit. how much longer do our apple lords have to look over it?

[Sebastian Palkowski]

release it dammit. how much longer do our apple lords have to look over it?

Believe me, I hit F5 every 5 minutes to check the status. :)

[Markus Heinsohn]

Believe me, I hit F5 every 5 minutes to check the status. :)

+1 :)

[Peregrine]

Can't wait for this to go live on the app store!

[FrogMan]

One of the most important websites for mobile gaming did a preview for iOOTP Baseball 2011!

Anyone who is interested go to:

Touch Arcade (http://toucharcade.com/2011/05/02/out-of-the-park-baseball-hitting-ios-soon-looks-sharp/)

that was a very nice preview :)

FM

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Today we got an update from Apple: "Your Application is Ready for Sale".

The official release date is now: Thursday, 5/5/2011 (Worldwide).

[Arles]

nice! Congrats guys, can't wait to check it out.

[MizzouRah]

Good for you Markus and Co!

[FBPro]

Today we got an update from Apple: "Your Application is Ready for Sale".

The official release date is now: Thursday, 5/5/2011 (Worldwide).

Awesome

[CleBrownsfan]

Awesome! Can't wait to fire this bad boy up!

[Sebastian Palkowski]

“Wait till next year!” That’s the rallying cry of the fans of the 29 teams that don’t win the World Series each year, and iOOTP Baseball 2011 lets you live that sentiment as you guide your team through the offseason. In my case, the Red Sox won the 2011 World Series, so I’m preparing to defend my championship. As we all know, winning two straight titles isn’t easy.

Let’s start with the Manager Home screen:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0153.PNG

In the offseason, you get one more option to advance the game: Auto/Play until an event. As you see in the screenshot, the first event is the announcement of the season awards. But before I continue, I take a look at the league news and find this:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0154.PNG

The Hall of Fame is a nice feature in iOOTP Baseball 2011, since it’s an honor all players strive for. It’s nice to see existing players get voted in, but it’s even more exciting to read the news about a player you drafted and nurtured getting the nod.

In my game, only Jamie Moyer, was elected but it’s only a matter of time before more players enter the Hall of Fame.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0155.PNG

But back to the offseason events. I simulated until the first one, the awards, and can now take a look at the winners: in iOOTP you have season awards for the best hitter, pitcher, rookie and fielder (for every position).

Remember: John Lackey was my only player selected for the All-Star Game and now he gets the Outstanding Pitcher Award in the AL!

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0156.PNG

Additionally, two players from my Red Sox won the Glove Wizard Award: first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and left fielder Carl Crawford.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0157.PNG

Back to the Offseason: the next event is Salary Arbitration Hearings.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0158.PNG

Players that have more than 2 and less than 6 years of service time will get arbitration. They automatically get a new 1-year contract (you cannot lose them to free agency) ,but the salary is decided by an arbitrator.

First I check all the players on my team who are arbitration eligible. I do this on the Active Roster screen by selecting the Financial Info View:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0159.PNG

I have 5 eligible players. To see the estimated salary each one will receive, check the player page:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0160.PNG

As you can see, Buchholz is expected to get a pretty nice (for him) raise, but I still want to keep him. I check out the other players and decide to keep them. If you want to avoid arbitration, just release the player and you won’t be on the hook for the salary dictated by the arbitrator.

I continue to the Arbitration Hearings and then check my in box. You receive the results of all the hearings, like this one for Buchholz:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0161.PNG

The next step in the offseason involves players who have no contract years left filing for free agency.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0162.PNG

So if you want to sign contract extensions, hurry up! I did this during the season, so I just tap Auto/Play.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0163.PNG

You get a message listing the players from your team who filled for free agency (no surprises there) and ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0164.PNG

... another one with a few FA's from other teams (you just scroll to the bottom of the message shown above).

Now it’s time to bid for some free agents. To do so, just open the Free Agents screen from the League menu:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0165.PNG

You get a list of all available FA's. As with all tables in iOOTP, you can chose the view you prefer. The view selected in the screenshot above shows the Overall rating, Potential rating and Salary Demand. Carlos Beltran would be a nice addition to my club (remember my problems in CF last season) but $26 million is a lot. But just for fun, I take a look:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0166.PNG

Two things to note here: first, I don't have enough money to sign Beltran (after all, I don't work for the Evil Empire) and second, if I did sign him, I would lose my first draft pick to his old team in the upcoming amateur draft.

To show you the bidding process, I will make an offer to Russell Branyan:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0167.PNG

With David Ortiz gone, I lost a big lefty bat and he could replace him nicely (or better, he could even be an upgrade from Ortiz, who did not have his best year).

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0168.PNG

He wants $11 million and 4 years. Considering his age, I offer him 3 years and $12 million. Now I have to wait, so I tap Auto-Play.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0169.PNG

After a few days, I get an update from him telling me that my offer is the best one so far. I might get lucky: maybe most other teams are going for the big names and I can sign him before other teams show their interest. iOOTP Baseball 2011 has the same offseason drama that the big leagues do in real life. Remember all the rumors about who Cliff Lee was going to sign with?

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0170.PNG

During my wait for another update, I reach the next event: the Winter Meetings. This is a great time to make some deals with other teams. You will get trade offers, listen to rumors, and try to set up trades on your own. And since all GM's are around, it takes no time to negotiate. Since I showed the trade process in an earlier Road to Release article, I will continue.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr6/IMG_0171.PNG

Russell Branyan signed a contract with me, so I filled one need on my team. He will see time at 1B and as a DH.

As you can see, the offseason is all about setting up your team for the new season. You face the same issues that big league general managers do. Soon spring training will be around the corner and you’ll need to prepare your freshly-updated team for Opening Day and the pennant chase. In my case, I’ll be the hunted.

So that brings me to the end of the Road to Release for iOOTP Baseball 2011. Tomorrow, Thursday May 5, 2011, you’ll get the chance to pick your own big league team and see if you can win the World Series too. Or maybe you’ll want to start a fictional league and build your own baseball world, or visit one of three past seasons — 1923, 1965, or 2004 — and see if you can rewrite history.

[dubb93]

I think I read all of the walkthroughs but did I miss the Spring Training part of the road to release? If not does that mean there isn't one and players just progress automatically at the end of the offseason? Are we given any clues about who progressed how?

[Raiders Army]

iOOTP Baseball 2011 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad on the iTunes App Store (http://itunes.apple.com/nz/app/iootp-baseball-2011/id428947551?mt=8)

On sale in New Zealand already.

[Raiders Army]

BTW, you can buy it if you change your store to New Zealand. :)

[Sebastian Palkowski]

The game should now be available around the globe (the US store is now available):

iOOTP 2001 on the AppStore (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iootp-baseball-2011/id428947551?mt=8&ls=1)

[stevew]

Purchased. Will post impressions tomorrow.

[PadresFan104]

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that it's really easy to improve the look of the game by using any one of the existing OOTP logo sets.

Just grab the free iPhone Explorer app and you can access your saved game when your phone is connected to your pc/mac. Look in the apps/iootp2011/Documents/iootp2011/saved_games/<gamename>/news/html directory and replace the existing logos with the new ones. Here's what I was able to do tonight in about 10 mins...

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/PadresFanMods/iOOTP.png

[Marc Vaughan]

First review is out and about already:

iPhone GamerBlog - 5/5
Review Link (http://iphonegamerblog.com/2011/05/04/iootp-iphone-and-ipod-touch-review/)

[Shaun Sullivan]

I bought this today and was totally blown away! Kudos to OOTP for blazing the trail for our genre on this platform. The avalanche of positive reviews alone should easily launch it into the top 100.

I will be tracking this closely, having just launched a mobile software company. If iOOTP is a big success, Football here I come :)

Congrats Markus and team.

Shaun

[Philliesfan980]

I'm jumping into this thread kind of late, but are there any plans to port this over to Android platforms? I'd love to have this, but I'm not buying an iPhone for it.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

I'm jumping into this thread kind of late, but are there any plans to port this over to Android platforms? I'd love to have this, but I'm not buying an iPhone for it.

Just to make sure: iPod Touch and/or iPad work, too.

For Android: if iOOTP is a big success and we can hire someone to do the Android port, then yes, it is possible.

[rowech]

Just to make sure: iPod Touch and/or iPad work, too.

For Android: if iOOTP is a big success and we can hire someone to do the Android port, then yes, it is possible.

Does it matter what generation ipod touch we have?

[dubb93]

Does it matter what generation ipod touch we have?

3rd or 4th Generation according to the faq on the ootp developments forum will work best. 1st and 2nd generation iOS devices may find that the game runs so slow that it is unplayable, particularly year 2 and beyond.

[rowech]

3rd or 4th Generation according to the faq on the ootp developments forum will work best. 1st and 2nd generation iOS devices may find that the game runs so slow that it is unplayable, particularly year 2 and beyond.

I have a 2nd so I guess that leaves me out. Unfortunate.

[tarcone]

I bought this today. One comment. I cant see the yellow writing on the white background. The stars on the rating s is where I really struggle. When I pull up the player card I can see it. The bigger color splashes, like the bars, I can see. Its just the small yellows.
It was during an draft before a fictional league.

I cant wait to sit down and immerse myself. I played around a bit, cant wait to have time to really sit down and play it.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

I have a 2nd so I guess that leaves me out. Unfortunate.

So far we got only good feedback on 2nd Generation devices so you might try it. I tested it on my iPhone 3G (which is almost the same) and after the game is loaded it runs ok. Make sure to reboot your device before you play to free up memory!

[JPhillips]

I had a slight problem. Votto hit a single and was thrown out trying to get to second and the next time he was up he was credited with a double.

I'm a little disappointed in the starting economic numbers, but that's been an issue with OOTP for years.

It's a fun app and the only one for which I've paid more than .99.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

I bought this today and was totally blown away! Kudos to OOTP for blazing the trail for our genre on this platform. The avalanche of positive reviews alone should easily launch it into the top 100.

I will be tracking this closely, having just launched a mobile software company. If iOOTP is a big success, Football here I come :)

Congrats Markus and team.

Shaun

Hey Shaun, thanks for the nice words. I had at least one person ask for a football version, so go for it. :)

So far we are really happy with the response, we just got featured as "New and Noteworthy" on the US Store. It is also nice to see a lot of new user try iOOTP, I think that will help to bring new people into our little niche.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Bought it. Well worth it at that price. I personally like it better than the PC version.

[rowech]

So far we got only good feedback on 2nd Generation devices so you might try it. I tested it on my iPhone 3G (which is almost the same) and after the game is loaded it runs ok. Make sure to reboot your device before you play to free up memory!

I have to wait I think. Need to see how it goes for people after they get in quite a few seasons. That's what scares me.

[Marc Vaughan]

I have a 2nd so I guess that leaves me out. Unfortunate.

To be frank I don't know why Markus posted saying that the game isn't 'ideal' on a 2nd generation device - its true its not as fast as on an iPhone4 (duh? ;) ) ... but its definitely playable on them imho.

Just my tuppence worth.

[fantom1979]

This game is not working at all on my phone.

http://www.4-cell-phones.com/products/Samsung_A650_Flip_Phone_%28Verizon%29.jpg

[samifan24]

I wasn't planning on buying this because I thought it wouldn't run on my iPhone 3G but I was glad to read tonight that it will indeed run on my phone. Awesome!

[samifan24]

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that it's really easy to improve the look of the game by using any one of the existing OOTP logo sets.

Just grab the free iPhone Explorer app and you can access your saved game when your phone is connected to your pc/mac. Look in the apps/iootp2011/Documents/iootp2011/saved_games/<gamename>/news/html directory and replace the existing logos with the new ones. Here's what I was able to do tonight in about 10 mins...

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo228/PadresFanMods/iOOTP.png

Where did you find the correct, sized logos to put into the game folder?

[fantom1979]

I didn't check, but you might want to look at Padrefans sig. He runs THE OOTP mod site.

edit: His website appears down to me right now.

[PadresFan104]

Where did you find the correct, sized logos to put into the game folder?

That's the cool part, you can use any of the logo sets already formatted for the PC game, and the iOOTP game will automatically resize the image.

[PadresFan104]

I didn't check, but you might want to look at Padrefans sig. He runs THE OOTP mod site.

edit: His website appears down to me right now.

Hmm... It took me a few seconds to connect, but it seems to be working... Thanks though!!

[SegRat]

My new favorite iPhone/ipad game. Played my first games, fictional league. My closer blew my first 2 games. Then next 2 games 6 up and 6 out, all strikeouts.

Great game.

[FBPro]

When I try to open folder on my iPhone it says file not found.

[samifan24]

I wasn't planning on buying this because I thought it wouldn't run on my iPhone 3G but I was glad to read tonight that it will indeed run on my phone. Awesome!

I guess I spoke too soon.

The game crashed three times last night after installing and rebooting my iPhone 3G.

How do you save your game? Mine crashed just before or during the first game of the season after a batter or two after I'd already spent 15 minutes setting my depth charts, lineups, etc. When I tried to continue my existing game I found that it hadn't saved. Is there a manual save button anywhere?

[Sebastian Palkowski]

I guess I spoke too soon.

The game crashed three times last night after installing and rebooting my iPhone 3G.

How do you save your game? Mine crashed just before or during the first game of the season after a batter or two after I'd already spent 15 minutes setting my depth charts, lineups, etc. When I tried to continue my existing game I found that it hadn't saved. Is there a manual save button anywhere?

Ok, iPhone 3G is not officially supported BUT so far we got no bad reports from people using it. I Have one myself and it works so let's get yours to work, too.

1. Make sure that your device has enough free disc space (maybe remove some old, not longer needed Apps).

2. More important: reboot your device before you start iOOTP. Memory is critical on old devices so we need to free up as much as possible. To reboot, follow this: Reboot device (http://ipod.about.com/od/troubleshootingyouripod/qt/ipod-touch-reboot.htm)

[samifan24]

Ok, iPhone 3G is not officially supported BUT so far we got no bad reports from people using it. I Have one myself and it works so let's get yours to work, too.

1. Make sure that your device has enough free disc space (maybe remove some old, not longer needed Apps).

2. More important: reboot your device before you start iOOTP. Memory is critical on old devices so we need to free up as much as possible. To reboot, follow this: Reboot device (http://ipod.about.com/od/troubleshootingyouripod/qt/ipod-touch-reboot.htm)

Thanks for your quick reply. You've got a great app here, I just hope that I can play it on my device.

I'm currently running iOS 4.2.1 and have 2.8 GB available. Is that enough? I rebooted my phone twice last night, once after installing iOOTP and then after the first crash but to no avail. How does the game handle saved games? When does it save automatically? Is there a manual save option? Thanks!

[Ksyrup]

Where did you find the correct, sized logos to put into the game folder?

It took me over 45 minutes to figure it all out, but I downloaded a bunch of different logos from his site, found the ones I liked, and somehow figured how to move them into the correct directory using that iPhone Explorer app.

[cody8200]

Thanks for your quick reply. You've got a great app here, I just hope that I can play it on my device.

I'm currently running iOS 4.2.1 and have 2.8 GB available. Is that enough? I rebooted my phone twice last night, once after installing iOOTP and then after the first crash but to no avail. How does the game handle saved games? When does it save automatically? Is there a manual save option? Thanks!

I'm worried that iOS 4 will be a little too high for a 3G to run iOOTP. Having had a 3G running iOS 4 myself, it eats up a ton of memory with its added functionality. You probably don't want to do this but you could always revert your iPhone 3G back to iOS 3.12 or so and you would probably have an extra 10 MB's or so of memory at any given time (which is quite a bit considering the amount of memory the 3G has (I think its 64),

[cody8200]

When I try to open folder on my iPhone it says file not found.

It did this for me at first as well but then I restarted my iPhone 4 and it found the directories. Might be worth a try.

[fantom1979]

Hmm... It took me a few seconds to connect, but it seems to be working... Thanks though!!


Connects almost instantly for me now. Thanks!

[rlmayer32]

It did this for me at first as well but then I restarted my iPhone 4 and it found the directories. Might be worth a try.

I remember having to sync my phone after installing the explorer before it would read the directories.

[samifan24]

I guess I spoke too soon.

The game crashed three times last night after installing and rebooting my iPhone 3G.

How do you save your game? Mine crashed just before or during the first game of the season after a batter or two after I'd already spent 15 minutes setting my depth charts, lineups, etc. When I tried to continue my existing game I found that it hadn't saved. Is there a manual save button anywhere?

I just tried to start up a new game again and the game crashed twice. I'm so frustrated. I just really want this to work on my 3G. :mad:

[Fonzie]

Anybody have a sense yet about gauging minor league player development? I've just begun a fictional career, and with no minor league stats I'm struggling with determining when to call youngsters up.

[k0ruptr]

just letting anyone know, if you have iFile on your iDevice you can download, unzip, and replace the logos all on your iDevice without using your computer.

[Raiders Army]

It did this for me at first as well but then I restarted my iPhone 4 and it found the directories. Might be worth a try.

You also need to have the game closed out (not running in the background).

Anyhow, I've played about 5-6 games and my first impressions are that this is simply amazing. Nothing against FM, but I could never really get into soccer. This game is revolutionary to me. Great job!

[SegRat]

You also need to have the game closed out (not running in the background).

Anyhow, I've played about 5-6 games and my first impressions are that this is simply amazing. Nothing against FM, but I could never really get into soccer. This game is revolutionary to me. Great job!

I agree. I enjoy iFM, but this much more to my liking. I will continue to support FM on idevices, but this is more my style. Now if Front Office Football came out, I would be in heaven.

[digamma]

Very good little game for the iDevices.

One question. At season's end, the mail you get states you will now have an option on the league screen to select season awards. I've yet to see that option appear. Others?

[Ksyrup]

Really enjoying this so far. All I've done is start an MLB career with Detroit. Played the first 3 games against the Yankees, very nice!

I did see a questionable move on the AI's part. Bottom 8th, 2-2 game, 2 outs and Teixeira walks. AI pinch-runs with Andruw Jones, ARod is retired, and Jones stays in to play 1B (defense ability = 1). In the top of the 12th, his error paves the way for a 7 run outburst and we win 9-2. Seriously doubt anyone would pinch-run for Tex with 2 outs in the 8th under those circumstances, and then leave in a hack to play 1B in extra innings..

[dubb93]

I'm enjoying this too. Playing as the Cubs and I believe my owner is delusional when he thinks we are going to win the championship this year.

[Raiders Army]

How to do an inaugral draft with the current rosters: How do I start an inaugural draft? - OOTP Developments Forums (http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/iootp-2011-general-discussions/208003-how-do-i-start-inaugural-draft.html)

[dubb93]

Blah. Somehow my game file went corrupt. Was having a blast too. I'm not going to be playing this much if another game save goes corrupt. I hope this was a one off. I'm really not sure what caused it either. I was playing. When I finished I plugged my phone in to charge it and shut it off. When I came back the game save was corrupt.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Blah. Somehow my game file went corrupt. Was having a blast too. I'm not going to be playing this much if another game save goes corrupt. I hope this was a one off. I'm really not sure what caused it either. I was playing. When I finished I plugged my phone in to charge it and shut it off. When I came back the game save was corrupt.

Could you give me a few information about your device?

1. the type (e.g. iPod Touch 3. Generation with 16GB)
2. the iOS (e.g. 4.2.1)
3. Is your device jailbroken?

We try to improve the situation with older devices (as far as we know most problems are with iPod Touch 2G and iPhone 3G). We prepare an quick update with the following improvements:

1. Manual Save
2. Automatic Save on older devices (weekly)
3. Removing the dialog about the corrupted database (which forces you to quit the App)
4. Backup system for your save. Apple has the "feature" that it kills an App when it closes even if it still saves data. That is the reason we have trouble on old devices (the problem is pretty rare on the new devices). After the update iOOTP will only save after the game is aborted, when it has a chance to finish the save.

Before you close the app, just save the game manually. That should improve the situation for user with old devices drastically.

[dubb93]

Could you give me a few information about your device?

1. the type (e.g. iPod Touch 3. Generation with 16GB)
2. the iOS (e.g. 4.2.1)
3. Is your device jailbroken?

We try to improve the situation with older devices (as far as we know most problems are with iPod Touch 2G and iPhone 3G). We prepare an quick update with the following improvements:

1. Manual Save
2. Automatic Save on older devices (weekly)
3. Removing the dialog about the corrupted database (which forces you to quit the App)
4. Backup system for your save. Apple has the "feature" that it kills an App when it closes even if it still saves data. That is the reason we have trouble on old devices (the problem is pretty rare on the new devices). After the update iOOTP will only save after the game is aborted, when it has a chance to finish the save.

Before you close the app, just save the game manually. That should improve the situation for user with old devices drastically.

1. iPhone 4
2. 4.3.3
3. Not jailbroken

EDIT: It is an amazing app BTW. Great job. I just really hope the DB corruption does not become an issue.

[fantom1979]

wow this game has so many errors and crashes. The reviews on the apple app store is brutal.

???

I am showing that they have 4.5/5 stars. 158 out of 187 reviews are 5 stars.

[Arles]

I've had no problems on my ipad and really enjoy the game so far. Here would be my only recommendations (again, with the backdrop that I've enjoyed this game more than any other iphone/ipad app with the exception of CG Dev Story and iFM):

1. anyway we can get an HD version for us ipad users? :)
2. More data on how the minors guys are doing.
3. A way to view situational stats on the lineup screen (would be nice for platooning).

Even without the above additions, I think this a great app and a steal at $4.99.

[Marc Vaughan]

1. anyway we can get an HD version for us ipad users? :)
They've already indicated one will arrive during the update cycle releases (free update) ..... however I'd expect in the short-term they'll concentrate on ironing out any existing issues with the iPhone SD game before doing that.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

3. A way to view situational stats on the lineup screen (would be nice for platooning).

We just made first planes for the Universal App (some early thoughts) and that is something we look for.

By the way, we just send the 1.0.1 Update to Apple. As soon as they approve it, the update will be available.

[Arles]

Sweet, I haven't been following the development progress - but that's very encouraging. I've been very impressed with the game and if the universal app and additional stats are already in the works - big kudos :)

[Fonzie]

Count me amongst those who got whacked with the corrupted save issue.

Excellent game, but I'm pretty damn pissed that five season's worth of simming just disappeared in a cloud of technological incompetence.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Count me amongst those who got whacked with the corrupted save issue.

Excellent game, but I'm pretty damn pissed that five season's worth of simming just disappeared in a cloud of technological incompetence.

As I said, the update is already with Apple. Please keep your corrupted league, it might be possible to repair it after you installed the update (I can not promise it!).

Would you mind to give me a few information about your device (we continue to monitor the situation, so everything will help us):

1. What kind of device (e.g. iPod Touch 3. Gen)
2. What iOS (e.g. 4.2.1)
3. Is your device jailbroken?

Thank you very much for your help.

[Fonzie]

iPhone 3GS
4.3.3
Not jailbroken
---------
How will I know if I've kept my save game? I've tried loading every saved game listed, but none of them are the career I was playing. And when I try to Continue Game, it now loads up the most recent game I tried to load.

Thanks for your help!

[Fonzie]

Another oddity/bug: I just offered an extension to a player, and he responded with "I think we can get this done if you inch upward moneywise and add a year.". So, I went to do just that but when I entered the "offer extension" screen I received a message saying that he wouldn't listen to further offers and was going to test free agency. Something doesn't add up here.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

iPhone 3GS
4.3.3
Not jailbroken
---------
How will I know if I've kept my save game? I've tried loading every saved game listed, but none of them are the career I was playing. And when I try to Continue Game, it now loads up the most recent game I tried to load.

Thanks for your help!

Again, I can not promise anything but after you install the update the corrupted save game might be back in the list of games (right now it is missing because iOOTP was not able to save all necessary game files). And thanks for your device information.

[dubb93]

Maybe someone more familar with this game can help me out. Like I said earlier I haven't played OOTP since 6.5 prior to this version.

I am seeing several guys in the draft with very high potential (scale 1-20, something like 18-16-20) as pitchers that also have very high stamina. For example I see a guy this year that I have a shot of drafting that is the 18-16-20 potential as above with 20 stamina. Guy is also a 16 at fielding but is slated as a MR instead of a SP.

Ideally I would like to take this guy and groom him for my rotation but when I look at him further I see that he only knows two pitches. Looking over my roster and several others it seems that most SP know atleast 3 pitches and a hole bunch of the bullpen guys only know two pitches.

I guess my question is will this guy only knowing two pitches prevent him from ever becoming a good starting pitcher or should I ignore that and focus on his HOF potential elsewhere and grab him up anyway?

If anyone could help me out here I would appreciate it.

[MizzouRah]

In my experience with ootp 11 and two pitch pitchers.. even with high stamina, fare much better as dominant RP/CL. YMMV of course and if they are dominant out of the pen, you could eventually give them a shot as a SP.

[Ksyrup]

I do have a bone to pick - are the contracts supposed to be realistic? Because I'm trying to understand how/why Maglio Ordonez is signed to a 6 year deal at like $14M per. He'll be freakin' 43 years old at the end of that contract! Thanks a lot.

[tarcone]

Where do I go to save a game? I checked the manual but haven't found it. Thanks in advance.

[Ksyrup]

Here's something I'm either missing or needs to be added - in-game, I have no way of seeing more detailed information about players, such as their defensive ability at positions other than primary, or their bunting skills, etc. Outside of the game, when you click on a player, you can swipe the player card and scroll through about 4 or 5 screens of information for each player. In-game, this does not appear to be possible - you get one one primary screen with a minimum of info.

Why is that? If I need to move players to alternate positions other than primary, I need to know what their ratings are in advance. Likewise, late in a game, I'd like to know who my best bunter is, or whether the guy up is competent enough to lay one down. Please change this - we should be able to scroll through a player's entire card in-game just like when looking at them through the team/player management screens.

Unless I'm missing something obvious...?

[fantom1979]

I do have a bone to pick - are the contracts supposed to be realistic? Because I'm trying to understand how/why Maglio Ordonez is signed to a 6 year deal at like $14M per. He'll be freakin' 43 years old at the end of that contract! Thanks a lot.

From browsing the IOOTP board, this appears to be a known issue. Take a look at the next patch.

Suspect contracts - OOTP Developments Forums (http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/iootp-2011-general-discussions/208145-suspect-contracts.html)

[samifan24]

Where do I go to save a game? I checked the manual but haven't found it. Thanks in advance.

You can't do manual saves yet...the ability to do so is included in the first update which Apple has but hasn't released yet

[samifan24]

Although I'm still waiting for the update to try and play the game on my iPhone 3G, one suggestion I'd like to make is for the game to be lenient on outfielders' defensive ratings. For example, Austin Kearns has played LF almost exclusively the last two years and yet he is rated a 1 there in the game. He really hasn't played RF since he was with the Reds/Nationals and, while he is a good RF, he isn't completely lost in LF, as his rating would suggest. Anyway I think any outfielder should get at least a 4 or 5 rating at the corner positions.

The other question/suggestion I have is about player morale. I'll use the Indians as an example again. Nick Weglarz begins the game on the MLB roster. He should be in the minors since he's never played at the MLB level. I send him down, his morale plummets to "very unhappy." Does this really matter at all?

I know these are minor suggestions but I saw Palli was soliciting feedback on the OOTP board and know he checks this board, too, so I thought I'd add some feedback.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Where do I go to save a game? I checked the manual but haven't found it. Thanks in advance.

The game will save automatically whenever you put the game into the background (by tapping the Home Button of your device). On older devices (iPhone 3G and iPod Touch 2G), which do not support multi-task, the game will save on closing.

Important: on old devices is a problem with corrupted databases. Apple thinks it is fun to kill an App even if it still saves data. We made an update to introduce a manual save function along with weekly auto-saves and a backup function for saves (so no more corrupted databases) and sent it to Apple on Monday. We still wait for Review but once they approve it, the update will immediately be available on iTunes!

I will get the rest of the questions later, right now I'm busy with coding the first bigger update. :)

[dubb93]

I have a 4 and I got a corrupted db so I wouldn't say the problem is limited to "older" devices.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

I do have a bone to pick - are the contracts supposed to be realistic? Because I'm trying to understand how/why Maglio Ordonez is signed to a 6 year deal at like $14M per. He'll be freakin' 43 years old at the end of that contract! Thanks a lot.

With the 1.0.1 update we corrected a few contracts in the game. We will continue to update the roster with every update we make. I also made a note for next year to improve the roster making process, which was not perfect this year.

Here's something I'm either missing or needs to be added - in-game, I have no way of seeing more detailed information about players, such as their defensive ability at positions other than primary, or their bunting skills, etc. Outside of the game, when you click on a player, you can swipe the player card and scroll through about 4 or 5 screens of information for each player. In-game, this does not appear to be possible - you get one one primary screen with a minimum of info.

Why is that? If I need to move players to alternate positions other than primary, I need to know what their ratings are in advance. Likewise, late in a game, I'd like to know who my best bunter is, or whether the guy up is competent enough to lay one down. Please change this - we should be able to scroll through a player's entire card in-game just like when looking at them through the team/player management screens.

Unless I'm missing something obvious...?

Right now you can only see the profile page. I will add the ratings pages with the 1.1.0 update.

Although I'm still waiting for the update to try and play the game on my iPhone 3G, one suggestion I'd like to make is for the game to be lenient on outfielders' defensive ratings. For example, Austin Kearns has played LF almost exclusively the last two years and yet he is rated a 1 there in the game. He really hasn't played RF since he was with the Reds/Nationals and, while he is a good RF, he isn't completely lost in LF, as his rating would suggest. Anyway I think any outfielder should get at least a 4 or 5 rating at the corner positions.

The other question/suggestion I have is about player morale. I'll use the Indians as an example again. Nick Weglarz begins the game on the MLB roster. He should be in the minors since he's never played at the MLB level. I send him down, his morale plummets to "very unhappy." Does this really matter at all?

I know these are minor suggestions but I saw Palli was soliciting feedback on the OOTP board and know he checks this board, too, so I thought I'd add some feedback.

See my answere about the roster above. I will write down the errors and forward them, so we can fix as much stuff as possible with every update. And I promise that we will handle roster different with iOOTP 2012.

I have a 4 and I got a corrupted db so I wouldn't say the problem is limited to "older" devices.

I did not say that it is limited to old devices but much more common with them. In 4 month of testing (starting and saving a few hundred times) I never had a corrupted database on my 3. Generation iPod Touch.

With the 1.0.1 update all devices will benefit from the changes we made.

[Ksyrup]

Great, thanks!

[JPhillips]

Although I'm still waiting for the update to try and play the game on my iPhone 3G, one suggestion I'd like to make is for the game to be lenient on outfielders' defensive ratings. For example, Austin Kearns has played LF almost exclusively the last two years and yet he is rated a 1 there in the game. He really hasn't played RF since he was with the Reds/Nationals and, while he is a good RF, he isn't completely lost in LF, as his rating would suggest. Anyway I think any outfielder should get at least a 4 or 5 rating at the corner positions.

The other question/suggestion I have is about player morale. I'll use the Indians as an example again. Nick Weglarz begins the game on the MLB roster. He should be in the minors since he's never played at the MLB level. I send him down, his morale plummets to "very unhappy." Does this really matter at all?

I know these are minor suggestions but I saw Palli was soliciting feedback on the OOTP board and know he checks this board, too, so I thought I'd add some feedback.

Players and positions were a big problem in 2011. Not only were players limited in where they could play, but there was no way to train a player for a new position. I really hope that changes in 2012.

[samifan24]

Players and positions were a big problem in 2011. Not only were players limited in where they could play, but there was no way to train a player for a new position. I really hope that changes in 2012.

Thanks, I never played OOTP 11 so I didn't encounter this before. I hope they can patch some of this in a future update this year, though.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Feature that get added to OOTP 12 (and beyond) are always possible to get added to iOOTP, too.

[cougarfreak]

So, there is going to be an update for this new iootp before there is even a release of ootp12...........clearly priorities have changed.

[Marc Vaughan]

So, there is going to be an update for this new iootp before there is even a release of ootp12...........clearly priorities have changed.

The update is a relatively minor one to fix a few release issues in the main and is being worked on by Sebastian who isn't a member of the OOTP PC/Mac team (so no I don't think priorities have changed - just hopefully that OOTP Development is growing).

[cougarfreak]

The update is a relatively minor one to fix a few release issues in the main and is being worked on by Sebastian who isn't a member of the OOTP PC/Mac team (so no I don't think priorities have changed - just hopefully that OOTP Development is growing).

Sorry, but there is a lot of stuff that says otherwise. OOTP12 has clearly taken a backseat to the ipad version.

[Shkspr]

Sorry, but there is a lot of stuff that says otherwise. OOTP12 has clearly taken a backseat to the ipad version.

And why shouldn't it? I mean, we've only paid six times as much and waited four months since preorders began. The irony is, Markus and company supposedly were giving away an iPad to a lucky person who preordered by February. Irony, in this case, being that the guy who won the iPad is the only one who can play OOTP so far this year. :p

Bah, doesn't matter. Last year just spoiled PC owners because the game came out in April instead of June like it usually does. Still somewhat galling to see the god damned Apple thread bumped every freaking day.

[cougarfreak]

And why shouldn't it? I mean, we've only paid six times as much and waited four months since preorders began. The irony is, Markus and company supposedly were giving away an iPad to a lucky person who preordered by February. Irony, in this case, being that the guy who won the iPad is the only one who can play OOTP so far this year. :p

Bah, doesn't matter. Last year just spoiled PC owners because the game came out in April instead of June like it usually does. Still somewhat galling to see the god damned Apple thread bumped every freaking day.

It sure does feel like some duping is going on.

[Ksyrup]

Anybody have a sense yet about gauging minor league player development? I've just begun a fictional career, and with no minor league stats I'm struggling with determining when to call youngsters up.

I don't get this at all. How are there no minor league stats? How ARE we supposed to judge development? Do the stars change over the course of a season, and that's supposed to tell us something? So basically, we've got to use the majors as the testing ground for whether a 4 star player is really a 4 star player? Isn't there a built-in scouting error, or are players what the ratings say they are?

I assume that without minor league stats, we won't get penalized for leaving a guy in the minors too long, right? Otherwise, we have to use the majors as the minor league proving ground for guys with talent. IRL, maybe a 21-year old 4 star prospect can handle the majors, and maybe he can't. That's what the minor league numbers are supposed to help us with.

[dubb93]

I don't get this at all. How are there no minor league stats? How ARE we supposed to judge development? Do the stars change over the course of a season, and that's supposed to tell us something? So basically, we've got to use the majors as the testing ground for whether a 4 star player is really a 4 star player? Isn't there a built-in scouting error, or are players what the ratings say they are?

I assume that without minor league stats, we won't get penalized for leaving a guy in the minors too long, right? Otherwise, we have to use the majors as the minor league proving ground for guys with talent. IRL, maybe a 21-year old 4 star prospect can handle the majors, and maybe he can't. That's what the minor league numbers are supposed to help us with.

To be fair from what they have said they didn't just decide to not include them. From what they have said the IPhone just doesn't have enough RAM to simulate the minors yet.

But players attributes do change constantly. I just wait for a guy to look like he could be a part of my roster and then give him a shot. If he does well he sticks. If not he gets sent back down. It isn't ideal, but OOTP 11 couldn't have been made in 2000 either.

[Ksyrup]

Huh. That just seems to be such a basic component of baseball that it's hard not to expect it.

Here's something else I noticed - when a pitching change is made during an inning, shouldn't the batting team have an opportunity to pinch-hit? What I'm seeing is strategic moves to bring in a LH or RH reliever, and then the AB immediately goes through with the hitter. Both sides should be given a "reset" of sorts after the pitching change is made.

[Arles]

Here's something else I noticed - when a pitching change is made during an inning, shouldn't the batting team have an opportunity to pinch-hit? What I'm seeing is strategic moves to bring in a LH or RH reliever, and then the AB immediately goes through with the hitter. Both sides should be given a "reset" of sorts after the pitching change is made.
Usually what happens is the manager waits for the hitter to be announced and then comes in to change pitchers. So, if it's a pinch hitting situation, teams sometimes have to go with a bad matchup pinch hitter or risk burning that player without an AB. If a pinch hitter is announced, then another pitcher comes in and that hitter is replaced - he ends up not be available for future pinch hits nor does he get an AB.

[Ksyrup]

I'm not talking about a situation where I've already brought in a PH - I'm talking about a matchup against a guy in my starting lineup. Say my LH-hitting #6 hitter is up next, the computer pulls the RH pitcher for a LH reliever, and the game immediately goes into the AB against the LH hitter without giving me an opportunity to PH for him.

[Ksyrup]

Basically, the pitching change and AB occur in the same sequence without a "reset" of the situation to allow the batting team an opportunity to counter the move.

[SegRat]

Having a hard time putting this game down. Playing a fictional league on my iPhone and the MLB season on my iPad. The Ito too al league I have not played any games, just sim each day look at the box score and move on. The iPad I play each game. I spent probably 5 hours playing on the iPad today. So much fun.

[Arles]

Ksyrup, got it now and that makes sense. You should have a chance to switch hitters if they bring in a reliever.

[SegRat]

First update is out.

[Markus Heinsohn]

Hey guys,

iOOTP version 1.0.1 is out now, finally.

The fixes:
- Improved stability on older devices (iPhone 3G, iPod Touch 2nd gen)
- Added manual save function to action menu in Manager Home, Manager Options, and Game Setup screen
- Tweaked major league roster set data (only with new created games)
- Fixed bug when substituting injured DH
- Fixed bug on trade screen that allowed a player to be inserted twice
- Various small bugfixes

Those of you who wrote a review of the game in the AppStore, please resubmit your review (simply click the "write a review" button, your old text will then appear). And those who gave the game just 1 star because of the sage game problems, please consider changing your mind

All the best,
Markus

[Markus Heinsohn]

Basically, the pitching change and AB occur in the same sequence without a "reset" of the situation to allow the batting team an opportunity to counter the move.

No, that's not true. The pitcher is replaced before you select your offensive strategy, I have just tested & confirmed this. However, since the PbP text pops up after your selection, it makes the impression as if the pitcher was replaced after your selection... maybe we should add a little popup when a new player is inserted in the future. For now, simply keep an eye on the pitcher in the fild view before each AB.

[Ksyrup]

OK, I see that. But yeah, a pop-up would be nice, because trying to remember to look at the pitcher's mound to make sure it's the same guy before I take an action is not exactly at the top of my list. I only see it when it pops up in the PBP.

Great game, though - having a lot of fun with it so far.

[Marc Vaughan]

Those of you who wrote a review of the game in the AppStore, please resubmit your review (simply click the "write a review" button, your old text will then appear). And those who gave the game just 1 star because of the sage game problems, please consider changing your mind

I've re-reviewed ... these things are very important to developers on iTunes so I'd second Markus's appeal, if you're enjoying iOOTP then help ensure its successful ...

(apart from anything else I'd almost guarentee that other sim developers are watching iOOTP with interest to see if its worthwhile their considering moving their sims onto iOS ...)

[samifan24]

I'm having fun with this game now that I can play it on my iPhone 3G. Thanks, Palli!

Three things I think maybe should be tweaked in the next patch:

1. The trading engine - currently I think the game doesn't value prospects enough: the Padres dealt top prospect Anthony Rizzo and Ryan Ludwick for 37 year old Johnny Damon just weeks into the season and the Red Sox dealt Jed Lowrie and a prospect pitcher for career backup catcher David Ross, whom they are now starting. Also, just for kicks, I offered the Royals scrub longman Justin Germano for top pitching prospect Danny Duffy and the computer agreed. Players like Rizzo and Duffy can be had in trades but not for the likes of Johnny Damon or Justin Germano.

2. The frequency of long term injuries - I'm seeing quite a few long term (think 6-8 months) injuries in the first couple of weeks in the season.

3. How quickly the computer managers pull their starters during blowout losses - This one might be tough to tweak since there's a certain human element to letting a starter take his lumps during a blowout in favor of saving your bullpen. That being said, the game shouldn't really pull a starter just 1.1 innings into an outing when he's only given up four runs. I mean it does happen but it kills a team's bullpen. Six or seven runs makes more sense to me in that situation.

I want to reiterate that I'm having a blast with this game. I'm trying to help make the game better and more realistic than it already is.

[Fonzie]

I deliberately held off on rating the game until it was patched, and I'm glad I did. Easily a 5-star game for me, now.

[samifan24]

Well the first couple of weeks were going along smoothly on my iPhone 3G but now the game keeps crashing again during a series against the Orioles. I'm not doing anything different or out of the ordinary and I was able to circumvent one crash by simming the entire game. First the game crashed after I'd just finished playing out the same game twice and then it crashed after I simmed that game and went to play the next game out and it crashed mid-game. Anyone else seeing crashes again on older devices?

[Fonzie]

Since the patch I've had a couple crash-to-desktop episodes that occurred when "auto-playing" through multiple weeks in the offseason. I've not had any crashes during or after games, though. I have a 3GS.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Well the first couple of weeks were going along smoothly on my iPhone 3G but now the game keeps crashing again during a series against the Orioles. I'm not doing anything different or out of the ordinary and I was able to circumvent one crash by simming the entire game. First the game crashed after I'd just finished playing out the same game twice and then it crashed after I simmed that game and went to play the next game out and it crashed mid-game. Anyone else seeing crashes again on older devices?

I'm pretty sure that your device run out of available memory.

The biggest problem with old devices are the 128 MB memory. With the 1.0.1 update we did everything in our hands to improve the situation by adding manual saving, weekly auto-saves (on old devices) and backup of all saves.

I never had crashes on my iPhone 3G. What I do: reboot my device before I start iOOTP. Make sure that enough free disc space is available. I just play iOOTP (not listening to music or other stuff). Always save manually before I close the game.

[samifan24]

I'm pretty sure that your device run out of available memory.

The biggest problem with old devices are the 128 MB memory. With the 1.0.1 update we did everything in our hands to improve the situation by adding manual saving, weekly auto-saves (on old devices) and backup of all saves.

Thanks, I appreciate the response and will reboot my phone before playing OOTP. It wasn't playable at all before the 1.0.1 update so I appreciate your efforts since I can now play the game with only an occasional hiccup.

[dubb93]

There is a bug with setting lineups. I get a funky lineup set for me and I always change it. So after I set vs. RHP I do RHP DH then LHP then LHP DH then everytime I go back to RHP there is someone missing and the order is messed up. Ditto for RHP DH. I then set those two again and they finally stay set.

[Fonzie]

There is a bug with setting lineups. I get a funky lineup set for me and I always change it. So after I set vs. RHP I do RHP DH then LHP then LHP DH then everytime I go back to RHP there is someone missing and the order is messed up. Ditto for RHP DH. I then set those two again and they finally stay set.

I've had that happen as well.

[SegRat]

Another update coming because MLB whined about the use of team nicknames! Fuck you MLB!

[Mota]

Congrats OOTP on being big enough to be noticed by MLB!!!

Hopefully the patch also includes a team nickname editor.

[SegRat]

Yes they said team editor will be included.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Yes, you will be able to edit the Team City, Team Nickname and the Team Abbreviation.

[Arles]

There is a bug with setting lineups. I get a funky lineup set for me and I always change it. So after I set vs. RHP I do RHP DH then LHP then LHP DH then everytime I go back to RHP there is someone missing and the order is messed up. Ditto for RHP DH. I then set those two again and they finally stay set.
Did you make sure the depth chart is set right? I've had issues where I set the lineup but a backup depth chart spot was blank and it messed with me.

[dubb93]

Did you make sure the depth chart is set right? I've had issues where I set the lineup but a backup depth chart spot was blank and it messed with me.

I can check to make sure later but this isn't an isolated event on my end. It happens every single time I set my lineup. If it isn't happening to everyone else and isn't a bug I don't know what else to make of it since I reproduce it every time I get an injury or call someone up/send someone down and reset my chart and lineups.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

I can check to make sure later but this isn't an isolated event on my end. It happens every single time I set my lineup. If it isn't happening to everyone else and isn't a bug I don't know what else to make of it since I reproduce it every time I get an injury or call someone up/send someone down and reset my chart and lineups.

I work on version 1.1.0 and will investigate tomorrow morning (it's late here in Germany :) ). I will report back.

[SegRat]

Hopefully you can add in some way of figuring out what prospects from your minor league team are ready to come up. It is very hard for me to figure which guys are ready and which are not.

[Ksyrup]

Hopefully you can add in some way of figuring out what prospects from your minor league team are ready to come up. It is very hard for me to figure which guys are ready and which are not.

Yes, this is one whopper of a hole in the game. Aside from just pure guessing or waiting for a guy's current ratings/stars to advance to some level you feel comfortable with, there is literally no way to figure out who should come up. And then you've got guys who are angry with their role in the minors - I've got a 19 year old who's angry, what am I supposed to do with him? Does that mean he's ready to come up, or that he expects to come up and I've just got to leave him there for his own good?

I'm really enjoying the game, but the lack of minor league stats or even some sort of suggestion from a "scout" as to whether the player is ready for a call-up makes that part of the game a head scratcher.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

The 1.2.0 update will most likely be centered around different history/report additions.

[Ksyrup]

Not sure if this has been reported or mentioned, but I noticed today after looking through some box scores that the Left On Base stats are royally screwed up. Nearly every game, both teams are shown as having 18+ runners LOB, and a lot of times it's over 20. Not sure what is counted as LOB, but it appears to be picking up the guy on deck, the guy in the hole, and the bat boy. Most times, the LOB number is higher than the combined number of hits, walks, HBP, errors, etc., not even counting the runners who score (let alone those erased on DPs, etc.).

[Scoobz0202]

Small sample size alert:

Anybody having trouble getting stolen bases in their played out games?

[Fonzie]

1.02 is out, just FYI.

[k0ruptr]

Small sample size alert:

Anybody having trouble getting stolen bases in their played out games?

I'm 20 games in (all played) and I have Juan Pierre leading the league with 10 sbs. caught twice. so seems decent to me. others on my team are pretty accurate as well.

[samifan24]

I'm 20 games in (all played) and I have Juan Pierre leading the league with 10 sbs. caught twice. so seems decent to me. others on my team are pretty accurate as well.

What are Pierre's relevant speed/stealing ratings? Who would you say is the best rated catcher that you've stolen a base off of? I have Michael Brantley, a 9-10, and I've never been successful with him, not even against Brayan Pena, a 4.

[Scoobz0202]

Yea, that was my question. I am well aware of the small sample size, just curious.

I am the Reds. Drew Stubs is 20-19 or so. Maybe 20-17or18. He's 2 for 5 or 6. Outside of that I have one guy with one stolen base. I've had maybe four other guys go a combined 0-6 or 7.

Only been four series though.

[samifan24]

Anyone else seeing a ton of walks issued by their entire pitching staff?

[SegRat]

Anyone else seeing a ton of walks issued by their entire pitching staff?

More than I would expect.

[TurnerONU22]

Anyone else seeing a ton of walks issued by their entire pitching staff?

Same here. Just restarted a season with the Reds and my staff walked 9 and the Brewers walked 7 in one game.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

There is a bug with setting lineups. I get a funky lineup set for me and I always change it. So after I set vs. RHP I do RHP DH then LHP then LHP DH then everytime I go back to RHP there is someone missing and the order is messed up. Ditto for RHP DH. I then set those two again and they finally stay set.

Could you give me a few more details as I'm not able to reproduce it. Do you change the lineups manually or let the CPU set them?

[dubb93]

Could you give me a few more details as I'm not able to reproduce it. Do you change the lineups manually or let the CPU set them?

I still get the error. What I do is I have the CPU set the depth charts. Then I normally make a change or two somewhere. Like on my current team I swap third baseman against RHP and my RF against RHP and RH DH. Then I fill in the backup holes.

Then I go line ups and have the CPU set them up. Then I manually change the order as was said in the last post.

The beauty of technology is if you still can't reproduce it let me know an email addy and I can record the bug with my girlfriends iPhone and email it to you.

[digamma]

Is there a screen where I can track my FA offers? I can't seem to find it if so.

[Jon]

I'm getting a lot of long term injuries......

[Fonzie]

I still get the error. What I do is I have the CPU set the depth charts. Then I normally make a change or two somewhere. Like on my current team I swap third baseman against RHP and my RF against RHP and RH DH. Then I fill in the backup holes.

Then I go line ups and have the CPU set them up. Then I manually change the order as was said in the last post.

The beauty of technology is if you still can't reproduce it let me know an email addy and I can record the bug with my girlfriends iPhone and email it to you.

I do exactly the same thing, and have exactly the same problem. I've now gone through a cycle of about four consecutive attempts to get my lineup set, and each time I leave the lineup screen I go right back and find empty slots. Maddening.

[k0ruptr]

What are Pierre's relevant speed/stealing ratings? Who would you say is the best rated catcher that you've stolen a base off of? I have Michael Brantley, a 9-10, and I've never been successful with him, not even against Brayan Pena, a 4.

Pierre is a 10/10 (I only use 1-10 ratings) and highest rated catcher that I know for sure I've stolen off of is an 8, could of been higher other ones, but not noticed it. I definitely don't steal every opportunity, I try to pick my spots. I also have Gordan Beckham , Alexei Ramirez and Alex Rios. This is just a guesstimate but they are about 10/15 combined stealing bases, and I think Rios is a 7/7 and beckham and Ramirez are 6/7 6/6 or something like that. I haven't noticed any problems. I do try to steal more off guys rated 6 or lower on catcher arm, if a guy is 7 or higher I probably don't attempt it to often. It depends though.

[k0ruptr]

Anyone else seeing a ton of walks issued by their entire pitching staff?

walks, yes too many it seems. not a ton, but more then there should be I think.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

I'm getting a lot of long term injuries......

We get that a lot but to be honest: we even used an average and not MLB setting (which would have even more injuries). :)

[Jon]

Other things I've seen:
I also seem to be getting messages for the Boston team, even though I'm not playing as Boston.

Trade offers expire the same day before I even get a chance to look at them?

[SegRat]

There's a error in the 2011 major league roster set in version 1.0.2... Boston is set as being controlled by a human :(

As a workaround, please do the following:
1. Go to -> Main Menu -> Manager -> Manager Options
2. Open the Action Menu and select "Manage Different Team"
3. Select -> Boston
4. Now do the same again, but please select your former team.
5. Boston is now back controlled by the AI.

We will submit 1.0.3 to Apple today which will fix this bug.

Fix

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Thank you for mentioning the workaround! I'm in full swing with the first feature update, that I'm not always around. :)

Here is the list of the additions with 1.1.0:

- in-app purchase of more historical seasons
- Trade Block (CPU and you are able to put player on)
- "Untouchable Status" for player (if you want no more trade proposal for certain player)
- Ini-Draft for all game modes, not only fictional leagues (so take the 2011 roster and draft your own team)
- Player Batting/Pitching/Defense Rating Pages added to In-Game (additionally to the Profile page)
- bug fixes

I played around with another feature today (not really an OOTP or baseball feature but still fun), maybe I will sneak it into the update. :D

For the Depth Charts and Lineup bug. I tried it today and I don't get it not working. Here is what I do:

Team -> Depth Charts -> Action -> Ask Computer for all depth charts

-> change something (like utility player to starter)

Team -> Lineup -> Action -> Ask Computer for all lineups

-> change spots

All lineups + depth charts look good.

Maybe someone can post a step by step guide for me to reproduce it. I really want to fix this with the 1.1.0 update. Thanks!

[Ksyrup]

- Player Batting/Pitching/Defense Rating Pages added to In-Game (additionally to the Profile page)


This is excellent, thanks!

[Fonzie]

For the Depth Charts and Lineup bug. I tried it today and I don't get it not working. Here is what I do:

Team -> Depth Charts -> Action -> Ask Computer for all depth charts

-> change something (like utility player to starter)

Team -> Lineup -> Action -> Ask Computer for all lineups

-> change spots

All lineups + depth charts look good.

Maybe someone can post a step by step guide for me to reproduce it. I really want to fix this with the 1.1.0 update. Thanks!

I don't know that this is precisely the cause of the problem, but it seemed to me that these lineup issues would come about after I made multiple changes to the lineup screen. So, I'd have the computer set the lineups, make several changes to both the LHP and RHP screens, and then leave. When I'd go back I'd see vacancies in the lineups. Doing changes one at a time seems to minimize (perhaps even eliminate?) the problem.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

I will try to find the reason and fix it with the 1.1.0 update.

Btw., Apple made the 1.0.3 update available today. Here is the fix list:

- Fixed a bug where Boston was always selected as human manager.
- Player Bios now shows the correct status during games
- Repeating PbP lines removed

The patch is save game compatible.

[tarcone]

The walks in the game are insane. Too many. I cant tell you how many times Ive seen a pitcher walk the bases loaded. it has taken a little off the game. Plus the MRs are just that MR. Not enough decent ones. Im playing a 6 division fictional league. And I bet 85% of the MRs are rated 20 (20-80 scale).

Please fix the walk issue.

On the other hand. I love this game. I grew up playing Statis Pro. I went back to it last Summer and couldnt get the fix I wanted anymore. This has filled in. And it has been a blast playing it. I cant put it down.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Just a short heads up: we released a poll to vote for the first 3 bundles of historical seasons to be added to iOOTP as In-App purchase. You have a total of three votes, so you can split them between different sets or just vote three times for one bundle.

We tried to make the bundles interesting and put something in for everyone.

Please take a look here: Historical Season Bundle Poll (http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/iootp-2011-general-discussions/209597-vote-initial-historical-seasons-1-1-0-a.html)

[tarcone]

Nevermind on the walks. It seems to be correcting itself. The walks seem to be lowering.

[SegRat]

Haven't got the chance to mess around with it yet, but a new update is out.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Thanks for mentioned it (as it came out during the night here in Germany).

To make it official:

Update version 1.1.0 is now available!

The following new features were added:

- Game Center support (Single Season Leaderboard and Alltime-Score Leaderboard)
- in-app purchase of more historical seasons (30 new historical seasons, more to come with the next update a little later)
- Trade Block
- "Untouchable Status" for player (if you want no more trade proposal for certain player)
- Ini-Draft for all game modes, not only fictional leagues (so take the 2011 roster and draft your own team)
- Player Batting/Pitching/Defense Rating Pages added to In-Game (additionally to the Profile page)
- bug fixes

After updating, please reboot your device before running the game again, that will ensure that the latest version runs properly and check out the version number on the Credits screen (just to make sure).

Please resubmit your review / rating on the AppStore as well, that helps us a lot!

Thank you!
Sebastian

[Ksyrup]

Thank you for this update! Been waiting to be able to access other player pages in-game.

[samifan24]

Am I missing them or does this game not have automatic expiring contracts reminders? I had a ton of players go to arbitration after my first season because I forgot to offer them contracts. A reminder email on which contracts were expiring, a la FM, would be nice. I apologize if it's in the game and I'm just missing it.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Am I missing them or does this game not have automatic expiring contracts reminders? I had a ton of players go to arbitration after my first season because I forgot to offer them contracts. A reminder email on which contracts were expiring, a la FM, would be nice. I apologize if it's in the game and I'm just missing it.

I think the easiest way to check this is by going to Manage Team -> Active Roster and then change the view (tapping the View Button in the bottom bar) to "Financial Info". Make sure to do the same for your Minor League Roster.

Hope that helps.

[Ksyrup]

Here's a suggestion - I'd really like to get an email everytime the following happens:

- a player's ratings change (positive or negative)

- a player is ready to come off the DL. This happens rarely, but I can't figure out what triggers it. I had 5 guys come off the DL, and only 1 did I get an email about.

- a day-to-day injury is fully healed

- cold/hot streaks begin/end


The games can be played so fast that sometimes I'll play 5-10 or more without doing much other than advance a day, rarely remembering to check the DL or looking at the active roster in a specific view to see hot/cold or positional ratings change, and then 2, 3, 4 weeks (in game time) later I'll realize Maglio Ordonez dropped to a 6 in RF from a 9. Stuff like that would be great to get notification of, since we might not see it if we don't access certain screens after every game. Or even if I see a rating change (like on the in-game screen), it might not register that it's a different rating than I remember. I had the same issue with Victor Martinez's C rating increasing from 10 to 13. When did that happen???

[Ksyrup]

Nevermind on the walks. It seems to be correcting itself. The walks seem to be lowering.

I'm not seeing it. I have 3-4 relievers with more walks than strikeouts, and in 145 games, I've only used a tired reliever (anything other than fully rested) twice. I haven't looked at AI teams, but in games I play, the AI relievers come in and routinely walk 2-3 guys at the drop of a hat.

Something else I noticed - after a long rain delay, it appears the intent is to tire out the pitchers in the game. For the team in the field immediately after the rain delay ends, though, the pitcher's tired status doesn't register until after the first batter. So the AI will leave the pitcher in for one at bat, then replace him when he registers as tired. That should be fixed.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

I'm not seeing it. I have 3-4 relievers with more walks than strikeouts, and in 145 games, I've only used a tired reliever (anything other than fully rested) twice. I haven't looked at AI teams, but in games I play, the AI relievers come in and routinely walk 2-3 guys at the drop of a hat.

Wow, thanks for that information. I found the reason for this phenomenon in a hurry (it will only happen in played out games), fixed it, called back the update from Apple I sent in yesterday and will submit the update (with the fix) in about an hour. So hopefully, next week the problem should be solved!

Thanks again for bringing it up!

[terpkristin]

Stupid question. Can I grab this over 3G or do I need to be on WiFi if I'm trying to get it from the App Store on my iPhone?

/tk

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Stupid question. Can I grab this over 3G or do I need to be on WiFi if I'm trying to get it from the App Store on my iPhone?

/tk

I think there is a 20MB (?) limit for Apps over 3G. So I'm pretty sure you need to use WiFi.

[Ksyrup]

Wow, thanks for that information. I found the reason for this phenomenon in a hurry (it will only happen in played out games), fixed it, called back the update from Apple I sent in yesterday and will submit the update (with the fix) in about an hour. So hopefully, next week the problem should be solved!

Thanks again for bringing it up!

Cool!

Did you see my post about the email notifications on certain events? That would be a nice edition on a later update.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Cool!

Did you see my post about the email notifications on certain events? That would be a nice edition on a later update.

Yeah, I added it to my (long) list of possible additions, thanks!

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Hey guys,

update version 1.1.1 is now available!

The following new bundles/seasons were added:

Bundle IV: Bridesmaid, Never a Bride + Baseball Interrupted
- 1904 Giants manager John McGraw refuses to play AL winner in WS
- 1944 St. Louis Browns' only WS appearance, which they lost
- 1945 Last time Cubs appeared in WS
- 1972 Strike year
- 1981 Strike year
- 1982 Brewers lose WS in only appearance
- 1989 Earthquake interrupts WS
- 1994 Strike year
- 2005 Astros lose WS in only appearance
- 2008 Rays lose WS in only appearance

Bundle V: Great Collapses
- 1908 Giants collapse
- 1938 Pirates collapse
- 1951 Dodgers blow division lead
- 1964 Phillies blow division lead
- 1978 Red Sox blow division lead
- 1985 Cardinals blow 3-1 lead in WS to Royals
- 1987 Blue Jays blow division lead
- 1995 Angels blow division lead
- 2003 Cubs blow 3-1 lead in NLCS to Marlins
- 2007 Mets blow division lead

Bundle VI: World Championship First's
- 1905 Giants' first WS win
- 1906 White Sox' first WS win
- 1909 Pirates' first WS win
- 1935 Tigers' first WS win
- 1957 Braves' first WS win in Milwaukee
- 1966 Orioles win first WS since moving from St. Louis
- 1980 Phillies' first WS win
- 1997 Marlins are first wild card team to win WS
- 2002 Angels' first WS win
- 2010 Giants' first WS win in San Francisco

Additionally, we fixed a bug that caused relieve pitcher to give up an unusual high number of Walks to the first couple of batters they faced (only while playing out games).

The update is save game compatible!

After updating, please reboot your device before running the game again, that will ensure that the latest version runs properly and check out the version number on the Credits screen (just to make sure).

Please resubmit your review / rating on the AppStore as well, that helps us a lot!

[tarcone]

Hooray!!!

The walk thing was popping up. It wasnt as bad as it was early in the season. But it did show up occasionally.

By the way, My CF in my fictional league hit 4 home runs in one game. It was awesome. He went 4 for 4 with 8 rbis and 5 runs scored. His other at bat he walked.

LOVE the trade block. Good addition.

[rowech]

Hooray!!!

The walk thing was popping up. It wasnt as bad as it was early in the season. But it did show up occasionally.

By the way, My CF in my fictional league hit 4 home runs in one game. It was awesome. He went 4 for 4 with 8 rbis and 5 runs scored. His other at bat he walked.

LOVE the trade block. Good addition.

Anyone playing this on a 2nd gen touch? Working after simming some seasons or does it bog down too much?

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Hey guys,

update version 1.1.2 is now available (the final historical season update)!

The following new bundles/seasons were added:

Bundle VII: Dynasties I
- 1903 Red Sox, then known as the Americans, win first WS
- 1907 first of Cubs' 2 WS wins in a row
- 1910 first of A's 2 WS wins in a row
- 1915 Red Sox win WS
- 1916 Red Sox win WS
- 1918 Red Sox win WS
- 1921 Giants win WS
- 1922 Giants win WS
- 1929 A's win WS
- 1930 A's win WS

Bundle VIII: Greatest Hits New York (A) & St. Louis
- 1932 Yankees' Greatest Hits
- 1953 Yankees' Greatest Hits
- 1962 Yankees' Greatest Hits
- 1977 Yankees' Greatest Hits
- 1996 Yankees' Greatest Hits
- 1926 Cardinals win WS
- 1931 Cardinals win WS
- 1942 Cardinals win WS
- 1967 Cardinals win WS
- 2006 Cardinals win WS

Bundle IX: Dynasties II
- 1936 Yankees win WS
- 1937 Yankees win WS
- 1949 Yankees win WS
- 1950 Yankees win WS
- 1952 Yankees win WS
- 1955 Dodgers win first WS
- 1973 2nd of A's 3 WS wins in a row
- 1975 Big Red Machine
- 1992 Blue Jays win WS
- 1993 Blue Jays win WS

Bundle X: Greatest Hits Giants & Dodgers
- 1920 Dodgers lose WS
- 1956 Dodgers lose WS
- 1959 Dodgers win WS
- 1963 Dodgers win WS
- 1988 Dodgers win WS
- 1912 Giants lose WS
- 1913 Giants lose WS
- 1917 Giants lose WS
- 1924 Giants lose WS
- 1933 Giants win WS

Additionally, the years 1901, 1902, 1919, 1934, 1939, 1946 and 2009 are available as single season purchase.

After updating, please reboot your device before running the game again, that will ensure that the latest version runs properly and check out the version number on the Credits screen (just to make sure).

Please resubmit your review / rating on the AppStore as well, that helps us a lot!

Thank you!
Sebastian

[Ksyrup]

Is there any way to transfer a game to another ipod? I just got a new touch and am giving my old one to my wife, and I'd like to keep my existing career but I am not sure how (or if) I can move the career from one device to another. Is that possible?

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Yes, I can help you out. Please drop me an email to [email protected] and I will send you instructions.

[Marc Vaughan]

Is there any way to transfer a game to another ipod? I just got a new touch and am giving my old one to my wife, and I'd like to keep my existing career but I am not sure how (or if) I can move the career from one device to another. Is that possible?

The simplest way to transfer save games is by backing up your device and restoring it - presuming iOOTP uses standard storage locations for its saves you should find they come over to the new device with the backup.

(obviously test this first before cleaning the old device - but it works fine with FMHi)

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Just an update on the final big iOOTP 2011 update 1.2.0 (a.k.a. the HD version).

It was submitted to Apple earlier this week (on Monday) and is scheduled for a 10/6/2011 release (if approved in time by Apple). It will turn iOOTP 2011 into an Universal App, so it will run natively on any iPad with all graphics exchanged and added informations on most screens.

To give you an idea, here is the HD version of the Home Screen:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/ipad/ipad_home.PNG

And the best part: it is a free update for everyone who purchased iOOTP 2011. Additionally, the price will stay the same for the game, we don't charge more for the HD version.

[Ksyrup]

Is that the only thing this update does, or are there any tweaks to gameplay?

[samifan24]

palli,

I've noticed a few bugs while playing the game. Should I post them here or email them to you?

[Sebastian Palkowski]

The update was always about Universal App. I added the Holding Rating to all Pitching Rating screens (by popular demand), we fixed a bug with wrong cash numbers and changing orientation of the device is available on the iPod/iPhone too.

@ samifan24: if you have the time to list the bugs and send them to [email protected] that would really help. Thanks!

[Sebastian Palkowski]

The regular season may be finished, but there’s no postseason here at Out of the Park Developments. We’re always working on something new, and today we want to introduce you to iOOTP Baseball 2011 HD, a free update that iPad owners will love. If you’re playing the game on an iPhone or an iPod touch, don’t worry: nothing will change, including the price. It’s scheduled for release on October 6, 2011.

If you’re new to iOOTP Baseball 2011, please take a look at the original Road to Release article series (Road to Release (http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/search.php?searchid=1017202)). If you just want a basic overview: it’s based closely on the award winning PC/Mac game OOTP, which is the most detailed and realistic baseball simulation available. You take over the job as GM/Coach of a baseball club and make all the important Front Office decisions like: trading players, signing free agents, and drafting prospects; setting your lineups and rotation/bullpen; and guiding your team through a number of seasons while striving every year for the ultimate goal: the World Title.

So what is iOOTP Baseball 2011 HD? It will turn the game into an Universal App, which means it runs natively in HD mode on the iPad, letting it take full advantage of the extra real estate (as you’ll see in the screenshots). You can still run it on all devices, including the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.
But before we get into that, let us show you two new features we added after the initial release: Game Center Support and In-App Purchase of historical seasons.

If you have a Game Center account, your season scores will be uploaded so you can compare your success with all other iOOTP players. Right now we have a Single Season and All-Time Scoreboard, and the 1.2.0 update will add both as additional iPad Scoreboards.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0018.PNG

In-App Purchase of additional historical seasons is another new feature that was added to the game after its initial release. You can buy any season from 1901 through 2010 for $0.99 each – or a bundle of 10 seasons for $4.99 – and play out history as often as you want.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0019.PNG

The season bundles are grouped in various fun ways, so you can relive history along trends, like all the key record-breaking performances, or the seasons that featured the most significant collapses. (We think we know which bundle the 2011 season could be added to.)

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0020.PNG

Now on the iOOTP Baseball 2011 HD update for iPad.

As I said earlier, you play as the GM/Coach of a baseball club, but before you start you have to make an important decision: do you want to start a 2011 major league season, choose from three different fictional setups, or replay history?

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0021.PNG

The fictional league option generates a random league with fictional teams and players, so you get always a fresh challenge. Historical Replays give you the opportunity to play with all the great players and teams from the past. For this article I will go with a 2011 setup and choose my beloved Red Sox. (I know, this is not the best time for any Red Sox fan).

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0023.PNG

The screen above is your manager home screen and the central point of your job. The first thing you will notice about the iPad version: everything is much bigger and easier to navigate, with additional information added. The biggest challenge with iOOTP was bringing all the detail necessary for a baseball simulation to the small iPhone screen. For the most part I think we did a great job but on the iPad, with the bigger screen, it becomes much easier to a) have all the details included and b) have it look just gorgeous.

As a GM/Coach, you are in charge of your team.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0024.PNG

All your available players are at your fingertips ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0025.PNG

... so you can check out their morale ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0027.PNG

... deal with injuries and contract negotiations ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0028.PNG

... review ratings for offense, pitching and defense ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0029.PNG

... and peruse deep career stats so you always know what they did after a long career.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0030.PNG

It is your job to take these players and form a team to compete for the title. So you have to build your lineups (against RHP, RHP+DH, LHP and LHP+DH) ...

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0031.PNG

... and construct your Starting Rotation and Bullpen.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0039.PNG

After you set up your team, it’s time to play some ball. In iOOTP Baseball 2011, you have the choice between three ways to advance the game: you can simulate day by day, simulate a whole week at once, or -- maybe the most fun way -- play games out. (You can use a combination of those three methods as you wish!)

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0032.PNG

While playing out a game, you make all the decisions as a Coach: you dictate strategies to your batters, pitchers and base-runners, bring in pinch hitter or runners, make defensive replacements and adjustments (infield in vs. normal depth, for example), and manage your bullpen.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0033.PNG

To help you with your decisions, you have a number of screens available: the Field View (see above), a Batter/Pitcher View,

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0035.PNG

a Team Info View

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0036.PNG

and a Scoreboard / Lineup View

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0038.PNG

The results of your decisions will be shown as Play by Play text:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr7/IMG_0037.PNG

The Play by Play text is based on a very big database, so it never gets boring reading the plays evolving in front of you.

That's it for the first part. The second part will give you more information about the news system, trading, and contract negotiations, and you’ll see more screens like Schedules, Standings and Stats. As I mentioned in the beginning, please take a look at the initial Road to Release articles (Road to Release (http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/search.php?searchid=1017202)) for a more in-depth walkthrough of playing the game.

[SegRat]

Let every team use there own stadium pics,Please! I will keep asking until I can do this. ;)

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Let every team use there own stadium pics,Please! I will keep asking until I can do this. ;)

It was discussed during our Summer Meeting and is on the list for 2012. I will not promise it but it has a pretty good chance. :)

[Marc Vaughan]

Just wanted to say those screens look lovely ... :D

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Just wanted to say those screens look lovely ... :D

Thanks Marc! I made sure to add new information where it made sense but not to cluster the screens on the bigger screen. I thing we found the right balance as navigating iOOTP on the iPad is really easy.

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Welcome back to the second part of this Road to Release series, preparing you for the upcoming release of the 1.2.0 HD update for iOOTP Baseball 2011. It will be available in the App Store on Thursday, October 6.

Today I will give you a quick rundown off all the duties you have as GM of a baseball team. But first, I want to show you a few more screens that benefit from the iPad’s larger screen size.

I simulated ahead a few weeks to give you a look at the expanded standings screen:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr8/IMG_0040.PNG

To make it easier for the user to read news (and Manager PMs) we combined the headlines and main text into one screen:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr8/IMG_0041.PNG

If you’re new to the game, you should know that iOOTP Baseball 2011 generates a living world around you, and news is a big part of that As you can see in the screenshot above, you receive news about awards, injuries, and trades but also notices like bar fights and other personal stuff.

Another screen that is much easier to use on the iPad is the Trade Screen:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr8/IMG_0042.PNG

As a GM it is your job to improve the team by trades. You will get trade offers from other teams, you can make offers to other teams, and sometimes your own player will demand a trade from you! Be prepared to work hard to make good deals.

Another way to improve your team is the yearly Amateur Draft:

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr8/IMG_0043.PNG

On the iPad it is a blast to run the Draft. (The Inaugural Draft is great too. For example, start with all 2011 teams and players but draft your own dream team.) You can see so many more players in the list, making it really easy to select one.

All player tables also now have a special iPad version with added rows to give you more information. The bigger screen size makes it much easier to work with the tables, making iOOTP and the iPad a perfect fit.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr8/IMG_0044.PNG

Negotiating player contracts -- both to extend contracts with your own players and signing Free Agents during the season and, more importantly, during the Offseason -- is an important duty too.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr8/IMG_0045.PNG

Do you have it what it takes to lowball a player, risking that he walks away from the table and signs somewhere else? Or do you play it safe and meet the demands of the player, only to have another player ask for more later? Again, the way you approach it is up to you but be careful: the success of your franchise lies on your shoulders.

The final goal will always be the World Championship. Did I win it? I made it to the Playoffs but lost to the Twins in the League Championship round.

http://misc.ootpdevelopments.com/iootp/rtr8/IMG_0046.PNG

That's the problem in Boston: it is all about winning, so I only get an average season score. Can you beat me? Tomorrow, you can try on your own and challenge me on the Game Center HD Leaderboard (and of course the old Leaderboards).

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Just a heads up: the 1.2.0 update is now available as a free update for everyone who bought iOOTP Baseball 2011. It will convert the game to an Universal App, so it works in a native HD resolution on any iPad.

For everyone else who might be interested in the game: iOOTP Baseball 2011 still costs $4.99, so no special HD price (and you can play it on any iOS device you own).

Have fun!

[MizzouRah]

One word, ANDROID

[Marc Vaughan]

One word, ANDROID

I know its something thats being considered for the future - but its a complicated task to approach (trust me I've looked at it in the past myself) ... as such please be patient with them and obviously if you have an iPad enjoy the new HD skin :D

[tyketime]

Any chance there's a setting so you can set the financials to a fixed true hard salary cap? I just don't follow the details close enough for all of the rules, exceptions, etc. I would love to be able to set a hard cap - no exceptions, no overcap penalties, etc...

[MikeVic]

Just bought this a couple days ago... what does 1 (auto.) and 1 (arbt.) mean for years left on a contract? They're automatically renewed for one year for auto and they go into arbitration for arbt?

I haven't read through this thread really, so if the answer is in here, sorry.

[MizzouRah]

I know its something thats being considered for the future - but its a complicated task to approach (trust me I've looked at it in the past myself) ... as such please be patient with them and obviously if you have an iPad enjoy the new HD skin :D

Honestly, I probably wouldn't get OOTP on my Galaxy tab, but FM? ..... :D

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Just bought this a couple days ago... what does 1 (auto.) and 1 (arbt.) mean for years left on a contract? They're automatically renewed for one year for auto and they go into arbitration for arbt?

I haven't read through this thread really, so if the answer is in here, sorry.

You are right, it means the contract gets renewed automatically after the season as Minimum Contract ("auto") or Arbitration contract ("arbt"). For more infos on the contract status go to the "Contract / Status" page of any player (open a player -> View -> Contract / Status, or sweep through the pages).

[MikeVic]

You are right, it means the contract gets renewed automatically after the season as Minimum Contract ("auto") or Arbitration contract ("arbt"). For more infos on the contract status go to the "Contract / Status" page of any player (open a player -> View -> Contract / Status, or sweep through the pages).

Thanks! One question about arbitration then... How long are players signed to these automatic arbitration contracts?

[Sebastian Palkowski]

Players with at least 3 but less than 6 years of service get Arbitration contracts. If you don't want such a player anymore, just release him after a season. Otherwise he gets a new 1-year contract.

[samifan24]

The new universal update is very nice but I wish there were an option to make the font larger on the iPad. The boxscores and on field view are really tiny now!