Someone pulled up some video from MLB 16 to prove that batters run slower on grounders that are sure outs and that mixed with the fielders taking their time in similar situations makes for a more realistic experience. So that is great and I am happy that is being implemented!
There is still an issue with plays being too close on doubles that go all the way to the wall.
It seems like the new fielding AI applies to IF but not to OF (hope I am wrong).
Take a look at a Retro Mode video recent posted by IGN (link below), where Pollock hits a ball in the corner down the line. This type of hit is GREAT to see as it would NEVER have happened in MLB 16, however when the LF retrieves the ball he fires it into 2B and Pollock has to slide into 2B.
Now, part of the AI fielding change as per Ramone was to make the game look more realistic, because a runner is not going to kill himself getting to 1B on a routine grounder and a fielder is not going to fire it across the diamond 100% of the time if there is a slow runner coming out of the box.
In real life, OF and runners take same approach on balls in the gap or in the corner.
Two things from the video that contradict above.
1. Pollock's speed is 75. He is not slow and he should have easily made it to 2B and it should not have been that close, period.
2. However, the LF should have also not thrown all the way to 2B. In real life he would have fired it into the SS (relay man) who would have looked back to 2B as Pollock was pulling in. This would have been more realistic, made the play not close at all, and prevented Pollock from sliding on a clear double.
Tremendous strides have been made to address people's complaints that the fields play too small. As we know now it was not that the fields play too small but rather the fielders took perfect routes too balls, always threw the ball hard, and the ball physics caused the balls to hang too long in the air.
All of these were addressed and it seems like the fields are not playing as small as they used to. But this is one example of something that still conjures those same feelings.
I am hoping this is just because this is not final build, but this is something that has been a problem in the series in general and I was hoping the new fielding AI would remedy this, but it does not seem to be the case.
Link below, 1:40 mark:
http://www.operationsports.com/forum...-gameplay.html
Comment