Tips for Picking Off

[Aviator87AC]

What techniques are people using to pick off CPU runners? I count four (maybe five) different pick off attempts. We'll use first base as our example, so the button will always be "O"

1. Throw over (L2+O)
2. Throw over with delay (L2, pause and wait for camera to change, O)
3. Throw over with vibration (L2+O, press and hold)
4. Step off move (L1), isn't really a pick off but you can still throw over
5. Catcher throw over (after pitch is thrown, quickly press O)

Can someone explain to me if there is any difference between 1, 2 and 3? I rarely to never pick off anyone, even when using pitchers with "Pick Off Artist".

Additionally, I found this from a 2011 post on MTS' Facebook Page. There appears to be a double-tap pickoff which is not mentioned in the controls menu at all:
How To Tip: Using the different pick off methods in the game. How you press the base icon determines which pickoff you use. Tapping the base icon will throw a casual pick off. Holding down the base icon will attempt a deceptive move. Double tap the base icon to attempt a quick pick off. In addition when performing these moves the base icon is camera view specific.

[tanman05851]

Re: Tips for Picking Off

What techniques are people using to pick off CPU runners? I count four (maybe five) different pick off attempts. We'll use first base as our example, so the button will always be "O"

1. Throw over (L2+O)
2. Throw over with delay (L2, pause and wait for camera to change, O)
3. Throw over with vibration (L2+O, press and hold)
4. Step off move (L1), isn't really a pick off but you can still throw over
5. Catcher throw over (after pitch is thrown, quickly press O)

Can someone explain to me if there is any difference between 1, 2 and 3? I rarely to never pick off anyone, even when using pitchers with "Pick Off Artist".

Additionally, I found this from a 2011 post on MTS' Facebook Page. There appears to be a double-tap pickoff which is not mentioned in the controls menu at all:
How To Tip: Using the different pick off methods in the game. How you press the base icon determines which pickoff you use. Tapping the base icon will throw a casual pick off. Holding down the base icon will attempt a deceptive move. Double tap the base icon to attempt a quick pick off. In addition when performing these moves the base icon is camera view specific.

What I have found is the only time you can pick the cpu off is when they take an extra lead.I watch the window to see if they take the extra step.I'm not saying that you can nail them every time they take the extra step but you will never get them if they don't.Occasionally I have seen really good base stealers steal without taking a lead-I suppose a pitchout is the only way to get them.
Not sure which pickoff move is best-it doesn't happen enough-probably 2 taps.

[stealyerface]

Re: Tips for Picking Off

I am adding to this, but it will potentially ruin the pick off portion-off the game for you, so if you don't want to read it... skip and hit the back button.


I'm not kidding....

Last chance......


In my testing of this particular move, it works approximately 75% of the time.

If there is an opponent on first base, with two outs, and you have a full count on the batter, if the baserunner has a 50+ steal rating, you can squeeze the L-trigger and quickly press the "O" button. As the runner will be on the move on the 2-out full count pitch, 75% of the time you will pick off the runner.

I have learned not to EVER utilize this, unless the CPU has cheated me during the game. Mookie Betts "misplaying" a can of corn with some goofy animation where an easy fly ball out results in a triple, A 2-seam fastball that is 3 inches off the plate, that my catcher inexplicably misses, and the ball goes to the backstop for an easy base, or when I have a simple ground ball, all day to throw, and my second baseman Knoblochs the ball into the dugout, I will then use a full-count-pickoff as retribution for CPU cheating.

Otherwise, it is the luck of the draw, and typically you'll see the runner lead off that extra step in an obvious steal or hit and run situation. Quick squeeze of the L trigger and "O" and based on the move rating for the pitcher, and the steal/speed rating, sometimes you get lucky and pick him off.

~syf