MLB 11 "Road To The Show" thread

[Dogbarian]

Re: MLB 11 "Road To The Show" thread

anyone?

I've got a quick question as I'm new to the franchise.

I started a career as a CP and right now I'm a set-up man for the closer for Toronto's AA club. My question is, does the option to not warm up affect your performance? The reason I ask is I notice my 'ready' bar increasing as I take warm-up tosses, but the one time I bypassed it, I was not very effective and gave up 2 runs! Could have been a coincidence, but now that I've got a 12 inn. scoreless streak going, I'm not going to tempt fate!

I don't know the answer for sure, I'm too early in my own experience. However, I have noticed that if I take the warmups and make good pitches during the warmup, my confidence bars in those pitches goes up and is that level when I face my first batter.

[Dogbarian]

Re: MLB 11 "Road To The Show" thread

Here's my guys with their tales of successes and woe.

Picked up the game a few weeks ago for my birthday. Started 3 guys right off, a speedster contact SS/2B, a switch-hitting catcher/3B/1B as a slugger, and a lefty SP. First two I placed (Astros and Rangers respectively) and the pitcher I let get drafted, he's a Pirate.

I didn't realize the catcher would have to call the whole game as his fielding position, so I haven't played him much at all.

And the speedster is (a) not fast enough to steal yet and (b) striking out way too much, so he's struggling. I've been working him more and did manage to finally reel off a 5 game hitting streak, but I think I've only had 1 game without a K and have only walked twice. Now that I've got the slider recommendations from the forum, I hope that will change.

He's at least the starter and is leading off, so he's getting lots of playing time. With the steal failures, he's had his green light yanked, but at least he hasn't been benched for the last couple of times he's been thrown out when following the coach's order. And, he hit his first HR on Friday night (well, into mid-May game time), which gave him the last two successes he needed on that goal period (he needed 1 HR and 9 RBI, that solo shot gave him both with 2 games left in the period). It was a total shock too, wasn't swinging for power or anything, just great contact on an inside high fastball. Barely cleared the fence too, had the RF jumped later, he might have snagged it back.

My SP was just placed in the rotation (May 11th, I think), after a successful advancement period. He's a tall lefty with 4SFB, slider, CC, and just bought a 2SFB with the points off the last few appearances. He picked up a 3-1 record in the bullpen, with a single save (over 2 innings, he entered in the 8th with a 2-run lead and the team extended the lead). His most dominant performance so far was also his first win - entering the game in the 5th inning, team down 4-2, 1 out and 2 runners on - he closed that inning with no further damage, then 4 more no-hit innings to close it out with the team coming from those 2 runs down to back me.

Somewhere after the first batch, but before I played them too much, I started a closer. My CP was picked up by the Orioles organization, another lefty, think the same 3 pitches to start with (although change is 2nd pitch), he's been pitching in setup roles only so far, although doing quite well, as soon as he finishes his advancement period, if he's not the closer, he's going to ask to be. I think the two guys might be too much the same, so I may end up canning this one and doing a righty CP instead and focus more on power instead of balanced pitches (from those opening slider selections).

And also Friday, I started a new guy, using the rosters from here (opening day), as a 3B/LF righty power guy, otherwise pretty balanced. Put him into Atlanta. He's off of a good strikeout start too. He's playing a lot, though, alternating between the two positions, which is fun.

And I must say, I *really* like that you can actually turn double plays when playing as SS or 2B - the early RTTS version only had you making the stop and 1st throw, never the turn, and I haven't played the last couple of years of it, so I don't know when it was added, but me likie!


As a player, I'm a much better pitcher than hitter. I try to stay patient, but ending up taking too many strikes, then get anxious and swing at bad pitches late in the count. I think the sliders may help that a bit, I see that CPU strike frequency is something to turn down a bunch. But then, I've had that problem in most of the baseball video games I've played. MVP 2005 on the PS2 was about the only exception, but I played it the most, so experience is probably just the thing.

The new stride timing has taken a bit of getting used to, but choosing stances with shorter strides helped and I'm doing better at that now. It's now a matter of practicing discipline & recognition.

Figuring out how to steal will have to come later.

On the other hand, maybe it's just I'm getting older and my stick skills are drying up.

[BleacherBum2310]

Re: MLB 11 "Road To The Show" thread

After Frustrating w/my RTTS SS.. I decided to try RTTS SP a Shot.

Drafted by Marlins.. I'm On Veteran. I went 12 IP Scoreless w/ 10 K's. Mostly Middle relief outings. The next Outing I gave up 2 Hits, Hit a batter than gave up a Grandslam . My ERA is now 2.93.

Also my Delivery is: Jon Lester.

[peter21]

Re: MLB 11 "Road To The Show" thread

Here's my guys with their tales of successes and woe.

Picked up the game a few weeks ago for my birthday. Started 3 guys right off, a speedster contact SS/2B, a switch-hitting catcher/3B/1B as a slugger, and a lefty SP. First two I placed (Astros and Rangers respectively) and the pitcher I let get drafted, he's a Pirate.

I didn't realize the catcher would have to call the whole game as his fielding position, so I haven't played him much at all.

And the speedster is (a) not fast enough to steal yet and (b) striking out way too much, so he's struggling. I've been working him more and did manage to finally reel off a 5 game hitting streak, but I think I've only had 1 game without a K and have only walked twice. Now that I've got the slider recommendations from the forum, I hope that will change.

He's at least the starter and is leading off, so he's getting lots of playing time. With the steal failures, he's had his green light yanked, but at least he hasn't been benched for the last couple of times he's been thrown out when following the coach's order. And, he hit his first HR on Friday night (well, into mid-May game time), which gave him the last two successes he needed on that goal period (he needed 1 HR and 9 RBI, that solo shot gave him both with 2 games left in the period). It was a total shock too, wasn't swinging for power or anything, just great contact on an inside high fastball. Barely cleared the fence too, had the RF jumped later, he might have snagged it back.

My SP was just placed in the rotation (May 11th, I think), after a successful advancement period. He's a tall lefty with 4SFB, slider, CC, and just bought a 2SFB with the points off the last few appearances. He picked up a 3-1 record in the bullpen, with a single save (over 2 innings, he entered in the 8th with a 2-run lead and the team extended the lead). His most dominant performance so far was also his first win - entering the game in the 5th inning, team down 4-2, 1 out and 2 runners on - he closed that inning with no further damage, then 4 more no-hit innings to close it out with the team coming from those 2 runs down to back me.

Somewhere after the first batch, but before I played them too much, I started a closer. My CP was picked up by the Orioles organization, another lefty, think the same 3 pitches to start with (although change is 2nd pitch), he's been pitching in setup roles only so far, although doing quite well, as soon as he finishes his advancement period, if he's not the closer, he's going to ask to be. I think the two guys might be too much the same, so I may end up canning this one and doing a righty CP instead and focus more on power instead of balanced pitches (from those opening slider selections).

And also Friday, I started a new guy, using the rosters from here (opening day), as a 3B/LF righty power guy, otherwise pretty balanced. Put him into Atlanta. He's off of a good strikeout start too. He's playing a lot, though, alternating between the two positions, which is fun.

And I must say, I *really* like that you can actually turn double plays when playing as SS or 2B - the early RTTS version only had you making the stop and 1st throw, never the turn, and I haven't played the last couple of years of it, so I don't know when it was added, but me likie!


As a player, I'm a much better pitcher than hitter. I try to stay patient, but ending up taking too many strikes, then get anxious and swing at bad pitches late in the count. I think the sliders may help that a bit, I see that CPU strike frequency is something to turn down a bunch. But then, I've had that problem in most of the baseball video games I've played. MVP 2005 on the PS2 was about the only exception, but I played it the most, so experience is probably just the thing.

The new stride timing has taken a bit of getting used to, but choosing stances with shorter strides helped and I'm doing better at that now. It's now a matter of practicing discipline & recognition.

Figuring out how to steal will have to come later.

On the other hand, maybe it's just I'm getting older and my stick skills are drying up.

Played a lot of MVP too on the PC and absolutely loved that game. Last baseball game I owned, prior to MLB 11. Glad you're diving deep into the RTTS stuff.

My one big frustration, and I think it was echoed elsewhere, is that as a speedy SS, you shouldn't have to build up much speed to be able to steal. You're either fast or you're not. It's not an attribute that's going to increase much by the time you turn 18. I think that's something that should be addressed in later editions. Speed should be a fairly constant attribute you shouldn't have to train. Sure, stretching and building leg power can enhance the attribute, but that's more of an innate ability.

[Dogbarian]

Re: stealing bases in RTTS

Apologies for thread necromancy, but this is exactly the problem I'm having and I have more questions than what got covered here.

All of my questions are strictly in RTTS for now, but I've even gone into the Practice mode for baserunning and fail there too. Back in the day, I got pretty good at stealing in MVP 2005, to the point I had to cut back because it was easy. But before I learned, I remember the dark time, and that's where I am now with this game.

One more thing, I'm using the pure analog control (got to try the new thing before giving up), and I know how to slide properly.

First, something directly in the thread already - can anyone confirm that the stat baserunning ability or aggression will help me get a better jump? I believe I read that aggression was pointless unless you were simming, that was otherwise controlled by your own stick decisions.

1) What speed rating should my player have before I consider him a good base stealing threat? In other words, if he's less than X, don't bother trying. And I realize that slower runners can get "surprise" steals, I'm just talking about the ones you expect to steal.

2) Can I steal from a 1 step lead if I get a decent jump? Reason I ask this - in MVP 2005, a two step lead was the key, even with an average jump (and average speed), I could steal pretty much at will. The fast guys could steal on 1 step, if I got a good jump (which is what I started to do to scale back). Right now, every time I take a 2 step lead, they try to pick me off. And 1 step lead, I never get close.

3) Does the lean help and if so, how?

Bottom line - Trying to go on the first move, so far, I either go too soon and he breaks it off, or too late (in the practice setting, it will tell me poor or bad jump). But, even on the few times I got "good jump", I still go thrown out in practice, using either Drew Stubbs or Elvus Andrus, guys I KNOW are fast. I think I managed to steal 1 base with Kinsler in one practice session. What am I doing wrong here?


Appreciate any advice!

[Dogbarian]

Re: MLB 11 "Road To The Show" thread

Played a lot of MVP too on the PC and absolutely loved that game. Last baseball game I owned, prior to MLB 11. Glad you're diving deep into the RTTS stuff.

My one big frustration, and I think it was echoed elsewhere, is that as a speedy SS, you shouldn't have to build up much speed to be able to steal. You're either fast or you're not. It's not an attribute that's going to increase much by the time you turn 18. I think that's something that should be addressed in later editions. Speed should be a fairly constant attribute you shouldn't have to train. Sure, stretching and building leg power can enhance the attribute, but that's more of an innate ability.

Yeah, I was pretty disappointed that parking the slider for speed at about the 75% mark ended up only giving him about a 50 or so speed. I guess I could have spent more of my opening 300 pts on speed, or even redone it with the 100% slider. And raising ANYTHING at this point just gets progressively harder. Oh well, maybe I'll just spend a few bucks on him.

[I_am_Canadian]

Re: stealing bases in RTTS

My tips in blue, hope they help!

Apologies for thread necromancy, but this is exactly the problem I'm having and I have more questions than what got covered here.

All of my questions are strictly in RTTS for now, but I've even gone into the Practice mode for baserunning and fail there too. Back in the day, I got pretty good at stealing in MVP 2005, to the point I had to cut back because it was easy. But before I learned, I remember the dark time, and that's where I am now with this game.

One more thing, I'm using the pure analog control (got to try the new thing before giving up), and I know how to slide properly.

First, something directly in the thread already - can anyone confirm that the stat baserunning ability or aggression will help me get a better jump? I believe I read that aggression was pointless unless you were simming, that was otherwise controlled by your own stick decisions.

From the guide in the pause menu it says:

Steal Ability: High steal ability increases the chance of successful steals and helps the runner get better jumps against the defense on surprise steals.

Steal Frequency: High steal frequency allows a baserunner to steal effectively even with an alert defense. And it goes on to say more.

So ability is ability and frequency is aggression...so yes they do matter.

1) What speed rating should my player have before I consider him a good base stealing threat? In other words, if he's less than X, don't bother trying. And I realize that slower runners can get "surprise" steals, I'm just talking about the ones you expect to steal.

Get everything up together and you will be better.

2) Can I steal from a 1 step lead if I get a decent jump? Reason I ask this - in MVP 2005, a two step lead was the key, even with an average jump (and average speed), I could steal pretty much at will. The fast guys could steal on 1 step, if I got a good jump (which is what I started to do to scale back). Right now, every time I take a 2 step lead, they try to pick me off. And 1 step lead, I never get close.

If your ability and aggression are high enough you should be able to steal on a 1 step lead, if you get a good jump.

3) Does the lean help and if so, how?

I believe the lean gives you a better jump.

Bottom line - Trying to go on the first move, so far, I either go too soon and he breaks it off, or too late (in the practice setting, it will tell me poor or bad jump). But, even on the few times I got "good jump", I still go thrown out in practice, using either Drew Stubbs or Elvus Andrus, guys I KNOW are fast. I think I managed to steal 1 base with Kinsler in one practice session. What am I doing wrong here?

Also try running on the catcher movement....when he sets up to take a pitch thats when I used to run in last years game...that way I never got fooled by the pitcher. And always lean then hold the stick left so if he does throw over you automatically go back to the base. These tips might not work for you but they have for me.


Appreciate any advice!

[Se7enth_Sinn]

RTTS Career Stats

Not sure if this is posted anywhere but I just wanted to get an idea how people are doing so far in RTTS and where I stand. I'm on a mission to make the HOF.

Made MLB in start of year 2
Started 57 of 86 games so far
Made the All Start Team and won HR Derby
Hitting .378 29hrs 81 RBIs SLG .997 31 DBLs 8 Tipples (Giants 1B).
Not sure if I need to make it harder or it's because I'm a switch hitter @ at&t park. I only put points and RH CT and LH Power till they hit 99.

[mhanson93]

Re: MLB 11 "Road To The Show" thread

Yeah, I had the same problem - you have to break to the bag as soon as the arrow prompts appear at your feet (usually as the pitcher is releasing the ball). If you aren't at the bag fast enough, you aren't going to get the ball fast enough to make a tag.

It took me 3 or 4 tries to even figure out I didn't have to do anything to make the tag, I just had to get there sooner.

I started a career as a SS as well, but haven't encountered my player freezing on the way to the bag. I'd make sure to be aware of the arrows guiding you towards second as the runner breaks for 2nd. I've definitely gotten there late and not even attempted a tag. But usually I'm in position to make the play on a steal. I think it may just be a case of getting an early enough break to the bag. Hopefully that works for you.

Thanks guys! I guess I just have to work on my reflexes a bit and be better prepared to react. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing a "cover 2nd" button or something like that.

[Brandwin]

Is there a list that shows which generic batting stances and pitching goes with which former player?

[Mike3207]

Re: MLB 11 "Road To The Show" thread

So started a new RTTS SS post-patch. I was hitting over .350 when I was promoted to AAA and struggled a bit afterward. Couple of weird things: 1. My role changed from AA starter to AAA started when I was promoted, never seen that before. 2. Chapman was the Reds #1 SP and Bray was also in the rotation for awhile. A really bad mistake to trade Cueto, the game AI always wants to trade him.

[rynecandy]

Re: MLB 11 "Road To The Show" thread

So started a new RTTS SS post-patch. I was hitting over .350 when I was promoted to AAA and struggled a bit afterward. Couple of weird things: 1. My role changed from AA starter to AAA started when I was promoted, never seen that before. 2. Chapman was the Reds #1 SP and Bray was also in the rotation for awhile. A really bad mistake to trade Cueto, the game AI always wants to trade him.

He's been traded 2x in my 4th year of RTTS...he's now on my team (Padres). The weird thing I noticed was the Cubs decision to let a stud 2B/SS leave the organization as a FA and sign with the Indians at only 22yrs old. He was a MiLB AS and 2nd in voting as ROY (.272, 175H/644AB, 7HR, 64RBI)....he was a OVR A & POT A. They not only let him go but also his backup. I noticed because I wanted to see how much he signed for, I was going to ask for just a little less. He ended up signing a 1yr deal for only 1.7M.

[moose1619]

Re: MLB 11 "Road To The Show" thread

I'm back to being a starter, I had my first multi homer game. Felt good. I would love to sit at AA again this year and get my attributes up, but I have a feeling I'm going to AAA bench warmer after this advancement period.

[docdaddy]

Re: RTTS Pitcher: Hot and Cold Zone question

I have the hot and cold zones checked "On" and I am an RTTS pitcher. I thought that the way this was supposed to work was that I would get a view of the current batter's overall hot and cold zones. However, the only hot and cold zone view I can find is when I am facing the batter, hit "Select" then R1 to select the batter's info then the square button. I then get a hot and cold zone indicator, but it appears to only relate to the batter's experience in the current game. For example, if it is his first at bat, everything is blank. If he gets a hit during the game, that zone appears red in this view.

Is this the way this is supposed to work? Is there no way to view a batter's current hot and cold zones that represents the last few games?

Anyone have an answer on this? I'm relatively new to The Show. Thanks.

[docdaddy]

Re: RTTS Pitcher: Hot and Cold Zone question

I asked this earlier in another thread that got moved here - if I'm an RTTS pitcher, on the mound, pitcher's view, is there anyway to take a quick look at the infield and outfield to see where my players are positioned, in order to adjust my pitches for that?

Thanks.