2012 Franchise Progress Thread

[Blaze125]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I started a Nationals franchise yesterday and was able to get 2 games in. The first I won easily 10-0, with Bryce Harper going 3/5 with a HR and 5 RBI, and Strasburg was just lights out.

The second game was a lot more exciting. Gio Gonzalez started off horribly, giving up 5 runs in the first. After that he settled down and held the Cubs scoreless in the next 5. I was missing some opportunities and taking advantage of others, and was down 5-3 in the top of the 7th. Jayson Werth came up with 2 on and 2 out, and took a pitch to left field for a 3 run home run, giving me the lead. My bullpen came in, kept the Cubs off the board and I won 8-5. Gonzalez even got the win in spite of his awful 1st inning.

I think it was the most fun I've had playing a game of MLB this year, and maybe even going back to last year.

It's been a while since I've updated haha.

Right now I'm about to play my 50th game, and I'm 29-20. I got swept by the Braves prior to facing the Marlins. The first game I won 5-1, coming back in the 8th with a Bryce Harper home run and a couple more runs to pad the lead. The second game was another great one.

Josh Johnson vs. Ross Detweiler. Detweiler pitched a great game in his first game with me, going 8 innings and giving up no runs. He was almost as good this time, as he gave up 3 runs in 6 innings. However, Johnson was fantastic so I was only able to score one against him.

Fast forward to the 9th, where I'm down 3-1. Heath Bell comes in to close it out for the Marlins. I had been having a lot of trouble taking pitches against Johnson, so I knew I would have to change that up if I wanted to do something against Bell. I score a run, and load the bases down 3-2 with Danny Espinosa up. I was able to work the count full and foul off a couple pitches, finally taking a realllly close pitch that thankfully was called a ball. That walked in the tying run and sent the game to extras.

It took until the 13th inning, but I was finally able to score another one against the Marlins' pen and win the game. I needed the win badly after that sweep by the Braves, and now send Strasburg out to the mound for game 3 of the series.

The biggest injury to my team has been Ryan Zimmerman, and I called up Anthony Rendon to take his place. His defense isn't very comparable, but hitting wise he's been a savior. He won't hit a home run for me, but the last 2 games he's come through in the clutch and helped me win. He's been a big addition to my team.

Also, the NL East is a 4 team race at this point. The Phillies lead the way, but only 3.5 games separate them from the Marlins, Nationals, and Mets. The Braves are 8 or 9 back I believe.

[sink4ever]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

So at the end of September both the Pirates and Mariners were in the playoff hunt. Here's a brief snapshot of all that was going on as of September 30th:









So the Mariners were tied for the lead in the AL West and the Pirates were just one game out of the Wild Card (although behind 3 teams) after a torrid September. Unfortunately, the Pirates couldn't make up the ground in the last 3 games and finished 2 games out. The Mariners, however, did a bit better and entered the last day of the season with a one game lead over the Rangers. All they had to do was win and they'd go to the playoffs.

Final Standings









Yes, the Mariners lost and the Rangers won. It was one of those super frustrating games with sloppy defense and a ton of bad luck on offense. The Angels went ahead 7-0 and a 4-run mini-rally in the 8th wasn't enough. So the Mariners took on the Rangers in a one game playoff, winner take all. Again, Seattle totally choked it away, losing 10-1 and looking quite pathetic.

Sigh.

But, there was one bright spot to end the season.



And here's how the playoffs went.

[LowerWolf]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Quick update: 38 games left in the season with my Braves. We're 72-52 heading West to play the Giants and Padres. We've got a 5-game lead over the Phillies with the Marlins 5.5 back.

The Cardinals lead the Pirates by half a game in the Central. The Brewers are 4 back. The D-Backs have a 1.5 game lead over the Dodgers. The Phillies and Pirates are tied for the wild card, with a bunch of teams right behind them.

In the AL, the Yankees have a 1.5 game lead over the Red Sox. The Rangers also have a 1.5 game lead over the Angels in the West. The Tigers have a 9.5 game lead over the Twins. The Red Sox lead the wild card with the Angels 4 back and the Twins 4.5 back.

[pokerplaya]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

22-19 now with my "every-pitch" Tigers, half-game back of the Indians and heading into Cleveland for a series, wouldn't you know it?

But, this ballclub has teeth and is ready for this matchup. I started my season 2-9 with the Tigers, if you'll recall, so being seven games under .500 after 11 and three over after 32 feels like something to build off.

I did make the Sanchez/Infante for J. Turner deal, but my side prospects were different than the ones requested in real life. The Marlins wanted what they wanted, and they still got another pitcher and catching prospect so it worked out nicely.

I also recently have traded for two relievers to try to shore up my bullpen, first Luis Ayala from Baltimore in a minor deal, and then picking up Addison Reed for a package headlined by well-regarded catching prospect and potential super utility man in James McCann and other minor leaguers.

Justin Verlander has been hard-luck so far, as while he hasn't been great, he does have an ERA under 4, and has taken 3 losses of his four (he's 1-4) when his offense scored 2 runs or less. His ERA is inflated mainly because of one bad outing, but he's just had terrible luck.

Don't want to take up any more space for now, if you'd like to read more, my Dynasty HQ link is in my signature. Thanks!

[MIKEY93]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I'm 2 games over .500 (29-27) with the Mets. I played every game (one of them froze post-game in the replay vault, so I simmed it) & enjoyed every one of them (excluding the anger issues). Played a 4-game series against the Cardinals & pitching for me has been dominant. I handed Adam Wainwright his first loss of the season, then won 1-0 in Game 2 on a great pitchers' duel by Niese & Lohse. Game 3 got destroyed 10-0. That proved I have anger issues. But I calmed down & won Game 4 to take the series 3/4.
On to Washington, D.C. to face the Nats. Solid performance by Johan Santana going 6 innings, 100 pitches, allowing 2 runs. I faced John Lannan, who also hasn't loss a decision. Murphy gets 4 hits to help my team take the first game of a 3-game series. It was the 2nd time in less than a week that I beat a starting pitcher going into the agme without a loss. It felt great. I gotta keep the momentum going so my team can stay strong, come up with big hits, solid pitching, & winning games. I'm 4 games back on the first place Marlins. It's funny they were unstoppable in April, then went into a losing stretch ever since the last time I faced them. Well, gotta take this opportunity to reach 'em! Next game: Dickey vs. Strasburg (He owned me last time).

[Spanky]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Picked up a PS3 for $229 at Best Buy this week, after getting this game through Amazon for $30. Waited a while to take the plunge because I didn't know if it was worth it to buy the system for just one game. But, have played five games and am getting addicted to it. Finally, I have a good baseball game to play.

Started a 14-game "test'' season with the Tigers, as I continuously adjust settings and sliders and just get a feel for the game.

First game at Cleveland, lost 7-2 as Verlander gave up four homers in 5 or 6 innings (can't recall).
Lost 10-6 at home vs. KC, as bullpen blew a late lead after I had come from behind (very frustrating).
Game 3: Won 8-3 at Minnesota as Scherzer went the distance.
Game 4: Won 5-0 at home vs. Angels, as Sanchez pitched a gem, scattering five hits in going the distance (very satisfying).

Next up: Porcello at A's.

Couple observations: Way too many foul balls on default settings, and still a lot even with slider turned to zero, but that's fine. Need to decrease pitchers' control slider as there are too few walks, both ways. Also, anybody notice that too many hits down the lines and in the corners that should be doubles end up being singles because it seems like the ball gets to the OF too quickly.

Anyway, having a lot of fun right now playing nine-inning games, something I never got motivated to do with the other title in years past.

[bobloblah1980]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Started a 14-game "test'' season with the Tigers, as I continuously adjust settings and sliders and just get a feel for the game

Be careful of the disease......It's called slideritis it can really screw you up in a hurry!

glad you joined the club though

[DJ]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Picked up a PS3 for $229 at Best Buy this week, after getting this game through Amazon for $30. Waited a while to take the plunge because I didn't know if it was worth it to buy the system for just one game. But, have played five games and am getting addicted to it. Finally, I have a good baseball game to play.

Started a 14-game "test'' season with the Tigers, as I continuously adjust settings and sliders and just get a feel for the game.

First game at Cleveland, lost 7-2 as Verlander gave up four homers in 5 or 6 innings (can't recall).
Lost 10-6 at home vs. KC, as bullpen blew a late lead after I had come from behind (very frustrating).
Game 3: Won 8-3 at Minnesota as Scherzer went the distance.
Game 4: Won 5-0 at home vs. Angels, as Sanchez pitched a gem, scattering five hits in going the distance (very satisfying).

Next up: Porcello at A's.

Couple observations: Way too many foul balls on default settings, and still a lot even with slider turned to zero, but that's fine. Need to decrease pitchers' control slider as there are too few walks, both ways. Also, anybody notice that too many hits down the lines and in the corners that should be doubles end up being singles because it seems like the ball gets to the OF too quickly.

Anyway, having a lot of fun right now playing nine-inning games, something I never got motivated to do with the other title in years past.

Welcome to The Show!

My advice: Keep most sliders at or near default.

[HardHittinD5220]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Picked up a PS3 for $229 at Best Buy this week, after getting this game through Amazon for $30. Waited a while to take the plunge because I didn't know if it was worth it to buy the system for just one game. But, have played five games and am getting addicted to it. Finally, I have a good baseball game to play.

Started a 14-game "test'' season with the Tigers, as I continuously adjust settings and sliders and just get a feel for the game.

First game at Cleveland, lost 7-2 as Verlander gave up four homers in 5 or 6 innings (can't recall).
Lost 10-6 at home vs. KC, as bullpen blew a late lead after I had come from behind (very frustrating).
Game 3: Won 8-3 at Minnesota as Scherzer went the distance.
Game 4: Won 5-0 at home vs. Angels, as Sanchez pitched a gem, scattering five hits in going the distance (very satisfying).

Next up: Porcello at A's.

Couple observations: Way too many foul balls on default settings, and still a lot even with slider turned to zero, but that's fine. Need to decrease pitchers' control slider as there are too few walks, both ways. Also, anybody notice that too many hits down the lines and in the corners that should be doubles end up being singles because it seems like the ball gets to the OF too quickly.

Anyway, having a lot of fun right now playing nine-inning games, something I never got motivated to do with the other title in years past.

I wouldn't worry too much about the sliders...

[Spanky]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

I wouldn't worry too much about the sliders...

A couple people have said this. Why is that?

I'm not very good, so I need to play with easy settings. Is there not much difference between default settings and easier settings?

One thing that's bugging me -- other than the excessive amount of foul balls, which is increasing the length of games -- is the lack of walks, so I've turned down the pitching accuracy sliders for both human and CPU.

[bobloblah1980]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

A couple people have said this. Why is that?

I'm not very good, so I need to play with easy settings. Is there not much difference between default settings and easier settings?

One thing that's bugging me -- other than the excessive amount of foul balls, which is increasing the length of games -- is the lack of walks, so I've turned down the pitching accuracy sliders for both human and CPU.

Pm sent let me know what you think. I, like you had issues. took me a while to get them the way I like

[DJ]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

A couple people have said this. Why is that?

I'm not very good, so I need to play with easy settings. Is there not much difference between default settings and easier settings?

One thing that's bugging me -- other than the excessive amount of foul balls, which is increasing the length of games -- is the lack of walks, so I've turned down the pitching accuracy sliders for both human and CPU.

Because the game doesn't really require massive tweaks to sliders. It is tuned to be a simulation. Plus, with a small sample size, it's really hard to gauge. It's not like football where most have an idea after 1-2 games of what needs to be tweaked. The changes for this game are much more subtle due to the varied outcomes, and again, simulation aspect of the game.

Dropping the difficulty down to Rookie or Veteran will help you get used to hitting. You're not going to see a lot of walks there on default, but it's more about learning to pick up the ball out of a pitchers hand, and also to get used to timing your swing.

The CPU does throw a lot of strikes on default settings, so adjusting strike frequency and consistency (I change control last, as that can cause too many balls in the dirt) will have balls miss outside the zone.

Check out Armor & Sword's slider set. He has a Hybrid set (Veteran hitting, AS pitching) and an AS set. Both are pretty close to default, but do provide some tweaks that could be up your alley.

I hope that helps.

By the way, in franchise news, I'm currently without a hit in the 4th inning against Cliff Lee, who is 6-0 with a 1.30 ERA this year. Hope my bats come around.

[42]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Love it!

I have two games left in the month of July (just swept the Red Sox at home ) and every now and then, I'll check the date I'm at and where the real Yanks were during that time.

As of July 29th, my digital Yanks are sitting at (60-41) with 464 RS and 409 RA

The real Yankees were (60-41) with 488 RS and 404 RA

[DJ]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Love it!

I have two games left in the month of July (just swept the Red Sox at home ) and every now and then, I'll check the date I'm at and where the real Yanks were during that time.

As of July 29th, my digital Yanks are sitting at (60-41) with 464 RS and 409 RA

The real Yankees were (60-41) with 488 RS and 404 RA

No such luck with me; I'm off to a slow start with the Mets, but have the Rockies with a winning record.

Oh well. I'm enjoying every game I play, win or lose.

[Heroesandvillains]

Re: 2012 Franchise Progress Thread

Love it!

I have two games left in the month of July (just swept the Red Sox at home ) and every now and then, I'll check the date I'm at and where the real Yanks were during that time.

As of July 29th, my digital Yanks are sitting at (60-41) with 464 RS and 409 RA

The real Yankees were (60-41) with 488 RS and 404 RA

I love it when that happens.

I had stretches like that too. Definitely a cool feeling...and kind of eerie. LOL!

You should see my numbers with Andruw Jones. Other than the fact that I'm a few weeks ahead of real life, their stats are pretty much identical. Again, it's a cool feeling when The Show mirrors real life.