***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

[DrUrsus]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

I've been playing default so far this year, so I'm a little late to this party.

Is there pretty much a consensus that Fielder speed needs to be dropped down and Reaction time needs to be maxed out.

I am actually pretty happy overall with All Star default, except for two things: I am a patient hitter, but I am not drawing enough walks. This is because I keep getting very hittable pitches on nearly every at bat by the time I work the count to 2-0, 2-1, 3-1, etc. I am not going to pass those up just to draw a walk, especially since I am good at zone hitting.
The second problem I have is that it seems that the computer OFs are getting to everything too fast, so I am getting thrown out on hits that should be doubles (or triples sometimes).
That is why I think I will probably have to drop fielder speed. You can't just drop OF speed this year can you (I don't think it really worked last year either, right?)

What should I do about my not walking situation? Are your sliders working well for drawing walks if you're a patient hitter like me?

Any feedback is welcome. Thanks.

[BleacherCreature]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

According to what I understand about the slider descriptions, fielder speed pertains more to the outfielders and fielder reaction is more for infielders. Which I guess makes sense. I would rather my outfielders have better speed to the ball and my infielders to react quicker. Even with reaction maxed you will still see a lot of hits get through the infield.

[pbz06]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

I've been playing default so far this year, so I'm a little late to this party.

Is there pretty much a consensus that Fielder speed needs to be dropped down and Reaction time needs to be maxed out.

I am actually pretty happy overall with All Star default, except for two things: I am a patient hitter, but I am not drawing enough walks. This is because I keep getting very hittable pitches on nearly every at bat by the time I work the count to 2-0, 2-1, 3-1, etc. I am not going to pass those up just to draw a walk, especially since I am good at zone hitting.
The second problem I have is that it seems that the computer OFs are getting to everything too fast, so I am getting thrown out on hits that should be doubles (or triples sometimes).
That is why I think I will probably have to drop fielder speed. You can't just drop OF speed this year can you (I don't think it really worked last year either, right?)

What should I do about my not walking situation? Are your sliders working well for drawing walks if you're a patient hitter like me?

Any feedback is welcome. Thanks.

The Fielders run too fast, even if you lower it all the way, it seems that it affects the User more than the CPU because the CPU still seems fast, and definately faster than you.

I personally lowered the Fielder Reaction also, 2 clicks to the left from default. All the infielders play like Omar Vizquel in his prime, and I wasn't getting any hits through the infield, for myself or the CPU unless it was a laser. Everything was getting gobbled up if it was hit in the ground, and I personally hate seeing that annoying sliding stop that all the infielders do about 10 times per game, lol.

As for walks, it's pretty tough, but I manage to draw maybe 2-3 per game. I strike out on Ball 4 a couple times too, so I think it's good. I play with the CPU strike Frequency at 0 actually, and the CPU Consistency at 3 (-2 from default).

[PsychoBulk]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

DrUrsus, as has been said, at default all the outfielders may as well be called Usain Bolt. Even at 0 (all the way to the left) they are fine.

Walks wise, yes, these sliders do provide them if you show the patience required, im averaging between 3/4 a game.

[firktaf]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

I've used these sliders for about 15 to 20 games and figured I would offer some feedback.

This is like a tale of 2 halves. In the first 11 games, these sliders worked very well for me. I had tough games, a batting average around .260, a little over a 1 homerun per game average, and it was tough(and rare) for my starting pitchers to make it to 7 innings. However, that was mainly because of pitch counts. The main negative things that stood out to me was that, even with the pitch counts and the opposing team getting people on base, I never allowed more than 4 runs in a game, there was a lack of fielding errors(there were throwing errors though, and I haven't checked so I don't know how much control the sliders give us between the two), and that I seemed to be winning a lot of games(I was 9-2 and the 2 losses were to the same team). All-in-all, it didn't concern me to much though apart from winning too much but even that wasn't outrageous. Then, I got bored and decided to start a new franchise with a fantasy draft.

This is where it got a little outrageous. First off, I went for a power based lineup and my first 7 selections were all position players. So, I expected to see an increase in my offensive numbers but also expected my opponents to have an increase in runs as well. Well, I was right in one of the cases. I've played 5 games in this franchise so far and have hit 17 homeruns(leading the majors by 6) and Alex Gordon has hit 6 of them. Only one player in my lineup doesn't have a homerun(Justin Upton) but he's leading my team in doubles. In addition to that, I have 4 players batting above .400 and only 2 are batting below .300. Then unlike I predicted, my starting pitching has only improved. My 5 starters are Max Scherzer, Jonathan Sanchez, Johnny Cueto, Zach Duke, and Jason Davis whereas I had used the Diamondbacks and Yankees for the other games. Jason Davis even nearly threw a shutout(gave up a 2 run homer with 1 out left in the game). They all have a combined ERA of 2.90. And most of those runs came from me pitching the guys a bit too long and giving up a multi-run home run(like with Davis). So, they were pretty much untouchable until those points. Any single game on their own wouldn't have bothered me but, with them coming 5 in a row like that, it did make me concerned.

Now, I don't know if this is just good variety that came in streaks or if I've just gotten used to the sliders and might need them to be more difficult(for what I remember, I am at least 14-2 on these). I do think that the pitching definitely needs to be tougher(I guess that would be lowering pitch control?) as I was consistently improving my pitching numbers. Overall though, I think these could be great sliders if they were tweaked a little(well, for me anyway, lol) but they are very good as they stand now.

[The Chef]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

I see a lot of good feedback from various posters but Im not seeing much feedback from you Psycho, what are you seeing? Im finding myself tweaking my sliders more and more towards what your using since certain issues are really starting to pop up on my end and driving me nuts.

[jcern23]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

OK since I have a ? and I thought I should offer some feedback since I was one of the comeback on off people at one point and I don't want to get that whole discussion started again but I wanted to at least for myself confirm its not there at all. Anyway, these sliders are awesome!!! Bulk you have put together a masterpiece. Ive been playing your sliders in a 14 game season on HOF, won the ALDS in 5 games and am currrently in the ALCS up 2 games to none.
However, I have some avgs that I think may be a little to high. What would you suggest I drop as far as my hitting sliders before I play a full season?

[DrUrsus]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

According to what I understand about the slider descriptions, fielder speed pertains more to the outfielders and fielder reaction is more for infielders. Which I guess makes sense. I would rather my outfielders have better speed to the ball and my infielders to react quicker. Even with reaction maxed you will still see a lot of hits get through the infield.

Thanks.

[DrUrsus]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

The Fielders run too fast, even if you lower it all the way, it seems that it affects the User more than the CPU because the CPU still seems fast, and definately faster than you.

I personally lowered the Fielder Reaction also, 2 clicks to the left from default. All the infielders play like Omar Vizquel in his prime, and I wasn't getting any hits through the infield, for myself or the CPU unless it was a laser. Everything was getting gobbled up if it was hit in the ground, and I personally hate seeing that annoying sliding stop that all the infielders do about 10 times per game, lol.

As for walks, it's pretty tough, but I manage to draw maybe 2-3 per game. I strike out on Ball 4 a couple times too, so I think it's good. I play with the CPU strike Frequency at 0 actually, and the CPU Consistency at 3 (-2 from default).

I think I will try your pitch settings. You have some good sliders here Psychobulk, but for me right now, I need some balls more outside the strike zone. If they are too borderline, I am having a hard time taking them. I have averaged about 1 walk a game so far with Psychobulks pitch settings (don't have enough of a sample size yet, however, its just that they are pretty borderline pitches).

Yea, I haven't played a ton yet, but I have seen that annoying slide enough already, lol. And from guys, I don't think would do it.

The OFs were too fast until I used Psychobulks global settings, and there arms were just a tad too strong. I hit a few "doubles" down the line at Fenway, or so I thought, and I was thrown out using Pedroia, and Jason Bay. I mean these guys aren't turtles. It just seemed the OF got there waaay to fast.
Since switching to these sliders, I have also seen better infield play. More hits are getting buy people (but realistically).

I have been using default hitting for both CPU and human instead of what Psycho had, and I have gotten clobbered in bursts by the CPU one too many times. It seems to happen when my I don't get my accuracy down a few times, then I walk a guy, and all hell breaks loose. So.... I think I will try Psychobulks, CPU hitting sliders next, lol. Hopefully it will tone down the "bursts". I don't think it has anything to do with "CPU comeback code" but it has to do with Pitcher confidence or something like that because it seems to happen after I miss badly on my accuracy a few times. Then "boom" like John Madden says. It also has to do with my SP tiring I have noticed in my opinion.

[DrUrsus]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

I've used these sliders for about 15 to 20 games and figured I would offer some feedback.

This is like a tale of 2 halves. In the first 11 games, these sliders worked very well for me. I had tough games, a batting average around .260, a little over a 1 homerun per game average, and it was tough(and rare) for my starting pitchers to make it to 7 innings. However, that was mainly because of pitch counts. The main negative things that stood out to me was that, even with the pitch counts and the opposing team getting people on base, I never allowed more than 4 runs in a game, there was a lack of fielding errors(there were throwing errors though, and I haven't checked so I don't know how much control the sliders give us between the two), and that I seemed to be winning a lot of games(I was 9-2 and the 2 losses were to the same team). All-in-all, it didn't concern me to much though apart from winning too much but even that wasn't outrageous. Then, I got bored and decided to start a new franchise with a fantasy draft.

This is where it got a little outrageous. First off, I went for a power based lineup and my first 7 selections were all position players. So, I expected to see an increase in my offensive numbers but also expected my opponents to have an increase in runs as well. Well, I was right in one of the cases. I've played 5 games in this franchise so far and have hit 17 homeruns(leading the majors by 6) and Alex Gordon has hit 6 of them. Only one player in my lineup doesn't have a homerun(Justin Upton) but he's leading my team in doubles. In addition to that, I have 4 players batting above .400 and only 2 are batting below .300. Then unlike I predicted, my starting pitching has only improved. My 5 starters are Max Scherzer, Jonathan Sanchez, Johnny Cueto, Zach Duke, and Jason Davis whereas I had used the Diamondbacks and Yankees for the other games. Jason Davis even nearly threw a shutout(gave up a 2 run homer with 1 out left in the game). They all have a combined ERA of 2.90. And most of those runs came from me pitching the guys a bit too long and giving up a multi-run home run(like with Davis). So, they were pretty much untouchable until those points. Any single game on their own wouldn't have bothered me but, with them coming 5 in a row like that, it did make me concerned.

Now, I don't know if this is just good variety that came in streaks or if I've just gotten used to the sliders and might need them to be more difficult(for what I remember, I am at least 14-2 on these). I do think that the pitching definitely needs to be tougher(I guess that would be lowering pitch control?) as I was consistently improving my pitching numbers. Overall though, I think these could be great sliders if they were tweaked a little(well, for me anyway, lol) but they are very good as they stand now.

Thanks for the feedback. From the sounds of it, maybe you should go up to HOF. If that doesn't work out, then you will definitely have to tweak your hitting and pitching on All Star.
Personally, I am a betweener. I am too good for Veteran, and probably lose too much on All Star default. I think Psychobulks CPU hitting will help that for me. Played a lot of MLB 07 (my favorite one except the graphics) and MLB 08 and I was playing at higher levers like HOF or Legend at times. But, the this years game is more of a challenge.

[DrUrsus]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

DrUrsus, as has been said, at default all the outfielders may as well be called Usain Bolt. Even at 0 (all the way to the left) they are fine.

Walks wise, yes, these sliders do provide them if you show the patience required, im averaging between 3/4 a game.

Yea, I see that, lol. I like of lot of things about your sliders so far. I think I will have to tweak the CPU pitching a little for my abilities, but this is a great start. Thanks.

[abcabc]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

when you folks 'play 15' or 'play 20' games, what are you doing? for ex. i'm playing all exhibition games against the CPU and i believe in this way, i'm not being put up against any opposing team's 3rd, 4th 5th starter so all my testing has been with aces, for which I'm batting about .280+ teamwise (Yankees). I'm guessing my team numbers may be better if I have a sample size against lower tier pitchers.

[PsychoBulk]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

Thanks for the feedback guys.

firktaf, you sound you are ready for HOF my friend, and others have reported these sliders work fine there too, have a go.

DrUrsus, we'll get you there eventually, walks wise, patience is the key

abc, i am only playing exhibition too so far as am waiting for the patch to start my franchise.

Im away till tomorrow night now but keep the thoughts coming!

[AJColossal]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

After about 20 or so games, I feel that these sliders play very well. When there appears to be something that seems off, after a few games it tends to return to normal.

The one possible exception I may have is doubles. I've avaerage a little over one per game, where the average is closer to two per game. I hit them, I know they're there, but it's maybe a little on the low side.

What about you guys?

[alldaypeterson]

Re: ***The 'Perfect' Slider Set*** MLB 09 - The Show

Hey i just wanted to say these sliders are amazing... i can't believe how much better you have made this game for me.. the only thing i have changed is the pitch speed because i just cannot recognize pitches and i have 0 patience which i am working on... I just cannot believe the wide spectrum of games you can have with these ... One game i rock the giants (lincecum) 13-2 the next i get shutout and only must 3 hits against the crafty vet glavine.... Thank you so much for all the hard work you have obviosly put into these... it is much appreciated on this end... Im starting up a fantasy draft franchise and ill post some results for ya.