Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

[Bobhead]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

Through 20 games of cpu vs. cpu results on All-Star, the strikes vs. balls percentages are basically dead on with the major league average last year.

It would probably be impossible to be as patient as some of the cpu hitters are though. I know I chase pitches much more often than the cpu does. For me to get the strike percentage to a more realistic number when I play, I would definitely need to adjust the cpu's pitching accuracy in some way.

Which is exactly why I track zone% - the number of pitches thrown in the zone, out of total pitches - instead of just strike%

The CPU's above average discipline could, in theory, offset the high number of strikes thrown, because the low number of chases would keep strike% around where it should be.

By tracking Zone% instead, you are comparing the actual number of thrown strikes, to MLB average (which is 45%), and taking the batter completely out of the equation.

[ralphieboy11]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

Which is exactly why I track zone% - the number of pitches thrown in the zone, out of total pitches - instead of just strike%

The CPU's above average discipline could, in theory, offset the high number of strikes thrown, because the low number of chases would keep strike% around where it should be.

By tracking Zone% instead, you are comparing the actual number of thrown strikes, to MLB average (which is 45%), and taking the batter completely out of the equation.

Yep. Good explanation there. I've been tracking that as well in cpu games. Zone percentage is up. 52% in my games so that's 7% higher than the major league average. It looks like the cpu hitter takes more strikes in the zone, yet swings at less pitches outside the zone. That's what appears to even things out regarding balls and strikes.

[Qb]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

Good idea for a thread, Bobhead. We should have a place for general discussion in here, especially early on when we're trying to get a feel for the gameplay.

Put me in the camp concerned with the station-to-station running. I only have a handful of games under my belt and haven't touched any sliders other than CPU strike frequency. I think OFs throw ropes and baserunners might be a little slow. I'm not seeing many chances to advance two bases or even tag up on deep flies. Last night playing online I nearly got thrown out at 3rd from the track in dead center with a decent runner.

However, it doesn't seem to affect basestealing as much. I haven't been caught yet, including stealing 3rd with McCutchen in the 1st inning of my first offline game. To be clear, I'm not saying it's a problem, just making an observation. I ran mostly on offspeed pitches and with decent-to-good basestealers. In fact, I was really excited I stole 3rd, as I'm not sure if I ever did it without the ball being in the dirt.

[Bobhead]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

Good idea for a thread, Bobhead. We should have a place for general discussion in here, especially early on when we're trying to get a feel for the gameplay.

Put me in the camp concerned with the station-to-station running. I only have a handful of games under my belt and haven't touched any sliders other than CPU strike frequency. I think OFs throw ropes and baserunners might be a little slow. Eventually I'll start

However, it doesn't seem to affect basestealing as much. I haven't been caught yet, including stealing 3rd with McCutchen in the 1st inning of my first offline game. To be clear, I'm not saying it's a problem, just making an observation. I ran mostly on offspeed pitches and with decent-to-good basestealers. In fact, I was really excited I stole 3rd, as I'm not sure if I ever did it without the ball being in the dirt.

I haven't actually been paying much attention to baserunners, but I have also noticed a lack of extra-base hits, which would definitely corroborate the "station-to-station" thing you described.

And I definitely agree that OF's throws are incredibly strong. That (Fielder Arm Strength slider) was actually the very first slider I've adjusted, late last night.

[ralphieboy11]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

Here are some stats through 30 cpu vs. cpu games on All-Star. Each team has played twice and one game has been played in each of the MLB ballparks. Starting pitchers were chosen to give all starting pitchers(1-5) chances to pitch. I made no tweaks to anything regarding pitching and batting. They are all on default(5). I did lower fielder speed(to 4), fielder reaction(to 4), and arm strength(to 2). I also upped baserunner speed(to 6). I did these things because it became evident before testing that there was a lot of station to station running plus very few doubles. I was hoping these adjustments would help in those areas without really affecting too much else.

All stats are per game. Last year's league averages in parentheses.

Runs 4.20 (4.32)
ABs 34.15 (33.92)
Hits 8.48 (8.65)
AVG .248 (.255)
BB 2.67 (3.03)
SO 7.43 (7.50)
2B 1.53 (1.70)
3B 0.20 (0.19)
HR 1.08 (1.02)
GIDP 0.75 (0.74)

Offense is down a little so far, but looks pretty good.

[tbbucsfan001]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

Anyone else seeing very high SB% numbers? Might be due to a low sample size but I have never been thrown out and have never thrown anyone out (even with Yadi).

[tbbucsfan001]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

Here are some stats through 30 cpu vs. cpu games on All-Star. Each team has played twice and one game has been played in each of the MLB ballparks. Starting pitchers were chosen to give all starting pitchers(1-5) chances to pitch. I made no tweaks to anything regarding pitching and batting. They are all on default(5). I did lower fielder speed(to 4), fielder reaction(to 4), and arm strength(to 2). I also upped baserunner speed(to 6). I did these things because it became evident before testing that there was a lot of station to station running plus very few doubles. I was hoping these adjustments would help in those areas without really affecting too much else.

All stats are per game. Last year's league averages in parentheses.

Runs 4.20 (4.32)
ABs 34.15 (33.92)
Hits 8.48 (8.65)
AVG .248 (.255)
BB 2.67 (3.03)
SO 7.43 (7.50)
2B 1.53 (1.70)
3B 0.20 (0.19)
HR 1.08 (1.02)
GIDP 0.75 (0.74)

Offense is down a little so far, but looks pretty good.

Do you have the SB numbers?

[ralphieboy11]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

Do you have the SB numbers?

I did not record those. I've just been focusing on the hitting numbers so far. It does seem from the naked eye that SBs might be a little up on default.

It will take a while to to get enough test games in to find trends. I've now seen more offense since those earlier numbers I posted.

[Bobhead]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

I haven't tracked stolen bases either, but I too have not been caught stealing a single time.

It also seems like the CPU does not seem to throw enough pickoffs.

[blueduke]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

I haven't tracked stolen bases either, but I too have not been caught stealing a single time.

It also seems like the CPU does not seem to throw enough pickoffs.

Agree. Last year if I picked the wrong guy or commited to a steal too early I paid the price. Thus far I don't have to be nearly as selective

[Qb]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

Has anyone started to tinker with Arm Strength? I knocked it down to 3 for a few games, but saw some overly weak rainbow throws when the play wasn't executed optimally. However, when it was executed well, the speed & trajectory of the throw looked pretty good and weak arms are more noticeable.

Anyone else?

[ralphieboy11]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

Has anyone started to tinker with Arm Strength? I knocked it down to 3 for a few games, but saw some overly weak rainbow throws when the play wasn't executed optimally. However, when it was executed well, the speed & trajectory of the throw looked pretty good and weak arms are more noticeable.

Anyone else?

I've actually knocked it all the way down to 2. It's the one slider I've moved the most. I really don't mind it at 2 from what I've seen. I did it to allow runners to advance extra bases on hits. There is an animation on the infield where a player will throw a weak lob to 2nd base when the 2B or SS is not at the bag yet. I've only seen it a couple times though. I'm not even sure that it is related to arm strength actually.

Even with it at 2 I have still seen runners thrown out from the outfield on a tag up from 3rd base or trying to score from 2nd on a single.

[Sweed]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

I've been using the TKN sliders, http://www.operationsports.com/forum...m-sliders.html, from this forum and I have to say they have taken care of the issues I posted earlier. IE baserunning, throwing, fielder speed etc.

Arm strength in there is set at 2 and is working very well.

[lhslancers]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

I haven't tracked stolen bases either, but I too have not been caught stealing a single time.

It also seems like the CPU does not seem to throw enough pickoffs.

Where does the slider need to be to insure the CPU will attempt a pickoff if you try to extend leads? I have found that even decent baserunners would be over 100 SB per year if their OBP is around .350. I have decreased BR Speed and Frequency 1 tick to 4 might go lower. I don't want anyone but an elite BR stealing over 50 bags per year.

[Bobhead]

Re: Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

Has anyone started to tinker with Arm Strength? I knocked it down to 3 for a few games, but saw some overly weak rainbow throws when the play wasn't executed optimally. However, when it was executed well, the speed & trajectory of the throw looked pretty good and weak arms are more noticeable.

Anyone else?

I am in the exact same place, but I just ignore the weird rainbow throws (I rarely see them as long as I go no lower than 3), since I find super duper cannon throws are a lot more disruptive.

I haven't yet decided between 3 and 4, though.