JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

[Armor and Sword]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

What about us manual field & throw guys? Can we download it?


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

Yes totally. You guys are good to go.

[Genesio1]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

Cool....at least it saved one person

(Armor has also indicated that they are looking to fix this....along with the 'blue halo of death')

Damn and I wanted to download Bacons roster.... Reading what everyone saying sounds like fun guess I’ll just have to wait.

[JoshC1977]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

Damn and I wanted to download Bacons roster.... Reading what everyone saying sounds like fun guess I’ll just have to wait.

You don't HAVE to wait....

There IS an option if you use auto fielding, and that is turn auto throwing on as well. Frankly, even though I haven't installed the patch....I'm kinda pondering doing so...

[JoshC1977]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

Well...we're back in business boys!

[Genesio1]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

Well...we're back in business boys!

Safe to update again? Please tell me they removed that circle or whatever underneath defenders it’s ugly as........!

[JoshC1977]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

Safe to update again? Please tell me they removed that circle or whatever underneath defenders it’s ugly as........!

Yup we are good!


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[huskerz09]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

Game is playing really well on All-Star, certainly agree that you see ratings really shine. Your timing suggestion at 7/6 feels just right for me. I made a small change (Fielder run speed-4) and feel like user hitting, overall fielding and base running are looking beautiful. Looking to get the CPU going with a little more offense, specifically driving the ball a little better. Trying CPU timing at 6 for awhile. Also, considering CPU foul frequency at 4, but it seems that would be tied to timing. I really don't know enough about that slider.

For context I've been using the Braves with Bacon's rosters. I saw you were using them as well Josh, have you seen good variety in CPU hitting as you've gone along? Trust your takes because I've used your sets on other games (your "set" saved NCAA 14 for me) and now agree with keeping things as close to default as possible.

[JoshC1977]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

For those following at home:

I'm now testing two minor tweaks (similar to last year).

I'm increasing both user and CPU pitch control to 6. A little different reasoning for each:

User Pitch Control at 6: CPU is more patient in ABs. More borderline pitches as they don't drift all over the place. So, expect an overall increase in walks and a smarter CPU offense as a result. FWIW, first test game....I issued 7 walks and gave up 6 runs (only 1 via the HR)....just sayin'.

CPU Pitch Control at 6: Way more borderline pitches. You'll be forced to swing at "pitcher's pitches" more frequently. This leads to an increase in hit variety and if you're patient, you can glean more walks/Ks. While not an issue I've had, it does lead to fewer fat pitches over the heart of the plate. They'll still happen, but with a more reasonable frequency. It's a nice change because it doesn't "gimp" your offense but does make you think a bit more....which is very much to my style of play.

I'm not updating the OP just yet...I want sample size. But, feel free to try them out. If default is still working for you, stick with it by all means. But these tweaks will add a little more mental challenge while allowing ratings to shine.

[Genesio1]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

Played my first two games with Bacons roster... Geez. Talk about interesting gameplay with unexpected results. Small sample size I know but I loved every moment of it! I really have been missing out!

[huskerz09]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

For those following at home:

I'm now testing two minor tweaks (similar to last year).

I'm increasing both user and CPU pitch control to 6. A little different reasoning for each:

User Pitch Control at 6: CPU is more patient in ABs. More borderline pitches as they don't drift all over the place. So, expect an overall increase in walks and a smarter CPU offense as a result. FWIW, first test game....I issued 7 walks and gave up 6 runs (only 1 via the HR)....just sayin'.

CPU Pitch Control at 6: Way more borderline pitches. You'll be forced to swing at "pitcher's pitches" more frequently. This leads to an increase in hit variety and if you're patient, you can glean more walks/Ks. While not an issue I've had, it does lead to fewer fat pitches over the heart of the plate. They'll still happen, but with a more reasonable frequency. It's a nice change because it doesn't "gimp" your offense but does make you think a bit more....which is very much to my style of play.

I'm not updating the OP just yet...I want sample size. But, feel free to try them out. If default is still working for you, stick with it by all means. But these tweaks will add a little more mental challenge while allowing ratings to shine.

Got two games in tonight with these changes. CPU control at 6 was looking good to me. Great variety and ratings held true. Strengthened what I already thought was good gameplay when hitting.

Human control at 6 for me personally may not be the way I go. The CPU definitely was patient, but I was seeing that at 5 too. Actually was one of the thing that stood out to me at default. May be my play style as well, I'm pretty careful when I pitch so naturally I throw a lot of balls. With the increased human control I was able to hit corners pretty well throwing to similar spots. The fact that I get behind in the count fairly often is also why I'm looking to give the CPU a little more pop, right now they aren't making me pay for having to bring a pitch into the zone. Tinkering with CPU timing and solid hits at 6. CPU hit their first two homeruns off me with those settings, for context I played like 7 games today.

[JoshC1977]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

Got two games in tonight with these changes. CPU control at 6 was looking good to me. Great variety and ratings held true. Strengthened what I already thought was good gameplay when hitting.

Human control at 6 for me personally may not be the way I go. The CPU definitely was patient, but I was seeing that at 5 too. Actually was one of the thing that stood out to me at default. May be my play style as well, I'm pretty careful when I pitch so naturally I throw a lot of balls. With the increased human control I was able to hit corners pretty well throwing to similar spots. The fact that I get behind in the count fairly often is also why I'm looking to give the CPU a little more pop, right now they aren't making me pay for having to bring a pitch into the zone. Tinkering with CPU timing and solid hits at 6. CPU hit their first two homeruns off me with those settings, for context I played like 7 games today.

Timing/Solid Hits aren't going to do enough for you if you pitch scared. If you're throwing more than 15 pitches per inning on average, you're pitching poorly, even if you're having success at that time. It'll catch up with you because you'll begin to wear down your staff. You HAVE to throw strikes...which means...throwing pitches in the zone....which yes, may get punished.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

There are so many variables taking place with classic pitching.....which is a result of what we want. Ratings based results as much as possible and RNG being the primary driver.

However. What you as a user need to get really good at are:

1. Knowing your staff inside and out. What are your best “out” pitches for your starters and relievers. Know if your pitcher simply does not “have it” that day. You will know. Also use the warm up pitches for your receivers to not only build no stress confidence in pitches....but to gauge their stuff that day.

2. Knowing where to locate each pitch on great hitters and in key situations on any hitter. Check the hitters ratings, quirks, hot zones (in the pause screen and pull up the player card via the triangle button) and have a plan for every AB.

3. Pitch sequencing is vital to success. Mix your stuff up. Everything though is built off your number 1 pitch which for 95% of pitchers is locating your fastball and getting ahead of hitters.

4. Having a great feel for how long to hold down the effort for each pitch. I use the same button to hold down as the pitch. Example.....if my curve ball is triangle...I will hold down the triangle button after I select that pitch with the triangle button.....I love they added that a few years back. The only time you cannot do that is using the slide step (which I do use when I have to hold runners at bay or have a shot to gun them down stealing). I am most of the time an in-between guy. I don’t tap often and I don’t hold down for max effort often. Typically I use max effort in high leverage situations where I need a K and with my closers...I max more often with their best pitch (and no one on base to avoid wild pitches).

Again a ton of strategy is involved with classic pitching.

On MLB 20 I am striking out more CPU batters then ever before. Setting them up has never been better. And I am getting both swinging and looking K’s.

It is marvelous.

[JoshC1977]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

There are so many variables taking place with classic pitching.....which is a result of what we want. Ratings based results as much as possible and RNG being the primary driver.

However. What you as a user need to get really good at are:

1. Knowing your staff inside and out. What are your best “out” pitches for your starters and relievers. Know if your pitcher simply does not “have it” that day. You will know. Also use the warm up pitches for your receivers to not only build no stress confidence in pitches....but to gauge their stuff that day.

2. Knowing where to locate each pitch on great hitters and in key situations on any hitter. Check the hitters ratings, quirks, hot zones (in the pause screen and pull up the player card via the triangle button) and have a plan for every AB.

3. Pitch sequencing is vital to success. Mix your stuff up. Everything though is built off your number 1 pitch which for 95% of pitchers is locating your fastball and getting ahead of hitters.

4. Having a great feel for how long to hold down the effort for each pitch. I use the same button to hold down as the pitch. Example.....if my curve ball is triangle...I will hold down the triangle button after I select that pitch with the triangle button.....I love they added that a few years back. The only time you cannot do that is using the slide step (which I do use when I have to hold runners at bay or have a shot to gun them down stealing). I am most of the time an in-between guy. I don’t tap often and I don’t hold down for max effort often. Typically I use max effort in high leverage situations where I need a K and with my closers...I max more often with their best pitch (and no one on base to avoid wild pitches).

Again a ton of strategy is involved with classic pitching.

On MLB 20 I am striking out more CPU batters then ever before. Setting them up has never been better. And I am getting both swinging and looking K’s.

It is marvelous.

I agree with everything you said, but there's one thing you missed (at least IMO).

You HAVE to be willing to attack hitters and be efficient (guess I'm from the Greg Maddux school of pitching, lol). That means throwing quality strikes in the zone EARLY in the count. On All Star in particular, this is vital as the CPU is measured in their approach to ABs (and even moreso - which I love - with the User Control at 6). Once you get that nice blend of early in-zone strikes and borderline pitches, it cascades from there and you see a ton of variety from the CPU...they'll swing more at strikes in the zone instead of waiting for you to walk them (as they will if you just nibble). This is when the batter vs hitter ratings begin to really shine.

Since I made the change to the user control slider, I'm giving up more hits, more walks, and more runs WITHOUT it relying on random outcomes - which is precisely what I was looking for.

[huskerz09]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

I agree with everything you said, but there's one thing you missed (at least IMO).

You HAVE to be willing to attack hitters and be efficient (guess I'm from the Greg Maddux school of pitching, lol). That means throwing quality strikes in the zone EARLY in the count. On All Star in particular, this is vital as the CPU is measured in their approach to ABs (and even moreso - which I love - with the User Control at 6). Once you get that nice blend of early in-zone strikes and borderline pitches, it cascades from there and you see a ton of variety from the CPU...they'll swing more at strikes in the zone instead of waiting for you to walk them (as they will if you just nibble). This is when the batter vs hitter ratings begin to really shine.

Since I made the change to the user control slider, I'm giving up more hits, more walks, and more runs WITHOUT it relying on random outcomes - which is precisely what I was looking for.

I'll give human control at 6 another shot. I have realized that sometimes you have to change up your play style to get the kind of game you want. Trust me I would love for it to stick, because I think it's really close to being outstanding gameplay.

[JoshC1977]

Re: JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

I'll give human control at 6 another shot. I have realized that sometimes you have to change up your play style to get the kind of game you want. Trust me I would love for it to stick, because I think it's really close to being outstanding gameplay.

This might sound weird to some...but I try to focus on just playing the game vs going all-out to win it. My enjoyment is derived from being a part of the story not from ringing-up a W. Doesn't mean that I don't play hard...but I also don't play with an intensity to "win at all costs". BTW...I'm not saying that it's a bad thing either...but if you've got that mindset, I think you'll find many of the things I do with the sliders and my approach may not quite jive with your needs.

To me, it all boils down to one question: why do you play the game? (that answer will point you in the direction you need to go in)