JoshC1977's "Maximize Player Ratings" MLB 20 Sliders

[JoshC1977]

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

I've been using the OP sliders in my Phillies franchise, still on AS. I'm having a blast - I'm 13-3 and I'm not first or last in any category. I was first in ERA for a while but that has gone up some so I'm 2nd or 3rd now. I was wondering if this was a little too easy for me, but the Phillies start with the Marlins, Mets, Brewers, Blue Jays and Reds - none of whom are within 3 games of .500.

The Reds were the closest, when I went into Cincinnati for a 4 game set the Reds were .500. I absolutely pounded the ball the first two games and won both easily. Game 3 was different as I won 2-0 and I have 7 hits. The Sunday finale I had Nola going, so I figured this would be an easy one as his ERA was .70 (or so) heading in. Well, not so much - Nola had problems locating and was chased after giving up two home runs, including a 3 run blast and the Phils took the lost 7-1. I think I had 4 hits. Now off to Milwaukee.

I've been thinking of bumping up to AS+ but since my competition thus far (obviously a minute sample size) has been struggling, I've held off. Plus I had never used Classic or directional hitting before so that took some getting used to. We'll see. I know the Phils weren't being picked to have a strong season, but if their hitters stay healthy, the lineup is pretty strong - Hoskins is a key and he started on fire for me though he has cooled some.

An aside - does anyone play franchise games in historical parks? I often play one game a series in a team's historical park (if they have one) just for a change in scenery. Like for my series in Cincinnati I played game 3 in Crosley Field. I played one game in Miami at Old Marlins and one game at Shea against the Mets. I will play an occasional Phillies home game at Shibe (fun fact - the house my dad grew up in is in the game - if you look over the right field wall, in foul territory there is an alley - his old house is to the left of the alley).

Let me say this. I didn't make the change to AS+ until I had played more than 170 games with this setup (around 70 on this game and 100 last year).

I actually made the change in spite of a losing record on AS this year. It's not about winning or losing, it was about how I was getting there. I just wasn't quite getting the extremes in variety I wanted (which means I wasn't being challenged quite enough).

You should feel like you "need" to focus every game...if you do feel that way and you're just being successful, you need to basically quadruple your sample size. If you can be THAT successful without focusing hard, then yes, bump it up.

[mdgoalie37]

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

Let me say this. I didn't make the change to AS+ until I had played more than 170 games with this setup (around 70 on this game and 100 last year).

I actually made the change in spite of a losing record on AS this year. It's not about winning or losing, it was about how I was getting there. I just wasn't quite getting the extremes in variety I wanted (which means I wasn't being challenged quite enough).

You should feel like you "need" to focus every game...if you do feel that way and you're just being successful, you need to basically quadruple your sample size. If you can be THAT successful without focusing hard, then yes, bump it up.

Oh I agree 100%, like I mentioned it's a minute sample size. I just recall back when I was starting up playing around with a March to October I was using the Dynamic difficulty and hovering in the AS+ / HOF area, so in my head I start to think AS is not the proper challenge. But like I said, then I get a game where my ace is rocked and I don't hit, which is great.

I definitely need to focus or I will K a ton. That was one category I was last in the league for a bit, now I'm like 28th or so. Still getting 7-11 per game which is on point. I'm using more contact swings when behind in the count which helps.

I like the classic pitching since it's more ratings based than using the meter - with that I could time it pretty well and hit corners with my worst guys, probably a big reason why I was in that AS+/HOF area in the pitching side previously. You can tell when your pitcher isn't sharp and when he is. I felt like I needed to increase my walks for, so I make sure I 'aim' every pitch away from the middle.

I'm loving these sliders and I also used your Madden default sliders this year - I need to check out your NCAA sliders too.

[JoshC1977]

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

Oh I agree 100%, like I mentioned it's a minute sample size. I just recall back when I was starting up playing around with a March to October I was using the Dynamic difficulty and hovering in the AS+ / HOF area, so in my head I start to think AS is not the proper challenge. But like I said, then I get a game where my ace is rocked and I don't hit, which is great.

I definitely need to focus or I will K a ton. That was one category I was last in the league for a bit, now I'm like 28th or so. Still getting 7-11 per game which is on point. I'm using more contact swings when behind in the count which helps.

I like the classic pitching since it's more ratings based than using the meter - with that I could time it pretty well and hit corners with my worst guys, probably a big reason why I was in that AS+/HOF area in the pitching side previously. You can tell when your pitcher isn't sharp and when he is. I felt like I needed to increase my walks for, so I make sure I 'aim' every pitch away from the middle.

I'm loving these sliders and I also used your Madden default sliders this year - I need to check out your NCAA sliders too.

Based on everything you said....my gut says to ride it out a little longer. The Phillies' schedule is a lot like the Yankees - very cushy in April. Unless the wins continue snow-balling (or if you start getting a lot of consistent outcomes), I'd try to work through the end of May and then make a decision.

[mdgoalie37]

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

Based on everything you said....my gut says to ride it out a little longer. The Phillies' schedule is a lot like the Yankees - very cushy in April. Unless the wins continue snow-balling (or if you start getting a lot of consistent outcomes), I'd try to work through the end of May and then make a decision.

Agreed - and May is tough. 3 against the Braves, Nats, Mets and Cardinals and 6 against the Dodgers.

I head to Milwaukee next, I expect them to be better than the first time I played them - they didn't hit at all in Philly.

[PotterB33]

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

anyone seeing a lot of CPU fouls ?

2-3 batters a game with those 10-15 pitch at bats are killing me

I know you see them IRL, so what do I do ? increase starter stamina , decrease CPU fouls ?

Im about 50 games into season / Bacons rosters

[JoshC1977]

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

anyone seeing a lot of CPU fouls ?

2-3 batters a game with those 10-15 pitch at bats are killing me

I know you see them IRL, so what do I do ? increase starter stamina , decrease CPU fouls ?

Im about 50 games into season / Bacons rosters

The following assumes you call your own game instead of relying on catcher calls. If you rely on catcher calls, there's the issue.

Work a bit more on pitch sequencing. (I know, not the answer you want to hear). Sometimes you just have to throw a more hittable pitch and move on to the next AB. If they get a hit, they get a hit. I had this problem for a bit myself and have managed to overcome it as I become more familiar with my pitchers.

I've gone through stretches with some guys with low K/9 ratings...you just have to pitch to contact and trust your defense. My number 3 starter, Ed Sweet, is NOT a strikeout guy. I pump strikes and let the opponent hit the ball....he's gotten hammered a couple of times, but has also pitched very well, inducing groundball after groundball.

I've had successful outings where I've gone 7 innings on just a hair over 60 pitches and others where I was at 100 after 5 innings.

This is where Bacon's roster shines immersion-wise (lack of foreknowledge - we have to do our own scouting reports), I'm getting to the point where I'm considering jotting down notes about my opponents (strengths/weaknesses) just to help out a bit more.

[Krebstar]

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

1. I'm elated to see an All-Star set, as for years it has seemed to be my ceiling when it comes to realism and enjoying the game. Thanks for these, Josh!

2. Curious of how many in here use the Pitching Ball Marker on, and if so, which version? Classic on, classic fade, pitch path (forget what it's called). With strike zone off, I pretty much need to have the marker on, but even with it set to classic on I was having trouble getting any of my pitches to hit their spots or even find the zone at all. Going to keep going at it, just didn't know if anyone else has found certain markers on giving too much of a human advantage.

[JoshC1977]

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

1. I'm elated to see an All-Star set, as for years it has seemed to be my ceiling when it comes to realism and enjoying the game. Thanks for these, Josh!

2. Curious of how many in here use the Pitching Ball Marker on, and if so, which version? Classic on, classic fade, pitch path (forget what it's called). With strike zone off, I pretty much need to have the marker on, but even with it set to classic on I was having trouble getting any of my pitches to hit their spots or even find the zone at all. Going to keep going at it, just didn't know if anyone else has found certain markers on giving too much of a human advantage.

No problem Krebstar! I started doing AS sets last year as I too felt there was a void there. Higher levels are OK, I just don't enjoy them so I began working on my own on All Star.

As for pitching, I highly recommend keeping the marker (and vibration) off. It really mimics the relative uncertainty pitchers have in aiming pitches. I 'believe' most here do subscribe to keeping it off. I've "forced" a couple of folks who had similar doubts to just really go for it; and to their surprise, they adapted quickly.

If you need something to break into the set with (I'm not sure how much you've played recently), classic fade is fine. Once you get used to the amount of pressure you need to aim pitches to different quadrants, definitely turn it off. Sure, we all have periods from time to time where we "lose the zone", but so do pitchers in real life...and that's part of the charm here.

Holler if you have questions!

[bigh0rt]

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

Somehow this set plays even better with Bacon's roster than with the more popular MLB rosters. I don't know if it has to do with the forced balance/disparity of talent, or what, but it's simply fantastic (as you've touted over and over, to your credit). The most fun I've had with the game since getting it in March.

[JoshC1977]

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

Somehow this set plays even better with Bacon's roster than with the more popular MLB rosters. I don't know if it has to do with the forced balance/disparity of talent, or what, but it's simply fantastic (as you've touted over and over, to your credit). The most fun I've had with the game since getting it in March.

Right?!! It's beyond the "we don't have expectations of the players" aspect that makes fictional rosters fun too. There's just something with this roster....

I'm not sure if it is the more extreme ratings which creates more extreme hitter/pitcher matchups or if it is that there are simply more good pitchers in the roster to balance out the hitting. Not having a bunch of high-90s overall players probably helps out a bit too.

I'm already in mid-June in my fictional Braves franchise....having played every pitch...and I keep craving more.

[garry1221]

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

anyone seeing a lot of CPU fouls ?

2-3 batters a game with those 10-15 pitch at bats are killing me

I know you see them IRL, so what do I do ? increase starter stamina , decrease CPU fouls ?

Im about 50 games into season / Bacons rosters

Are you pounding the strike zone or do you try to expand it? If the latter, try expanding more. If its 2 or 3 batters every game like that, it seems more user than slider, to me. In RTTS or the rare occasion I play a game, my tendency is to stick closer to the zone, but if a batter fouls off 3 or 4, I'll throw 2 or 3 visibly out of the zone to try and get him to chase. Then I'll come back and try and paint a corner with my best FB. Hell, occasionally if a batter's THAT frustrating, i might throw an off speed or breaking ball damn near down the middle and hope my stuff is good enough to cause weak contact for an easier out.

[JoshC1977]

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

Are you pounding the strike zone or do you try to expand it? If the latter, try expanding more. If its 2 or 3 batters every game like that, it seems more user than slider, to me. In RTTS or the rare occasion I play a game, my tendency is to stick closer to the zone, but if a batter fouls off 3 or 4, I'll throw 2 or 3 visibly out of the zone to try and get him to chase. Then I'll come back and try and paint a corner with my best FB. Hell, occasionally if a batter's THAT frustrating, i might throw an off speed or breaking ball damn near down the middle and hope my stuff is good enough to cause weak contact for an easier out.

Good advice. And one thing I'd add...if I know a guy is a tough strikeout out...or if my pitcher has a low k-rating, I'll just walk the guy if he starts getting into 'contact mode'...heck, I've actually rung up a couple of Ks when trying to do that very thing

[tyler28]

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

I will concur with previous statements about bacons roster. After playing roughly 25 games i can say it plays a better game of base ball.

Ps for josh, on bacons roster i dont see the hr rate i was on osfm 2.5.

Also a plus i enjoy are the different batter stances and pitcher wind ups!!

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[PotterB33]

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

Good advice. And one thing I'd add...if I know a guy is a tough strikeout out...or if my pitcher has a low k-rating, I'll just walk the guy if he starts getting into 'contact mode'...heck, I've actually rung up a couple of Ks when trying to do that very thing

thanks guys ill try expanding the zone more and relying less on catchers calls

[bigh0rt]

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

Right?!! It's beyond the "we don't have expectations of the players" aspect that makes fictional rosters fun too. There's just something with this roster....

I'm not sure if it is the more extreme ratings which creates more extreme hitter/pitcher matchups or if it is that there are simply more good pitchers in the roster to balance out the hitting. Not having a bunch of high-90s overall players probably helps out a bit too.

I'm already in mid-June in my fictional Braves franchise....having played every pitch...and I keep craving more.

I’m coming up on the end of April and having so much fun. I’ve never K’d so much or hit so many singles, and I’ve got to attribute it to the roster since I didn’t experience it with any of the current rosters. And they really play perfectly with this set in terms of enjoyment so far.