How does "role" affect cpu pitchers?

[Saint19]

Hi,

In both 2k4, and 2k5 there is an option in the pitching section to change the role of the players. But I'm not sure how this affects the cpu's use of them. How does it affect the cpu's use of a player if he's set to relief, setup, middle etc? I'm curious as I can't find it in the documentation. Also does it affect a players performance if you move him outside a role he was intended for....for example maybe moving a sterter to the bullpen? Thanx in advance.

Michael

[baa7]

Re: How does "role" affect cpu pitchers?

Here’s what I’ve observed in 2K5:

The CPU will generally insert a reliever by taking into account his role and rating. For example, it will insert a long or middle relief guy if the starter gets knocked out early. And it will always insert the higher rated guy, so I try to match up ratings when I assign roles (I adjust CPU lineups and rotations): assign the two guys who are rated around 65 as the long relievers, etc.

But it’s not always the case that the CPU will insert the appropriate reliever. The game logic isn’t particularly great, and I’ve seen things like the CPU bringing the closer in with a couple of innings to go, in a game it’s losing… that sort of thing. And it does that because again it’s simply looking at the pitcher’s overall ratings a lot of the time – many of the closers having the highest ratings of any relievers.

Another thing: if a pitcher is simply assigned as a reliever rather than long, middle, set-up and so forth, the CPU doesn’t seem to ever use the guy. That’s what I’ve seen anyway. And I don’t know about your question regarding starters as relievers, but I can’t imagine it affects their performance. The game isn’t that sophisticated IMO.

[Saint19]

Re: How does "role" affect cpu pitchers?

Just the info I was looking for. Thanx.

Michael