The biggest one is that the CPU pitchers throw up in the strike zone way too much, especially with breaking/offspeed stuff. You almost never see a pitcher throw anything other than a fastball up in the zone unless its a mistake. In the game, a high slider or changeup is just another way to fool the hitter for the CPU AI. Does anyone else feel the same way, or is it possible that this is due to my AI pitching sliders (I have throw ball overall at 15, paint corners at 85)?
Another, which seems to be improved upon in this year's iteration, is having the AI pitch around (not IBBs, just very careful) dangerous hitters and others when situationally appropriate. It's still not great, but getting better. For example, when the 8th hitter is batting in NL, many times they will see very few strikes due to the pitcher being on deck (aside from PH situations of course). Obviously hitters like Pujols, Bonds, Ramirez, Ortiz, etc should be pitched to very carefully by the CPU, as they in real life.
I remember playing High Heat circa 2002 and getting probably a walk a game with Brian Giles because the CPU pitchers didn't want to throw him strikes. He was the only truly dangerous bat in the lineup and it seemed as if they weren't going to let him beat them, if at all possible. Very well handled in my opinion.
I'm sure I didn't mention some others, but even with these nit-picks, I think the showdown between the pitcher and batter (probably the most important aspect of a baseball game) comes across very well. It would be even better with more foul-offs to drag out at-bats for a few more pitches, but thats a story for another thread...
Comment