Wondering how I might improve

[Franchise408]

I don't know if this is appropriate to have my own thread for, or if it would be better off posting in the franchise progress thread. But I am at a loss, I don't know what I'm doing wrong. In my franchise, I've currently played every game to this point (simmed none), and I am 1-8. My lone win came off of a walk off HR in the bottom of the 11th inning from Buster Posey.

First things first, I don't want to adjust sliders. I am playing on All-Star difficulty, and I don't necessarily feel the game is too hard. I feel like I am right at the cusp, but something is missing, and I don't know if it is me or my team.

I've currently had series' against the Dodgers (swept 0-4), Padres (swept 0-2), and Cardinals (lost 1-2).

While I know the Giants don't have the best bats, and I do need to upgrade my lineup, I'm not struggling all THAT much with my bats. In my 9 games, I've had hits of 6, 11, 12, 3, 12, 8, 12, 9, and 9. Freddy Sanchez has gotten at least 1 hit in all 9 games and is currently batting .432. Miguel Tejada is on a 6 game hitting streak and hitting .333. I have Andres Torres up at .417. My lowest average in my starting lineup is Buster Posey at .156, but he's been playing with a minor injury all season so far that's lowered his ratings. He should be back at full strength here real soon. I have a couple pitchers that melt down, but for the most part I'm pretty solid with my pitching. I have few complaints there.

Even in this last game that I lost 4-0, I had about 4 straight innings with runners either on 2nd and 3rd, 3rd, 1st and 2nd, or bases loaded, but I was never able to bring anyone in. So I don't think that the difficulty setting is just beyond my abilities.

Should I stack my lineup differently? Here's what I got currently:

RHP
1. A. Torres
2. F. Sanchez
3. P. Sandoval
4. A. Huff
5. P. Burrell
6. B. Posey
7. M. Tejada
8. C. Ross
9. Pitcher

LHP
1. A. Torres
2. F. Sanchez
3. C. Guzman (free agent signing)
4. A. Huff
5. P. Burrell
6. B. Posey
7. M. Tejada
8. C. Ross
9. Pitcher

Or could I just be a victim of a strong opening schedule? (Dodgers and Cardinals both are high rated teams)

If anyone might have some tips for me, it'd be appreciated. Despite my losing, I am having a blast with this game. I'd just like to start notching up some wins too.

Hopefully this is okay to make a thread here. Apologies if it belongs somewhere else.

[stcardinal]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

I play with the Giants too and while my hitting is similar to yours I am winning because of pitching. I can get 9-19 hits a game but only score 2-3 runs. I don't think I've ever scored more than 5 with the Giants. I had a lot of clutch wins late in the innings and I haven't even messed with my lineup. I give up a bunch of hits but I am able to limit the damage. People will get 10 hits off me but only score 1 run or 2. After the new patch, I've been striking people out like crazy.

The only funny thing is, I can't seem to strike a lot out with Lincecum. I can get like 6-7k with everyone but with Lincecum it's really hard. I have to pitch him into the 8th to get 7ks. Most of his pitches end up being pop ups behind home plate for some reason.

[Franchise408]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

I can get a lot of strikeouts with my starters. Matt Cain has 13 in 2 games, Lincecum has 11 in 2 games, and Sanchez has 10 in 2 games. The bottom of my rotation (Baumgarner, Zito) will steadily give up runs all game, while the top of my rotation (Lincecum, Cain) will typically hold the opposition in check until past the mid point of the game, when finally they wear down and the CPU bats come alive. Against the Cardinals, Sanchez gave up 3 runs all game. He pitched 7 shutout innings the first outing against the Dodgers, but the bullpen ended up losing it (Brian Wilson got the loss after blowing a 9th inning lead). The game that I beat the Cardinals, Cain held the Cards to 1 run in 8 innings and I won in the 11th with a walk off. In his last start, Lincecum shut out the Padres through 5, and finally gave up 3 in the 6th. The top of my rotation is amazing, I just can't hold on long enough to get the wins.

I just finished off a game against the Dodgers where I went off for 18 hits, but I could never bring guys in. I had one inning, bottom of the 6th, where I got some men on with a little 2 out rally, pinch hit Pablo Sandoval for Barry Zito, and knocked out a 3 run shot off the bench. Then the next inning, my normally dependable Ramon Ramirez came out of the bullpen and gave up 2 runs, sealing the win for the Dodgers, dropping me to 1-9.

I'm having a blast playing, but it's getting frustrating just watching the losses pile up out of control.

I was dicking around with some of my players in trade finder, and I noticed the Red Sox offered up David Ortiz for Aubrey Huff. Might have to be a move I look into making. I can't get anything going with Huff, and Ortiz will give me a big bat. I'd hate to have to make such a big move so early in the season, but something's gotta give here. I'm gonna finish out this series with the Dodgers, now that I've adjusted my lineup and my bats are coming around a bit, I'm gonna see if I can string something together.

[DStars15]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

Some tips that might help:

1) Don't always pull the ball. Switch it up at times. Opposite field is your friend. Use it. If you the see the pitcher tearing up the outside corners, try to go opposite field.

2) Make sure you are using power swing with the right guys. If he has 70 contact with 40 power, most of the time you might want to go for the contact swing. If his power is 70 or above, I usually go with the power swing especially when ahead in counts. I've had some success with this.

3) If you're having trouble hitting a pitcher, work the counts. Let his pitch count go up so he starts making mistakes and giving you good pitches to hit.

4) Wait for your pitch. If you're looking for that fastball inside to crush, it'll come. The pitcher might not give you exactly what you're looking for every time, but you'll get your pitches.

5) You might want to utilize the trade finder and see what else if offered. In my rangers franchise, I'm hitting very well with Chris Davis. His overall isn't high and he might be an easy guy to get. Look around and see what you can get.

This might help you out a little. Of course this is what is working for me right now so it might not be what works for you or other people. Good luck and keep us updated.

[stcardinal]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

I can get a lot of strikeouts with my starters. Matt Cain has 13 in 2 games, Lincecum has 11 in 2 games, and Sanchez has 10 in 2 games. The bottom of my rotation (Baumgarner, Zito) will steadily give up runs all game, while the top of my rotation (Lincecum, Cain) will typically hold the opposition in check until past the mid point of the game, when finally they wear down and the CPU bats come alive. Against the Cardinals, Sanchez gave up 3 runs all game. He pitched 7 shutout innings the first outing against the Dodgers, but the bullpen ended up losing it (Brian Wilson got the loss after blowing a 9th inning lead). The game that I beat the Cardinals, Cain held the Cards to 1 run in 8 innings and I won in the 11th with a walk off. In his last start, Lincecum shut out the Padres through 5, and finally gave up 3 in the 6th. The top of my rotation is amazing, I just can't hold on long enough to get the wins.

I just finished off a game against the Dodgers where I went off for 18 hits, but I could never bring guys in. I had one inning, bottom of the 6th, where I got some men on with a little 2 out rally, pinch hit Pablo Sandoval for Barry Zito, and knocked out a 3 run shot off the bench. Then the next inning, my normally dependable Ramon Ramirez came out of the bullpen and gave up 2 runs, sealing the win for the Dodgers, dropping me to 1-9.

I'm having a blast playing, but it's getting frustrating just watching the losses pile up out of control.

I was dicking around with some of my players in trade finder, and I noticed the Red Sox offered up David Ortiz for Aubrey Huff. Might have to be a move I look into making. I can't get anything going with Huff, and Ortiz will give me a big bat. I'd hate to have to make such a big move so early in the season, but something's gotta give here. I'm gonna finish out this series with the Dodgers, now that I've adjusted my lineup and my bats are coming around a bit, I'm gonna see if I can string something together.

For me, I keep my starters in usually through 7 sometimes 8. If a RP gives up a hit I immediately replace him with another and I play righty lefty match ups all the time. I rarely throw down the middle and everything is to a corner and on every side. I really don't know what to tell ya. I'm usually always in 0 outs 2 on situations. It's frustrating but I can usually get myself out of it. I've just been extremely lucky.

Huff went 5-5 once for one too. My worse player is DeRosa who has no average an Pablo is leading with 3 HRs in an early season.

[1andonly]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

Playing with the Padres I also feel your pain for bad hitting, seeing as how the Padres are the worst hitting team. I get my runs (the few i actually do) by getting walks, little singles, then stealing 2nd etc. Basically I just play small ball.

I struck out 42 times in the first 3 game series against the Cards So I feel your pain. I usually struggle with the Padres until mid way through April when I face some lower end pitching. Starting the year I face,

1. Wainwright
2. Carpenter
3. Jaime Garcia (88 with updated rosters)
4. Lincecum
5. Billingsly
6. Kuo
7. Kuroda

Then I face stretch of average pitching

1. Aroldis Chapman
2. Bronson Arroyo
3. Bud Norris
4. Wandy Rodriguez

Then it heats back up again

1. Zambrano
2. Garza
3. Dempster
4. Hamels
5. Halladay
6. Lee
7. Lowe
8. Beachy
9. Hanson
10. Kershaw
11. Billingsly
12. Kuroda


I face only 4 pitchers under 84 4 times in all of April.

Then it finally dies down getting into May till about the end of May then I get some more

1. King Felix
2. Pineda
3. Wainwright
4. Strasburg
5. Hanson
6. Hudson



Basically to me, if you have really bad hitting, you gotta wait for some of the weaker times to rack up some wins.

[PittPens1787]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

Playing with the Padres I also feel your pain for bad hitting, seeing as how the Padres are the worst hitting team. I get my runs (the few i actually do) by getting walks, little singles, then stealing 2nd etc. Basically I just play small ball.

I struck out 42 times in the first 3 game series against the Cards So I feel your pain. I usually struggle with the Padres until mid way through April when I face some lower end pitching. Starting the year I face,

I face only 4 pitchers under 84 4 times in all of April.

Then it finally dies down getting into May till about the end of May then I get some more

Basically to me, if you have really bad hitting, you gotta wait for some of the weaker times to rack up some wins.

Off topic: That's brutal man. I've been considering starting a franchise with the Padres as I like to rebuild teams and theyve got a nice you staff, but that opening schedule is just BRUTAL.

[Franchise408]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

Thanks for the replies, everyone. Some of those things I've already been doing (I.E.: If a batter has a 70+ power rating, I will usually give him a strike or two of power swings before going contact. The only player I always power swing with is Pat Burrell, who has 80+ power and really weak contact).

This last game I played, I got myself a LOT more patient at the plate. And it paid off. So did tinkering with my lineup.

The Dodgers got 2 quick runs to start off the first inning, but at the bottom of the inning, my top 3 was Aaron Rowland, Freddy Sanchez, and Cristian Guzman. I was able to put a run across. The next inning, I was able to put another run across and tied it up. Had a big 3rd inning and took a 4-2 lead. The Dodgers would get it back with a big 4th inning, but Lincecum held them after that, and in the 8th inning I brought in Wilson with the game tied. Sure enough in the bottom of the 8th, I was able to get a big double with Pat Burrell, and then added the game winning RBI with Tejada, who knocked a double down the first base line. Finished 'em off with Wilson.

12 hits in all. 5 runs scored. Lincecum surrendered 4, but the heart of that Dodgers lineup is wicked.

This last game also showed me the importance of getting a max pitch. I had about 2 or 3 innings where I was racking up max pitches left and right with Lincecum and just sending batters down like nothing.

Unfortunately, I lost Freddy Sanchez for a month in the game. He got injured, and he's been the best hitter in the entire National League to this point.

[1andonly]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

Off topic: That's brutal man. I've been considering starting a franchise with the Padres as I like to rebuild teams and theyve got a nice you staff, but that opening schedule is just BRUTAL.

Yeah it's really tough. Would be a tough stretch for even the Rangers or Yankees.

But if I get to the trade deadline and i'm in the pennant race, i'm gonna add me a big ol' bat. Im going after like a Fielder or something.

Having only 3 guys above 78, and 2 of those guys are 80 and 81, really hurts my hitting.

I did however trade for a prospect who is 5 star pot, 21 years old. He only has 37 power but has 75 contact and 87 speed already

[stcardinal]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

I always take a first pitch strike and try to rack up a pitcher's pitch count. If I have a pitcher batting, I'll try to get a full 5 pitches out of the opposing pitcher just to efe with him a little. You have to work the count and be patient.

With Burrell, I always power swing too, but he's really useless for me and will just strike out. With the Giants I've only hit a HR with Ross, Sandoval, Torres and Huff. All in clutch situations to tie/win for me.

[DaveMN]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

I'll just echo what others have said. Take a lot of pitches to try to work a hitter's count like 2-0 or 3-1. Then sit on a fastball and use a power swing (with power hitters) to rip it. Early in a game I almost always just sit and take a strike or two before I even attempt a swing. I can't emphasis enough how important it is to look at a lot of pitches.

I also play a lot of "small-ball" by taking advantage of my speedy runners and stealing/taking the extra base whenever possible. Get a good lead by taking 4 steps, and you can usually get a steal with the fast guys.

[SynShadowzz]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

You know what drives me crazy? I've subliminally taught myself to swing like it's a fastball everytime. Thus, I get a ton of "Very Early Swing" notifications.

I've also lost a bit of my eye at the plate as I can't seem to pick up pitches as well anymore. If you drop a sinker on me, even if it's really low... I'll probably still swing at it. Man, I kick myself over and over for this stuff.

I enjoy that though.

[branch]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

You know what drives me crazy? I've subliminally taught myself to swing like it's a fastball everytime. Thus, I get a ton of "Very Early Swing" notifications.

I've also lost a bit of my eye at the plate as I can't seem to pick up pitches as well anymore. If you drop a sinker on me, even if it's really low... I'll probably still swing at it. Man, I kick myself over and over for this stuff.

I enjoy that though.

I am in the same boat as you. I'm currently at the end of the 1st week of may and have around 320 strikeouts. Sometimes I don't swing, but I get caught in streaks and swing at almost everything

[Franchise408]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

I'll just echo what others have said. Take a lot of pitches to try to work a hitter's count like 2-0 or 3-1. Then sit on a fastball and use a power swing (with power hitters) to rip it. Early in a game I almost always just sit and take a strike or two before I even attempt a swing. I can't emphasis enough how important it is to look at a lot of pitches.

I also play a lot of "small-ball" by taking advantage of my speedy runners and stealing/taking the extra base whenever possible. Get a good lead by taking 4 steps, and you can usually get a steal with the fast guys.

Stealing is another problem that I have. I only ever attempt it with my faster guys... Andres Torres (SPD 88), Emmanuel Burriss (SPD 84) or Darren Ford (SPD 95), but even with taking extra steps on my lead, I get caught stealing 2nd base everytime.

Meanwhile the CPU, even when guys with STL ratings only in the 60's steal on me everytime. Even with Buster Posey getting throws in the green.

[Franchise408]

Re: Wondering how I might improve

w00t! I've actually racked up 2 in a row now, winning the series against the Dodgers 2-1. Matt Cain was once again incredible, giving up just 1 run. It took forever for my bats to come around. I didn't get any runs until the 6th inning when Aubrey Huff got a big time 2 run double. I got a little bit of insurance in the 7th, and finished 'em off. Hopefully my early struggles were just me needing to pick up on the learning curve. Hopefully I'm doing it and I don't have any more 6 game losing streaks in me.