Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

[Blazzen]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

I'm wondering what Pitch Zone tendency does. I don't think it affects the CPU throwing strikes (that's called Strike Zone Tendency). I noticed on default all star it is 35, it's 20 on default legend. So obviously the lower it is the harder it makes it. My best guess is it either has to do with:

a) CPU's tendency to throw in the "scouting report" zones. The color coded squares that come up. 35 rating might equal throwing into one of these areas 35% of the time. Less guess work for the user.
b) Another guess is where in the zone they throw. They always say for pitchers to keep the ball down. Maybe the lower the rating is the lower they keep the ball in the zone. If you raise the rating then they throw more high pitches that are open to getting pounded.

Anyone know for certain what CPU pitch zone tendency means?

[mkharsh33]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

no idea...but i've set mine at 0.

i liked the new sliders you posted on the previous page...i've jotted them down in my notes. (yeah, i have a notebook full of sports video game crap...anal).

[itbeme23]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

i just had an amazing game:

Reds (CPU) vs. Rays (me)

Reds 3 10 1
Rays 8 12 0

Reds took a 2-0 in the first with a 2-run HR by Brandon Phillips off Jeff Niemann. In the top of the 6th the Reds went up 3-0 off Edwin Encarnacion's ground out scored a run (runners on 1st and 3rd with one out) - TB couldn't turn the double play (VERY close on the replay, but a good call).

In the bottom of the 6th the Rays finally got something going - Aaron Harang had been unhittable, scatting 3 hits through the first 5 innings. But the Rays tied it at 3 with a bases loaded walk by Carl Crawford scored a run, and then a single to left scored two runs off the bat of Ben Zobrist....game tied at 3 after 6.

Jeff Niemann settled down and pitched a solid game, throwing 90 pitches through 7 innings (62 for strikes), striking out 6, and no walks. However, he did not get the win.

The floodgates broke open for the Rays in the bottom of the 8th as they would score 5 runs...a pair of 2-run homers by Carlos Pena and Pat Burrell, as well as a seeing eye single by Dioner Navarro finished off the Reds, giving the Rays an 8-3 lead.

Dan Wheeler pitched two scoreless innings in relief to notch the win, throwing 10 pitches (9 for strikes) and shutting the door.

Harang takes the loss, throwing 103 pitches (65 for strikes) - 7 IP, 7 hits and 4 runs, striking out 2 and walking 3. Weathers and Rhodes were tagged in relief, before Nick Masset finally got a groundball out.

Brandon Phillips had the big bat for the Reds, going 4-4 (a HR and a double)...the Rays were led by Carlos Pena (2 for 3, 3 RBI) and Ben Zobrist (3-4, 2 RBI).

Very satisfying win...patience at the plate paid dividends late.

my updated sliders I used for this game (some changes from previous post):

pitcher stamina: 40

user batting: 50 - 40 - 70 - 100 - 100 - 75 - 0 - 25 - 0 - 40 - 40

CPU batting: 50 - 50 - 80 - 100 - 100 - 75 - 65 - 60

user pitching: 80 - 85 - 70 - 40 - 70 - 100 - 100 - 75

CPU pitching: 65 - 75 - 0 - 0 - 75

user fielding: 0 - 75 - 60

CPU fielding: 0 - 60

user running: 65 - 25 - 40

CPU running: 75 - 70 - 70 - 75 - 60 - 45

notes: for CPU batting, i'm basically using BFJ's, but raised contact by 30 points...i like hit direction influence at 25 (i use the left thumb stick, but i don't want it to be so obvious - this gives some variance and makes you pay for mistakes and bad guesses).

the two user pitching ratings i raised to 100 were just to see how they felt...honestly, i couldn't really see anything significant from my previous numbers. i got shelled when i made stupid pitches down the middle or missed my spot. i think i have to not be so afraid to walk big hitters. i changed up my pitching attack when going through the lineup.

for example, last night i was the reds and played the pirates. i ended up losing 5-3...i had cueto pitching and gave up 4 runs in the first inning. but i also had a stretch where i sent down 14 straight batters, but my pitch count hit 98 and i didn't want to risk another inning (a reliever gave up a run). i had two on and one out and hit into a game ending double play.

for as much grief we give this game, and it is FAR from perfect, i'm actually finding it a lot of fun. the fielding gives me fits but i really enjoy this game.

also, i think what makes it most fun is the pitching composure rating. when you hit those moments where the ball is moving around and you've got to make big pitches, it just feels so real. plus, i have the crowd volume jacked to full, so you also get that feel as well.

but i think i'm sticking with these sliders for the long haul. i guess i could tweak forever, but it only makes me miserable. i like it where i'm at and will probably start a dynasty soon.

MK,

I decided to try out your sliders after reading your post about the great game that you had last night. So, I decided to play a game with my Dodgers VS. Pads in my test franchise.

What I saw was the biggest fluke game I've ever played in all of the time that I've owned this game.

The final line was something like this:

LAD: 19 28 0
SD: 1 7 0

I went with Kuroda, and they went with Kevin Correia in this one. I scored five runs in the first two innings. I hit a two run homer in the first inning with Manny, then I hit a sacrifice fly with Casey Blake. Kemp drove in two with a single in the 2nd.

Anyway, I can't remember how all of the scoring went down, but I have only had one other fluke game like this against Houston, but this one definitely takes the cake. Kuroda went 3-3 and had 3 RBI. Manny ended up hitting another HR and he finished 4-5, 2 HR, 6 RBI.

After they pulled Correia in the 4th, the merry-go-round began. I just kept on stringing hit after hit, no matter what pitcher they threw in. What made me crack up at the end of the game was the fact that San Diego had two pitchers in the game whose ERAs were over 100!!!

I think they had a total of seven pitchers enter the game, and I hit every single one of them for runs. What a horrible game. I'm hoping that this is only a one-time deal, because I was really impressed with the way the sliders played at first.

Side Note: Obviously, I was very surprised at the amount of offense I was able to generate. What surprised me most was the fact that I was able to generate this kind of offense when all of the hitting sliders (Success, Contact, Power) were all lower than what I had set originally (60, 40, 85).

This prompted me to compare your hitting sliders to what I had, and the only considerable differences are in the Batter's Eye and Zone Hitting sliders, in which I don't use either. Other than that, our hitting sliders were pretty spot on.

I wonder if those two sliders greatly affect user hitting even if they are not being used?

[itbeme23]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

regarding the power issue - i was a bit concerned about this as well. but i really believe that you MUST take a patient approach, as in real baseball. If you need to take a risk and hit the first pitch, then do so. But 95% of the time I take the first pitch, sometimes the first two. I go into defensive mode on 2 strikes, but that's real as well for most batters. (in one instance i fouled off 5 consecutive pitches the other night with 2 strikes on me).

put the pitcher stamina at 40 - trust me, it changes the complexion of the game.

it's taken me awhile, but i think i've finally nailed it, and the more i play this game the more i've come to appreciate it (in spite of its flaws).

hope you find the sliders right for your fit...

I agree with you on this one. Patience is key in this game, especially when it comes to batting. Like you, I take the first pitch about 95% of the time. Most of the time I find myself taking the 2nd pitch as well. I think this is imperative in obtaining realistic pitch counts for the pitcher. If you have Pitcher Fatigue set at 40 and you don't take pitches, then you will see every pitcher pitching into the 7th or 8th inning. If sliders are playing true to life, then you aren't going to get many hits off the premier pitchers in the league. Therefore, patience at the plate is absolutely necessary. If you're not hitting the guy, then you have to make him work to get him out of the game early enough to give your boys a chance.

[itbeme23]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

MK,

Just played a second game using your most recent sliders, and let me say, it was the COMPLETE opposite of that fluke slugfest that I had against the Padres.

Stats:
LAD: 2 6 0
ARZ: 3 7 0

Pitchers:
J. Weaver - No Decision
M. Scherzer - No Decision

R. Troncoso - L
R. Zavala - W
C. Qualls - S

- This game was a pitcher's duel from the very start. With the exception of me giving up a solo shot in the bottom of the first to J. Upton, Weaver was pretty consistent throughout the entire game, giving up only 2 runs on 5 Hits. Scherzer was lights out all the way until the top of the 7th. I only had 3 hits on him until Manny hit a solo HR over the right field wall. They pulled Scherzer right after that.

- It was 2-1 going into the top of the eighth. I led off with a single to left by Matt Kemp. Russel Martin then hit a slow roller to the second base side to advance Kemp. I put in Mark Loretta to pinch hit, and he grounded out to the right side, which got Kemp over to third.

- Top of the 8th, 2 Out, Kemp at 3rd. I successfully dropped down a suicide squeeze bunt right in the middle of the pitcher and catcher. Matt Kemp slides home....SAFE. But the throw doesn't go home. The D-Backs pitcher decides to try and make a desperate throw to first, but it's high. Furcal beats the throw to first!

- Game is tied at two going into the bottom of the 8th. I bring in Troncoso, because he's my groundball specialist. First batter he faces, singles up the middle. Okay, no big deal. I'll try to induce the double play. Second batter he faces, shoots a liner into left for a single. Two on, nobody out. I get the next batter to pop up to the catcher. Runner's don't advance. As I'm delivering my next pitch, the D-Backs go for the DOUBLE STEAL. The pitch is a 2-seamer in the dirt, Martin picks it up, throws to third, and the runner is called SAFE! I looked at the replay to confirm the call, and the runner was out. Blake made the tag on the runner's arm about a half second before he touched the base.

- Now: Bottom of the 8th, 2 on (2nd and 3rd), 1 out. I walk the next batter on 4 pitches, and now the sacks are full. The next D-Backs hitter skies a fly ball to deep left, and the runner from 3rd scores. D-Backs lead 3-2. I manage to strike out the next batter to end the threat.

- Top of the 9th, and Manny is leading off. The D-Backs bring in Qualls for the save, and he immediately starts attacking the strike zone. I find myself down 0-2, and he gets me to pop out behind the first baseman. 1 out. Next up is Casey Blake, and he hits a sharp liner to right for a single. I bring in Pierre to run for Blake, as I'm trying to see if I can manage a hit and run play. Andre Ethier is up next, and he goes the other way for a single to left. Loney comes up to bat, and he grounds out to 2nd. 2 Down. Matt Kemp has a chance to tie the ball with a single, being that Pierre is on 2nd. Qualls K's him on three pitches to end the game.

- Overall, I thought this was a great game, mainly because it was COMPLETELY opposite from the last game. Everything was different, which restores the confidence that I have in these sliders. Hit variety was good. I had 5 singles and 1 Home Run, which is pretty decent for the amount of hits that I had. The D-Backs had 5 singles, 1 Triple, and 1 HR. Also very good variety.

- I think I'm going to continue to test these sliders for at least the rest of this D-Backs series. I'll report with any new findings.

- Props to MK for these sliders. Very nice.

Cheers.

[itbeme23]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

Just played my 3rd complete game with MK's sliders. I was quite frustrated with this game. This was the second game in this series.

Line:

LAD: 0 8 1
ARZ: 2 8 0

- I loaded the bases in the first two innings, and I STILL couldn't manage to get any runs.

- Mark Reynolds hit a solo home run, and Gerardo Parra hit an RBI double.

- I scattered 8 hits over the course of the game, but I only got one runner in scoring position after the 2nd inning.

- I'm curious about the CPU offense, because every game that I've played (not sim), my pitching has pretty much dominated. Granted, San Diego and Arizona aren't very offensive teams, so I'll try against a better team like the Phillies.

Cheers.

[mkharsh33]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

well, i guess you could say that these things happen in real life. you just strung a 3 game series of all kind of quirky things.

part of MY problem is i guess that the games should always play out in the same, routine, "normal" fashion - meaning - every game becomes some bland 4-3 game. too much offense and we start to gripe...to little, likewise.

i guess part of what we have to deal with in this game is the "two steps forward...one step back" concept.

but you stated, i too, now wonder if those two user batting sliders being zeroed out (and unused) actually do make a difference.

[itbeme23]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

well, i guess you could say that these things happen in real life. you just strung a 3 game series of all kind of quirky things.

part of MY problem is i guess that the games should always play out in the same, routine, "normal" fashion - meaning - every game becomes some bland 4-3 game. too much offense and we start to gripe...to little, likewise.

i guess part of what we have to deal with in this game is the "two steps forward...one step back" concept.

but you stated, i too, now wonder if those two user batting sliders being zeroed out (and unused) actually do make a difference.

HAHAHA!!!! I really wish that I would've posted about this right after it happened. Instead, I went and played basketball with my buddies for three hours.

Anyway, I played the final game of the series against the D-Backs. Coincidentally, it seems like the CPU sensed my unhappiness with its mediocre offense, and they decided to explode on me.

Line:

LAD: 3 9 1
ARZ: 5 10 0

Pitchers:

C. Billingsley: L (1-1)
D. Haren: W (2-0)
C. Quall: S

- First of all, I want to say that trying to bat against Dan Haren is nearly impossible. I hate that stupid delay in his delivery, because it's so damn hard to time. He went 6 innings of shut out ball, while giving up 4 hits. I went to work on their middle relief, and I was able to score 3 runs in the 7th and 8th innings.

- Going into the bottom of the 8th, the score was 4-3 D-Backs. Again, I brought in Troncoso to keep the ball on the ground, and what does he do to me? He gives up a leadoff single, then he gives up a double. Can somebody tell me why the CPU is able to get the ball in the air on a sinkerball pitcher? Uggggh. Anyway, to make a long story short, I ended up giving up a run.

- 5-3 D-Backs going into the bottom of the ninth, and they bring in Qualls for the save. I get swept out of Arizona, and my record falls to 3-4. Somehow, the D-Backs are undefeated, and atop the NL West.

- Overall, it was a pretty good game. After I gave up 4 runs in the first two innings with Billingsley, he pretty much shut them down through the 6th. Troncoso let me down again, and I'm starting to doubt the effectiveness of his sinkerball.

- After doubting the CPU offense for awhile, I was pleasantly (although I HATE losing) with the amount of runs and hits. The D-Backs had good hit variety. I think they had 7 singles, 2 doubles, and 1 triple. I wasn't too pleased with my hit variety though. All of my hits were singles, with the exception of a stretch double by Manny (which never happens).

- I'm going to continue using these, mainly because of the variety of games. I was encouraged by the explosion of the CPU offense, so that again restores my confidence in the sliders.

Very nice work, indeed.

Cheers.

[Blazzen]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

Think I've got it about nailed down:

<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 193pt;" width="257" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><col style="width: 145pt;" width="193"> <col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <tbody><tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="height: 15pt; width: 145pt;" width="193" height="20">Slider Name</td> <td class="xl66" style="border-left: medium none; width: 48pt;" width="64">Blazzen</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">
</td> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Pitcher Fatigue</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">45</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">
</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl70" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">User Batting</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Batting Success</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">60</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Batting Contact</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">40</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Batting Power</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">70</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Pitcher Handedness Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">100</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">IE Batting Zone Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">100</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Batting Pitch Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">75</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Batter's Eye Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">25</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Hit Direction Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">25</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Zone Hitting Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">50</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Bunt Contact</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">40
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Bunt Success</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">45
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">
</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl70" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">CPU Batting</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Batting Success</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">60</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Batting Contact</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">60</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Batting Power</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">80</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Pitcher Handedness Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">100</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">IE Batting Zone Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">100</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Batting Pitch Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">75</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Bunt Contact</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">65
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Bunt Success</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">60</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">
</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl70" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">User Pitching</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Pitch Meter Speed</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">80</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Pitch Speed</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">85</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Gesture Recognition</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">80</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Hold Timing Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">35</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Release Timing Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">65</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Pitch Rating Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">95</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Pitch Break Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">95</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Pitcher Composure Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">75</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">
</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl70" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">CPU Pitching</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Pitch Success</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">65</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Pitch Selection Tendency</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">75</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Strike Zone Tendency</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">0</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Pitch Zone Tendency</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">10</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Pitcher Composure Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">75</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">
</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl70" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">User Fielding</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Fielding Errors</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">30</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Throw Meter Influence</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">75</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Fielder Speed</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">60</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">
</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl70" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">CPU Fielding</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Fielding Errors</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">30</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Fielder Speed</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">60</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">
</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl70" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">User Running</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Base Runner Speed</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">65</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Pickoff Success</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">25</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Catcher Throw Out Success</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">40</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">
</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl70" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">CPU Running</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Hit and Run Tendency</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">75</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Sacrifice Bunt Tendency</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">70</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Squeeze Tendency</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">70</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Base Running Aggression</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">75</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Steal Aggression</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">50</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt;" height="20">Steal Success</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;">45</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

These sliders are basically JBH3's sliders with mods. The main thing I did was lower CPU success by 10 but make user pitching harder. This makes it so if I pitch well I can throw good games, but if I pitch poorly I get shelled. With success at 70 there were far too many CPU hits. I'm hoping this will provide enough CPU offense. If it does not I may bump up success to 65, but it won't go any higher than that.

I just need to feel challenged on the mound more often than I do currently. I'm able to locate pitches way too easily. I'm pretty sure that raising the gesture slider makes each pitch less effective and thus raises CPU offense (in essence it's like lowering CPU pitch success to help out user batting). So I don't want to go much over 80. However, I may bump up pitcher composure influence more so that it's harder to locate pitches as runners get on. It seems like the CPU just isn't able to hit with RISP and the added pressure and shaky cursor should help.

Lacking in user home runs. I've played one more game than the real life Braves and they've hit ~75 homeruns and I've only hit 65. Not a huge deal but I need to pick the number up as I'm last in baseball in HRs. Runs per game is even. My batting average is higher but my walk total is lower however the OBP is even. Basically just need more extra base hits. On the flip side my team ERA is 3.50, which is the best in baseball by about .45, so the CPU needs to score more.

Thoughts?

[Blazzen]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

Noticed something else - the Braves ERA isn't far off from my in game ERA (3.50 vs 3.80) - the big difference is there are a lot more unearned runs. I may consider raising the user (and cpu for that matter) error sliders back up to 50. I hate doing it though because it promotes more bone head plays in the out field and it's my infielders that need the errors.

[moral_virus]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

Noticed something else - the Braves ERA isn't far off from my in game ERA (3.50 vs 3.80) - the big difference is there are a lot more unearned runs. I may consider raising the user (and cpu for that matter) error sliders back up to 50. I hate doing it though because it promotes more bone head plays in the out field and it's my infielders that need the errors.

Then how about bumping up the Fielder Throw Meter up to about 85 to make throwing errors a bit more common when you rush a play? At least then you won't have to jeopardize the outfielders dropping more balls just to try and collect a few more errors for that realism effect.

[mkharsh33]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

i'm definitely going to give these a look...i did a playoff series last night (i was the Rays) vs. white sox...

i don't like how the stats are playing out - so i made some adjustments and i had to laugh as i started tinkering with key sliders (need to make my pitchers less effective) and they look almost like what you posted LOL!

i'll provide some results once i get a few games in...my wife and i are having a new air conditioning unit put in our home today, so i need to be around...and i've got a meeting tonight, so it might be late.

thanks!

[Blazzen]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

Then how about bumping up the Fielder Throw Meter up to about 85 to make throwing errors a bit more common when you rush a play? At least then you won't have to jeopardize the outfielders dropping more balls just to try and collect a few more errors for that realism effect.

I like where your head is at sir. I will do this.

[Blazzen]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

Played a couple innings at lunch.

Lowe vs. Valdez (Giants RHP I think that's the name)

Through 6 innings it looks like this:

Giants 9 16 0
Braves 4 9 2

Lowe got shelled. I've never had much luck pitching with him, that sinker just seems to get hit no matter where I put it. Guys hitting it off their shoe tops into the gap. I think it has a lot to do with trouble getting the gesture right for that pitch because I do really well with guys that throw a straight 4 seamer (Vazquez is 13-3 2.21era) but guys that only have a 2 seamer or a sinker (Lowe, Jurrjens) I don't do as well. In those 16 hits I believe there were 2-3 doubles and 2 triples, no homers, 2-3 walks. I did crank a 3 run homer with Brian McCann. The 60 60 80 cpu batting settings are what I've been using while shutting down the CPU offense but this game against the Giants proves the CPU can put up runs if I pitch poorly, or I can shut them down if I pitch well. This is what I wanted.

Also. one of the two errors came from me trying to rush a throw, so putting the throw meter at 90 will help raise infielder errors and make it a little harder for outfielders to throw guys out at the plate. THANKS Moral_Virus!

I've updated my first page sliders. I'll be sticking with these for a while I bet. I'm getting good variety, the game isnt easy, I'm seeing a decent amount of power. Gonna run with it.

[itbeme23]

Re: Blazzen's Slider Research Thread

Played a couple innings at lunch.

Lowe vs. Valdez (Giants RHP I think that's the name)

Through 6 innings it looks like this:

Giants 9 16 0
Braves 4 9 2

Lowe got shelled. I've never had much luck pitching with him, that sinker just seems to get hit no matter where I put it. Guys hitting it off their shoe tops into the gap. I think it has a lot to do with trouble getting the gesture right for that pitch because I do really well with guys that throw a straight 4 seamer (Vazquez is 13-3 2.21era) but guys that only have a 2 seamer or a sinker (Lowe, Jurrjens) I don't do as well. In those 16 hits I believe there were 2-3 doubles and 2 triples, no homers, 2-3 walks. I did crank a 3 run homer with Brian McCann. The 60 60 80 cpu batting settings are what I've been using while shutting down the CPU offense but this game against the Giants proves the CPU can put up runs if I pitch poorly, or I can shut them down if I pitch well. This is what I wanted.

Also. one of the two errors came from me trying to rush a throw, so putting the throw meter at 90 will help raise infielder errors and make it a little harder for outfielders to throw guys out at the plate. THANKS Moral_Virus!

I've updated my first page sliders. I'll be sticking with these for a while I bet. I'm getting good variety, the game isnt easy, I'm seeing a decent amount of power. Gonna run with it.

I decided to give Blazzen's sliders a shot. I was pretty happy with using MK's, but the ineffectiveness of my offense was really starting to bother me. I think I only scored a total of 4 runs in my series against the D-Backs. Not to mention, I got shut out 2-0 in my home opener against the Giants.

I used Blazzen's sliders for my next game against the Giants, and this is what it looked like.

SFG: 4 9 0
LAD: 5 10 0

Pitchers:

Zito: No Decision
Kuroda: No Decision
Romo: Loss
Leach: Win
Broxton: Save

- This was another game that started out as a pitcher's duel. Kuroda was perfect through 3 innings, until he gave up a triple and a double, which scored 2 Giants. I pitched through the sixth with him.

- Zito pitched very well. He was throwing that curve ball for strikes, and he had me off balance the entire game. I finally chased him for two runs in the 5th, which tied the game at 2. He ended up finishing with 6 IP, 2 ER, on 5 hits.

- I decide to bring in Mota for the top of the 7th, and I retire the side in order.

- The Giants bring in Jeremy Affeldt for the bottom of the 7th, and he also sits my boys down 1-2-3.

- I bring in Leach for the top the 8th, and he pretty much screws me over. He gives up a lead off single to Randy Winn. Next batter is Sandoval, who sacrifices him to 2nd. At this point Leach is freaking out. The composure ball is shaking big time, and I throw three consecutive balls to the new Giants batter, Benjie Molina. The count is 3-0, and I throw a fastball on the inside corner at the letters, and Molina crushes it for a two-run homer. Giants lead 4-2. I retire the next two batters to get out of the inning without further damage.

- The Giants bring in Romo for the bottom ofthe 8th. He gives up a leadoff single to Pierre up the middle that barely gets past Juan Uribe. Next batter is Hudson, who he promptly nails with a fastball in the back. Men on first and second, no outs. Manny comes up to bat, and I shoot a liner to the opposite field to load the bases. Next up is Blake, who gets K'd on three pitches. Ethier's up next, and I smoke a double into the left field gap that scores 3. Dodgers now lead 5-4 going into the top of the ninth.

- I bring in Broxton for the save. I get Ishikawa to fly out to right on a first pitch 99 MPH fastball. Next batter is Uribe, and I strike him out on three fastballs, with the last one peaking at 100 MPH. Giants bring in a pinch hitter, Frandsen, and he grounds out to third for the last out.

- This was a pretty entertaining game. I'm still not totally satisfied with the way my offense performs. I'm seeing way to many singles, and not enough extra-base hits. I haven't hit a home run with anybody except for Manny, and he hasn't hit one in 5 games. I wonder if there is any way for us to get some decent numbers with the marginal power hitters on our teams. In my case, Either, Kemp, Blake, Loney, Martin, etc. I'm starting to really think that the Batter's Eye and Zone Hitting sliders do affect the way the Human offense performs. I'm going to continue using Blazzen's sliders for at least the next three games to see if I get better offensive results, but if I don't, those will be the first two sliders that I zero out.

Cheers.