Explanation of Gameplay Sliders

[Bobhead]

Changes:
- Baserunner Steal Ability slider works backwards. You knew that already, but I didn't want to mention it if I hadn't tested it myself.
- Baserunner Steal Frequency slider affects pickoffs. (Lower the slider to increase the frequency of pickoffs and pitchouts thrown; the Pickoff slider obviously still affects pickoffs, too)
- Clarified the explanations for Pitch Control and Strike Frequency

[coreyhartsdaughter]

Gotta hand it to you man, an awesome write up.

The one significant item I'd add is the relationship between pitcher control and contact. In the past few years I'm of the opinion that they work in unison. (I believe the slider description alludes to this.)

It seems higher pitcher control increases the probability of 'blowing it by' a batter, independent of all other influences (save for contact). This is to say, you could have perfect timing, solid hits jacked, and so on, but as pitcher control increases and contact decreases you'll see more swing through strikes.

In years past, we've attempted to keep the two within 3-4 clicks of each otherwise some strange 'ball going through the bat' animations take place. We all hate facing Mr. Manhattan on the mound...

Your take?

[poonox]

I can't thank you enough for this post. I have been looking for something like this everywhere. Thanks a lot bro. The inverted base stealing slider is among the great things in this post. I had no idea and I kept getting picked off! I appreciate the write up.

Brian

[poonox]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bobhead

Changes: - Baserunner Steal Ability slider works backwards. You knew that already, but I didn't want to mention it if I hadn't tested it myself. - Baserunner Steal Frequency slider affects pickoffs. (Lower the slider to increase the frequency of pickoffs and pitchouts thrown; the Pickoff slider obviously still affects pickoffs, too) - Clarified the explanations for Pitch Control and Strike Frequency

Bobhead,

Do you mind sharing your settings and sliders you are using?? With this much extensive work into the sliders, I figure you have to have some pretty good ones. I am working on a set right now, using HOF settings for both hitting and pitching, getting 5-7 walks a game (both teams combined), but my hitting stats are a little weak. Trying to fine tune to get better hitting #'s for myself. Likely going to increase Solid Hit slider. Then look at upping contact, as I am striking out a little more than I Would like too. Still I drew somehow 7 walks in my last game, despite my strikeout woes. Thanks again Bobhead and I look forward to hearing what you're using right now.

Brian

[BleacherCreature]

I've always had good luck with the pitcher's control and batter's contact slider the same.

Judging by the in-game descriptions having these 2 too far apart will give either the pitcher or the hitter a sizeable advantage.

[Bobhead]

HoF is tough. You have to learn to use Contact Swings, or else you will never get anywhere against good pitchers. Unfortunately my hitting stats are pretty weak too, as I just finished switching up to Hall of Fame difficulty. Daniel Hudson (Arizona) just took a perfect game into the 8th inning against me, and I don't even know who that is, so I have a lot of work to do here.

First off, I definitely recommend starting with default values for offense, and working your way down, since the default values are pretty great right out of the box on this difficulty. I really haven't found a single offensive value that needs to be changed, other than something to stop the CPU from nickeling and diming you for like 20 singles every game, and I haven't really figured out how I will go about fixing that.

Secondly I definitely feel just about all the Pitcher Control sliders need to be lowered. I have Human Pitch Control and Consistency at 1 and 5, respectively. I also put the CPU at 1 and 4, with Strike Frequency at 6. This results in a pitchers not being able to consistently paint the corners on you, and you will get a fair share of hitters counts if you are patient. Patience is not really my thing, but I assure you the walks are there for the taking in most games.

Can't really think of anything else, since I've had little experience or luck with HoF batting thus far.

[coreyhartsdaughter]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bobhead

...other than something to stop the CPU from nickeling and diming you for like 20 singles every game, and I haven't really figured out how I will go about fixing that.

I raise Fielder Reaction and lower Fielder Speed to compensate for this. This impacts infielders more (shorter distances to the balls), but has less of an impact on well hit fly balls in the outfield that should be extra base hits regardless.

[jr86]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bobhead

Changes: - Baserunner Steal Ability slider works backwards. You knew that already, but I didn't want to mention it if I hadn't tested it myself. - Baserunner Steal Frequency slider affects pickoffs. (Lower the slider to increase the frequency of pickoffs and pitchouts thrown; the Pickoff slider obviously still affects pickoffs, too) - Clarified the explanations for Pitch Control and Strike Frequency

I agree with practically everything in your piece.....but not this.
How did you come to this conclusion.
I have been using this slider at 2 and getting pretty good results (steals and throw outs). I tried it at 7 and everything was a gimme, i wasn't thrown out once in 5 attempts and they weren't even close to tagging me out. At least at 2 when you do make it, it is only by about a step at most whereas with the slider at 7 it is comfortable....i'm a bit confused with your findings to be honest