Think Outside The Box: "Out of the Box" Discussion and Observations

[Qb]

Good idea for a thread, Bobhead. We should have a place for general discussion in here, especially early on when we're trying to get a feel for the gameplay.

Put me in the camp concerned with the station-to-station running. I only have a handful of games under my belt and haven't touched any sliders other than CPU strike frequency. I think OFs throw ropes and baserunners might be a little slow. I'm not seeing many chances to advance two bases or even tag up on deep flies. Last night playing online I nearly got thrown out at 3rd from the track in dead center with a decent runner.

However, it doesn't seem to affect basestealing as much. I haven't been caught yet, including stealing 3rd with McCutchen in the 1st inning of my first offline game. To be clear, I'm not saying it's a problem, just making an observation. I ran mostly on offspeed pitches and with decent-to-good basestealers. In fact, I was really excited I stole 3rd, as I'm not sure if I ever did it without the ball being in the dirt.

[Bobhead]

Quote: Originally Posted by Qb

Good idea for a thread, Bobhead. We should have a place for general discussion in here, especially early on when we're trying to get a feel for the gameplay. Put me in the camp concerned with the station-to-station running. I only have a handful of games under my belt and haven't touched any sliders other than CPU strike frequency. I think OFs throw ropes and baserunners might be a little slow. Eventually I'll start However, it doesn't seem to affect basestealing as much. I haven't been caught yet, including stealing 3rd with McCutchen in the 1st inning of my first offline game. To be clear, I'm not saying it's a problem, just making an observation. I ran mostly on offspeed pitches and with decent-to-good basestealers. In fact, I was really excited I stole 3rd, as I'm not sure if I ever did it without the ball being in the dirt.

I haven't actually been paying much attention to baserunners, but I have also noticed a lack of extra-base hits, which would definitely corroborate the "station-to-station" thing you described.

And I definitely agree that OF's throws are incredibly strong. That (Fielder Arm Strength slider) was actually the very first slider I've adjusted, late last night.

[ralphieboy11]

Here are some stats through 30 cpu vs. cpu games on All-Star. Each team has played twice and one game has been played in each of the MLB ballparks. Starting pitchers were chosen to give all starting pitchers(1-5) chances to pitch. I made no tweaks to anything regarding pitching and batting. They are all on default(5). I did lower fielder speed(to 4), fielder reaction(to 4), and arm strength(to 2). I also upped baserunner speed(to 6). I did these things because it became evident before testing that there was a lot of station to station running plus very few doubles. I was hoping these adjustments would help in those areas without really affecting too much else.

All stats are per game. Last year's league averages in parentheses.

Runs 4.20 (4.32)
ABs 34.15 (33.92)
Hits 8.48 (8.65)
AVG .248 (.255)
BB 2.67 (3.03)
SO 7.43 (7.50)
2B 1.53 (1.70)
3B 0.20 (0.19)
HR 1.08 (1.02)
GIDP 0.75 (0.74)

Offense is down a little so far, but looks pretty good.

[tbbucsfan001]

Anyone else seeing very high SB% numbers? Might be due to a low sample size but I have never been thrown out and have never thrown anyone out (even with Yadi).

[tbbucsfan001]

Quote: Originally Posted by ralphieboy11

Here are some stats through 30 cpu vs. cpu games on All-Star. Each team has played twice and one game has been played in each of the MLB ballparks. Starting pitchers were chosen to give all starting pitchers(1-5) chances to pitch. I made no tweaks to anything regarding pitching and batting. They are all on default(5). I did lower fielder speed(to 4), fielder reaction(to 4), and arm strength(to 2). I also upped baserunner speed(to 6). I did these things because it became evident before testing that there was a lot of station to station running plus very few doubles. I was hoping these adjustments would help in those areas without really affecting too much else. All stats are per game. Last year's league averages in parentheses. Runs 4.20 (4.32) ABs 34.15 (33.92) Hits 8.48 (8.65) AVG .248 (.255) BB 2.67 (3.03) SO 7.43 (7.50) 2B 1.53 (1.70) 3B 0.20 (0.19) HR 1.08 (1.02) GIDP 0.75 (0.74) Offense is down a little so far, but looks pretty good.

Do you have the SB numbers?

[ralphieboy11]

Quote: Originally Posted by tbbucsfan001

Do you have the SB numbers?

I did not record those. I've just been focusing on the hitting numbers so far. It does seem from the naked eye that SBs might be a little up on default.

It will take a while to to get enough test games in to find trends. I've now seen more offense since those earlier numbers I posted.

[Bobhead]

I haven't tracked stolen bases either, but I too have not been caught stealing a single time.

It also seems like the CPU does not seem to throw enough pickoffs.

[blueduke]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bobhead

I haven't tracked stolen bases either, but I too have not been caught stealing a single time. It also seems like the CPU does not seem to throw enough pickoffs.

Agree. Last year if I picked the wrong guy or commited to a steal too early I paid the price. Thus far I don't have to be nearly as selective