Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

[The Cleanest Genius]

I used to have a pretty good success rate for stealing in previous years, but this year, I wanna say that I'm well under .500. I run with the Dodgers and only ever steal with Gordon, Kemp, and Gwynn. They get great jumps and don't appear to stumble at all when running. Is there something I'm missing in my baserunning strategy?

[Bobhead]

Re: Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

I was about to say I have no problems, but then I remembered I already raised the Base Steal Ability slider because I already agreed with you. I don't think you're missing anything, it's not like stealing bases is a very complex art. You just run and stuff.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

It is tougher thus far. You need to make sure you pick your spots. If your running on a fastball even if you get a good jump, on a good catcher your going to have a decent shot at getting thrown out. I have seen the CPU have much more awareness in regards to baserunners this year. Pitching them high and hard, or fast and wide on obvious basestealing counts.

I am doing ok though. Reyes has 3 swipes, Bonifacio has 3 swipes and Hanely actually has 4!

But I have been caught as well.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

I was about to say I have no problems, but then I remembered I already raised the Base Steal Ability slider because I already agreed with you. I don't think you're missing anything, it's not like stealing bases is a very complex art. You just run and stuff.

Yep I raised it by a click. (need to update that slider lol)

[dickey1331]

Re: Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

Id have to say its easier this year or maybe I just have better base stealers this year.

[Joey]

Re: Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

I haven't noticed much difference - as a rule though I always push the right analog to the right when stealing second so my guy will slide to the right.

[NGBags11]

Re: Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

In I the same boat, I've always had pretty good success at stealing bases but not so much this year. I don't really lead which might be the problem, but that's only a habit because in previous years every time I would take a 1 step lead I'd get picked off.

[DirkDiggler12]

Re: Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

I haven't had much problems this year. I try to run on good pitch counts, but Ellsbury for me has 12 steals already this year and I'm 14 games in I think.

[rymflaherty]

Re: Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

Yeah I've had no luck this year.
Last year I had a really high success rate, but this year I'm at like 25% in my Franchise.

And that's with turning the Pick-Off Slider way down.
I tried that since I didn't want to mess at first with ability....Less Po's would give me a better chance at a good job and to be able to focus on everything at once.........and it has helped in that regard, but my guys are still gunned down on a regular basis.

[Bobhead]

Re: Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

I think there is definitely still room for improvement when it comes to base stealing and pickoffs. Things like pickoffs at second base and errant pickoffs thrown into the crowd both need to be toned down quite a bit imo.

[Falcon999]

I think there is definitely still room for improvement when it comes to base stealing and pickoffs. Things like pickoffs at second base and errant pickoffs thrown into the crowd both need to be toned down quite a bit imo.

Agree. Should not be easier to pickoff a runner but less precise throws (more variety) and throws in the crowd toned down

[crques]

Re: Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

I normally don't have a high steal success % in past MLB games, but this year is even harder for me. After about 10 games, I'm yet to steal one and that's after about 12 or more attempts. It seems like a get a late jump every single time.

The cpu isn't having much success either though. I've only given up 2 steals in about 10 attempts. I think I need to tweak a slider.

[blakjak]

Re: Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

I'm 5 for 5 with Kinsler 6 games into my Rangers franchise. Default sliders.

[The Cleanest Genius]

Re: Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

So for those of you who have good success, what is your strategy? When in the count do you steal? Do you leadoff an extra step? Do you check to see if the catcher you're running on has a cannon for an arm? I've been caught stealing on a curve ball multiple times.

[DirkDiggler12]

Re: Is it just me or is base stealing much harder this year?

I like to see how the pitcher pitches in the stretch. I like to steal on 0-2 counts, 1-1, 2-2, or any other count I feel like he's gonna try and get me to chase a off speed pitch. I've also noticed to watch your base runner, if hes still settling in (grabbing his helmet, stepping around, etc) he usually doesn't get a good jump.