[brendanrfoley]

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Other improvements of note: The trade logic is brand new as is the game simulator...

New trade logic and game simulator? I hope this clears up the line-up and trading issues.

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The Franchise interface is MLB.com and the game reports news from around the league... There are over 200 types of headlines... MLB.com also keeps you up to date on trade rumors, hot and cold hitters, and ever predicts who might win awards like Rookie of the Year.

Wonderful news. A clean, new look with lots of features.

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MLB 2K9 also includes Sabermetrics to track all of your players including runs created, extrapolated runs basic, secondary average, equivalent average, isolated power, linear weights, marginal lineup value, stolen base runs, and range factor for all hitters. For pitchers, the stats are pitching runs, quality starts, game score, VORP, and range factor.

I am a stats geek. I am happy.

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The first thing that strikes me when I start the game is how cleaned up the screen is. Last year, there were so many boxes, so much clutter when you were trying to pitch, it just looked out of place. This year, when the catcher calls your pitch, you're given the right stick movement you need to make in order to throw it, but that's it.

Nice touch. And, as my previous post mention, the new behind the pitcher view is incredible.

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You can still go back to the old way of 2K8 in the options menu, and if you use the third step in the game, you will pitch with a bit more accuracy

Interesting. It appears they made pitching easier, but toned down the accuracy. We may see more walks this year!

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Prince Fielder is up to bat next and when he fouls the ball into the crowd, about ten people in the crowd all jump out of their seats and try to catch the ball. Pretty sweet visual and it's little touches like this that really help add to the atmosphere of the game.

It's obvious atmosphere is a focus this year. Lunging fans, cowbells at the Trop.. etc.

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If you're looking for more advanced batting, you can also add in zone hitting to the mix. Here, you aim the bat cursor while you swing to the area in the zone where the pitch is headed. If you hit the sweet spot of the cursor, you hit the sweet spot on the bat and your hit gets some bonus power.

Sounds exactly like Power Pros. Woo hoo!

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Next two batters stroke doubles into the gap, but then Mike Cameron makes an unbelievable diving catch to end the inning.

Bloops, singles, gappers... it appears there really is increased hit variety.

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When the lineup gets back up to the top, Lewis strokes a single and I get to try out the new base stealing mechanic. Press the left trigger to take a lead, hold the trigger down and the controller vibrates letting you know he's about to steal.

This makes much more sense than holding up and hitting the "Y" button twice. Click to lead, hold to steal. Nice!

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With the game on the line, Fielder bounces a dribbler up the first base line. Ishikawa grabs it, throws it home for one out, then as my catcher throws it back to first, he hits Ishikawa while he's running back to the bag and he beats the base runner to the bag for out number three. Crazy. That actually made me jump out of my chair it was so bang-bang close. It's also one of those moments where you realize you're really into the game you're playing.

Those are the type of moments when you realize you are sucked in. I love it!

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After the game you can check out highlights of the top three plays, watch the great grabs throughout the game, and even watch signature highlights of anyone who played.

Highlights, for anyone? NICE.