Tips for more K's?

[codyj123_321]

I did a fantasy draft in a Pirates chise, and i took Verlander. I can't seem to get many k's tho, usually about 3 or 4 a game. I play on veteran. I try workin' the corners and whatnot but they just foul off everything after they get 2 strikes.

[Mabster]

Re: Tips for more K's?

Don't be afraid to throw it off the corner. The CPU also loves to swing at high heat out of the zone. Curves and Changeups in the dirt will get CPU and human players alike.

[jv35]

Re: Tips for more K's?

Mix speed and change location. Pitching with Verlander, a low circle change works, or a 12-6 curve away from the hitter works pretty good too.

[codyj123_321]

Re: Tips for more K's?

Can you elaborate more on changing speeds and what not. I know it sounds very simple to understand but i'm doing something wrong.

[Mabster]

Re: Tips for more K's?

Changing speeds means not throwing pitches that have the same radar readings back to back to back. A cutter and a 2-seamer have different movement but still can be the same speed. Fastball-changeup is the best combo in the game.

Depending on the pitcher he may have two or three pitches that are different but still thrown at the same speed. A hitter will learn to time the pitches and foul it off or put it in play.

Vary your fastball speed too. Don't always throw it at 100%. You'd be surprised what a couple MPH difference will make.

[Heroesandvillains]

Re: Tips for more K's?

Can you elaborate more on changing speeds and what not. I know it sounds very simple to understand but i'm doing something wrong.

If you're using analog pitching, the speed in which you apply the 'up-stroke' also influences effort. Try mixing your stick speed too, along with mixing pitch selection.

Pitch history also helps a great deal too. Press select in-game and review how you've been pitching batters.

All fastballs away in early counts? Trick them with a change, or bust them up and in with the heat.

And waste pitches. The CPU will chase if set up properly.

[willIam9387]

Re: Tips for more K's?

changing speed is critical as well and you don't ever want to waste a pitch per say. You def want to have a plan when your attacking his hitter and change up your pitch pattern depending on the hitter and their hot/cold zones. Every pitch should be setting up the next pitch, and changing eye level is very important. If your pounding the zone high with a fastball, throw a change down in the zone and you should see the hitter struggle to foul it off and make contact. I agree hitters foul off a lot of pitches sometimes but if your persistent and stick to a pitch plan for every batter, making sure your changing eye level and speed, you should since your k rate increase.

[RickyG033]

Re: Tips for more K's?

Standard Rule: Hard In, Soft Away....Fastballs on the hands and changeups on the outer corner.

As someone said, throw pitches out of the strike zone when ahead in the count 0-2 or 1-2. Changeups and Curves in the dirt. Fastballs off the inside corner, and high heat. CPU cant lay off.

[Siruss]

Re: Tips for more K's?

In '10 I pitched vs the cpu my own way, typically just throwing the pitch type suggested by the catcher not so much the location. But in '11 I do both because they seem to know. I thought I could just own with Lincecum and got rocked, but the next game with Chacin (lower k/9) he got almost 1 an inning. Granted when they tell me to throw a curve/change in the dirt I aim for the very bottom of the zone instead.
Also remember that this year the 2nd and 3rd times through the lineups the hitters learn your tendencies so remember to mix things up. There's a fine line between using what works and is reliable vs becoming too predictable.

[Mabster]

Re: Tips for more K's?

Also remember that this year the 2nd and 3rd times through the lineups the hitters learn your tendencies so remember to mix things up. There's a fine line between using what works and is reliable vs becoming too predictable.

That reminds me. If you've got a guy that has 4-5 pitches, don't show that 4th and 5th pitch the first time through the order. Keep one or two of your pitches in the back pocket until the 2nd/3rd time through the order.