Fired up 09...I really need some tips

[pistolpete]

Itching to play some baseball I turned on 09 which I've had for a while, but I haven't played much.

I am using the Blue Jays, and I plan to play complete games in which Halladay pitches, but will only bat in the other games.

I haven't play a The Show game in depth in about 2 years. I'm curious if you guys have any tips that will help me improve quickly, or some super basic fundamentals. I also don't know the sport of baseball terribly well living in a pro football market (Buffalo).

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Pared]

Hey Pete,

There are numerous threads here that can help you if you utilize the search feature. You will probably need help in specific areas depending on your control scheme.

What are you using for pitching and batting in game? Others can then help you find threads dedicated to these interfaces.

Also - the game is pretty strategic so don't be afraid to drop the difficulty until you get more comfortable.

[cjnoles9399]

My advice is to get plenty of reps before playing a season or starting a franchise to avoid frustration at the beginning of the season. When I play the show after a long layoff and start a new season I play the entire spring training to get into the game.

The first time I didn't and I started a season 3-15 and was on the verge of restarting. Since then I have played a full ST every time and my April is much more enjoyable.

[pistolpete]

I think it was the strategy I was more concerned with. Controls I figure I can learn, but if if your strategy is continuously wrong then it will be tough to improve.

I know in real-life MLB that hit and runs are good ahead in the count, but when should someone straight steal? I would think ahead in the count would be bad because a fast-ball is likely coming. You know stuff like that.

Also, when I watch real-life baseball it seems like lots of 0-2 counts turn into full counts because pitchers stop throwing strikes up 0-2. Is this the technique for getting strike outs? I feel like this would increase pitch count too much.

[Pared]

Ooh - this is going to be a fun thread.

Most of what you're asking is baseball strategy and we could be here for years! Let's see what I can offer without knowing the situation (which is important, of course):

-Straight steal with fast guys on hitters counts. You'll most likely see something off-speed and get a good jump. Also take into account pitcher's throw speed and catcher's arm strength - there will be some games you can be more risky.

-To draw walks, you can NOT be afraid to strikeout looking. Lots of people are, thus always swinging at everything on the edges. The CPU pitchers nibble a little too well at times, so you must have discipline.

-If you're trying to get strikeouts, work the corners and low. If you're ahead in the count, feel free to throw two away and hope the batter reaches. Watch the curve b/c it hangs a little too easily and often. Also don't be afraid to change up your strategy. Maybe one batter you want to go with three straight strikes if you get up 0-2 instead. You have to vary your approach b/c the CPU picks up on this VERY, VERY well.

Hope that's a good starting point.

[pistolpete]

Thanks. I'm currently on veteran and I can hit most pitches (albeit weakly), so when I have 2 ks on me I pretty much keep swinging and swinging to avoid the k-out, but I end up grounding out anyways.

I'm only going to pitch the games in which Roy Halladay starts. I see no other feasible way to progress through a franchise, so at least with pitching I am working with someone who is pretty good.

I also just glanced at Halladay's career stats and entering 2009 he didn't have any really high k/9 ip, so I guess strike outs aren't the way to go with him.

[cactusruss]

When you're pitching and get up 0-2, throw a fastball high (out of the strikezone high) and on the inside half of the plate. If the batter lays off, follow up with a breaking ball or change up low and away.

[nomo17k]

Quote: Originally Posted by pistolpete

Also, when I watch real-life baseball it seems like lots of 0-2 counts turn into full counts because pitchers stop throwing strikes up 0-2. Is this the technique for getting strike outs? I feel like this would increase pitch count too much.

You are right, it's a technique... Would you rather throw a 27-pitch complete game shutout (e.g., by inducing a lot of grounders/popups), or shut the opponent with 27 strikeouts (which at least will take 81 pitches)? A huge difference there....

On X-2 counts, you don't need/want to throw a hittable pitch to get the batter out. Occasionally it might work because a batter wouldn't expect a pitcher to throw a mediocre fastball down the middle on 0-2 count... he might freeze in such a case... but you do it too often and you'll get shelled of course.

Down on two strikes, most hitters are protecting the plate, trying to hit or foul off pitches within the strike zone. So a clever thing to do is to then throw something that might look like a strike initially but moves out of the strike zone when it crosses the plate. That's why those are good counts to go with breaking/off-speed pitches.