Batting

[Timp]

Well, when do you steal? I always get caught. My stealing percentage is only around 50%

Put yourself in the pitching team's perspective. If you see the runner have a big lead and you think the other team may try to steal a base, then don't steal.

If you keep getting 50%, then you may have to adjust your sliders. And probably most importantly be patient. Don't try to force the issue of getting steals. Then, you'll just get frustrated and waste a bunch of outs.

[compmaniac]

What sliders do you suggest to not get caught so frequently? Because in the game, some runners can tell if the pitcher is about to throw a curveball or something, but in the game, there's no way to tell. Also, in the game, you can't make your lead whatever you want...there's a limit to how for you can lead off.

Any suggestions for good sliders to steal better?

[SESbb30]

+50 steal speed, -50 steal delay.

[Timp]

What sliders do you suggest to not get caught so frequently? Because in the game, some runners can tell if the pitcher is about to throw a curveball or something, but in the game, there's no way to tell. Also, in the game, you can't make your lead whatever you want...there's a limit to how for you can lead off.

Any suggestions for good sliders to steal better?

To clarify my post, when I said big lead, I meant the 2 extra steps the game gives you while leading off.

[compmaniac]

I've gotten a little better at hitting, I guess, although it's pretty weird that Albert Pujols, who is on my team, has a .210 average and 7 homers in 15 games...

Is that really weird? Or am I trying to hit home runs too much or something?

And is it OK to just hit without holding the analog stick anywhere? Or is it harder to get a hit that way?

[lyon810]

Patience and knowing which pitch your hitter hits best.

I run into at least a dozen full counts a game and thats because I know what I want to see. I usually never swing at the first pitch. Taking the first pitch usually sets up the flow for the whole AB. I will wait until Im down 0-2 in the count before I swing at anything I dont like (sliders, curves, circle changes).

I know my hitters, Gabe Gross is a fast ball hitter, as is Bill Hall.

Graffanino and Jenkins hit breaking pitches best.

Then you have guys like Dejesus who hit anything.

Base stealing for me depends on 2 things:

First the catcher, I always look at his throwing attributes (range, strength, accuracy). Accurracy is the big one there, a low acc. will often result in a throw off the bag.

Secondly, the pitch count. Aside from a 3-2 count with 2 outs, which is a given, I run mostly on pitches where I am positive the pitcher will NOT throw a fastball. I tend to notice the type of pitch thats coming by the previous he's thrown. Example, a 1-1 count where 2 fastball have been thrown, its unlikely he will throw a 3rd straight so its easy to anticipate a favourable pitch on which to run on. Best pitches to run on, if correctly predicted of course, change-ups and curves. DONT be tempted to steal on sliders, the may be breaking pitches, but they come in fast. Personally, for me, I run most on 2-1 pitches, its such a pivital moment in the AB where the pitcher has one last chance to make an out at the plate, cuz at 3-1 its almost a lost cause.

And what you said about Pujols, itll come with time. You will gradually get to know your hitter and his avg will go back to normal.

[compmaniac]

How do you know who hits what best? (slider, curveball, fastball)

[lyon810]

Well first by playing enough with them to know their tendencies. But mostly judge by their swing. Breaking ball hitters tend to "upper cut" their swings more, while fastball hitters are more of a straight follow through swing.

[lyon810]

And one more thing I forgot to ask you, I take it your playing with the Cardinals right? Well thats a team mostly built of big ball hitters (power). If youre just starting out and have problems pitching, maybe play (exhibition games) with a team more directed towards small ball and/or have hitters in their line-up who tend to get on base, rather than clear them.

Try: the A's, Pirates, Marlins, Brewers, Tigers, or even the Royals.

[compmaniac]

Earlier in this thread, somebody said that he would swing the bat, but quickly stop swinging if he knew the pitch was a ball.

I do that all the time, and a lot of times when I check-swing, I put the ball into play for an easy out...

...What should I do?

[Timp]

I've gotten a little better at hitting, I guess, although it's pretty weird that Albert Pujols, who is on my team, has a .210 average and 7 homers in 15 games...

Is that really weird? Or am I trying to hit home runs too much or something?

And is it OK to just hit without holding the analog stick anywhere? Or is it harder to get a hit that way?

Yes, you're probably forcing the issue a little too much, seeing that you have such a low average and that many HRs through 15 games. I used to try to hit for HRs and try to hard with my star players and big hitters, and it only led to frustration. So, just try to treat Pujols as you would any other player and be patient.

Earlier in this thread, somebody said that he would swing the bat, but quickly stop swinging if he knew the pitch was a ball.

I do that all the time, and a lot of times when I check-swing, I put the ball into play for an easy out...

...What should I do?

I do that too. It helps with pulling the ball as you start the swing early. It's almost like "cheating" like some major leaguers do. I haven't really found a solution other then praying I don't make contact or lowering the amount of times I check my swing.

[compmaniac]

Also, I've seen that through the season, opposing batters have been scoring more and more runs on me. Does the game engine automatically adjust how well the batters hit against you if it gets too easy or something?