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Old 08-13-2007, 10:09 AM   #14 (permalink)
cbbl
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Suggestion

Another AI improvement suggestion:

In non-DH leagues, the AI should recognize that the pitcher is usually the worst hitter in the lineup and seek to pinch hit for him whenever practical. I don't know how the "Pinch Hit for Pitchers" option affects this, but the specific situation is as follows:

Late inning game, the pitcher is getting tired and is not likely to return for the next inning. The pitcher comes up to bat. Unless it is a strategic bunting situation (and the pitcher is a good bunter) or, in rare cases, the pitcher is also a decent hitter, the pitcher should ALWAYS be pinch hit for. It makes no sense, usually, to allow a pitcher to bat if he is not returning the next inning to pitch. The AI must employ some amount of "future" vision about what it will do in the next inning.

Reason

Improved strategy. Pitchers are often easy outs. If the AI allows a pitcher to bat when he will be pulled from the mound before the next inning, it's basically giving the other team a free out -- and fails to mimic RL.

Priority

I'll say medium.
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