|
Hi Groucho,
Another semi-newbie here, but I play most of my games. Just finished first season of the major leagues and made the playoffs.
I've actually been simming most of the game, a half inning at a time, until I need to replace my pitcher. Then I manually take over to watch their pitch count so it doesn't spiral out of control (which does happen from time to time).
Anyways, this is my personal play style. Obviously everyone's is different and the best choice is what works for you.
1. I will take pitches early in the game and late in a pitcher's pitch count (to tire him out). Generally, I will use my high contact guys to take the pitches and try and work the count. I rarely ever bunt, sac bunt, run and hit, hit and run, or steal. I feel they give away outs. Out of the above, I will sacrifice bunt the most, typically when I need a run later in the game and there's a man on 1st with 1 or less outs (only by hitters with high sac bunt ratings and low gap/power ratings).
2. Holding runners when they are on 3rd or bases loaded is a waste, as is holding a guy at 2nd who has no chance of stealing a base. Again, if you have runners on 1st and 2nd, but the man on 2nd is not fast or a good base stealer, it's probably not worth it to hold them on.
I have not ever pitched out. I will pitch around power hitters when the game is close, especially if they are a lefty with favorable ratings against my righty (or vice versa). It's important to note, pitch around does not mean walk. I've had many a strikeout when pitching around (and also had home runs hit off me).
3. I would rather have a great defensive catcher than an offensive one. Unfortunately, I have never picked someone off so I cannot vouch for how successful that actually is at holding runners on.
Hope this helps
|