Quote:
Originally Posted by Groucho
Would anyone be kind enough to take me through their own playing style for a play by play match.
So for instance...
1. Do you always swing? When would you take a pitch and in what circumstances? When would you bunt (I'm presuming you'd only do this with a player who had a high bunt for hit rating unless trying to get a player on third base home?) Again, is there a good time/circumstance to hit and run or run and hit?
2. When pitching in what circumstances would you pitch around (when up against a dangerman?), and when if ever would you bother to pitch out?
Is there a good time to use hold runner, other than when you have two bases loaded?
3. Is there ever a good time to steal bases or throw to prevent a base being stole? It seems random to me and although I've stolen a couple of bases with a quick batter I've never ever got anyone out with a throw to a base.
I'm letting the ai control field placements for defence at the moment.
I could really use a few pointers if any of you guys have time to share your knowledge. I'm beginning to get frustrated after so many one-sided beatings or late game losses that it would be wonderful even to take a game to overtime.
thanks in advance...
4. Anything else I'm missing?
|
Sorry didnt see this post the first time...
My thoughts on your questions.
1) In most cases the only time I don't call for a swing is when the count is 3-0 or sometimes 3-1 with a weak hitter, looking for a chance at a walk. I usually only bunt to move a runner from 1st to 2nd, but I never let my power hitters bunt, because they are the run producers and I would rather get a shot at an extra base hit then sacrifise their at bat. Hit and Run and Run and Hit are slightly different. With Hit and Run the batter is instructed to swing regardless of the pitch while Run and Hit is the batters option to swing. What both do is put the runner in motion and improving the chances of getting a extra base or staying out of a double play. The risk is that the hitter could line the ball right at an infielder and hit in to a double play. The best players to use either strategy with are players strong in contact, eye and avoid strike outs, as well the runner should be of better than average speed and baserunning.
2) I rarely use pitch around unless I am in a situation where I know the next batter is not as dangerous and the walk won't advance any runners (1st base is open) Since this strategy increases the chances of a walk, if I have a big lead or the batter represents the tieing or potential lead run I will never use pitch around. The pitchout is used when you have a strong feeling the base runner is going to attempt to steal. This gives your catcher the best attempt to throw the runner out (if he goes)
3) In my previous post, I like to steal bases to get runners to 2nd and improving their chances to score, in major leaque baseball, I think I read that 35% of all steal attempts turn into outs, so you have to pick your situations and baserunners carefully. Again, I find the need to steal 3rd less important then 2nd, and another run of thumb is that you never want your 1st or 3rd out of an inning to be a runner thrown out at 3rd. If your catcher is rarely throwing guys out (should be about a 1/3 of the time) either your pitchers have weak HOLD rating or your catchers have weak ARM rating.
Good luck.