All-Star voting & Popularity

[SittingDuck]

It just struck me - and this could mean I am way slow - that national/local popularity has some type of impact on All-star selection, along with stats. Is this not so?

[Muzamba]

I don't believe so. As far as I'm aware, the only major aspect of the game that popularity has an effect on is attendance and fan loyalty.

I'm totally in support of seeing popularity influence All Star selections. However, this is definitely one of those areas where an option toggle is necessary. (Personally, I'm not even sure whether I would play the game with 'Fan Favoritism' affecting ASG selection turned on or off. On one hand, having it on would provide more realism. Then again, it's also nice to have the most deserving players be selected. It would definitely be great to have the option, though)

[SDtwin]

I agree this would be a cool option. It would definitely need a toggle and/or a slider to adjust how much it's taken into account

[SittingDuck]

I've never really liked it as a determining factor, nor the way some people use just the first half of a season for criteria.

However, I thought perhaps this was going on. It was the only way I could explain some crazy overlooking off the top pitcher in the AL - Sam McDowell - as he had no popularity.

[Muzamba]

Originally Posted by SittingDuck

However, I thought perhaps this was going on. It was the only way I could explain some crazy overlooking off the top pitcher in the AL - Sam McDowell - as he had no popularity.

For what it's worth, even if OOTP did take popularity into account in selecting All-Stars, it shouldn't do so with pitchers, as they're chosen by the managers IRL. Then again, I think this should also be an option.

Truth is I think there need to be a LOT more options for the ASG. I know it's not a big priority for most people, so it doesn't really get much attention. Regardless, there are several choices I'd like to have when setting up the game.

For instance...

• roster size
• whether or not to factor popularity into selections (only for position players, only for pitchers, neither, or both)
• where to play the game (rotate between leagues, neutral site, or random)
• game format (interleague or USA vs. world)
• how managers are determined (last season's WS managers, best current record, etc.)
• representation (best players regardless of team or all teams represented)
• player/pitcher usage (same as a regular game or showcase talent / limit pitch counts / use SPs as relievers)
• DH usage (always, never, only at AL sites, or rotate)
• how many games to hold (for those who want a post-season ASG in addition to the mid-summer edition, or for those who want an All Star series)

Unfortunately, I've seen no indication so far that there will be anything new in regards to the ASG in OOTP 9. However, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that these options - plus a little candy like a HR derby and Futures Game - will be included in next year's version.

[SittingDuck]

HR Derby!

[Bluenoser]

Originally Posted by SittingDuck

I've never really liked it as a determining factor, nor the way some people use just the first half of a season for criteria.

However, I thought perhaps this was going on. It was the only way I could explain some crazy overlooking off the top pitcher in the AL - Sam McDowell - as he had no popularity.

What other criteria do you use beside the first half of the season?