2014 MLB Season Sim With MLB 14 The Show

Feature Article

Submitted on: 03/26/2014 by Chris Sanner

The 2014 Major League Baseball season will kickoff its official opening day on March 31, that's next Monday for the calendar challenged folks out there.

With MLB 14 The Show arriving the following day, baseball is literally on everyone's minds at this point. Thanks to OS User NYYanks26, we have a simulation ready for you to enjoy of all of the happenings of this upcoming baseball season according to MLB 14 The Show.

For the stat nuts out there (myself included), you'll be relieved to see that the game does a good job with statistical generation in our one sample season we see here. That isn't to say there aren't going to be problems at some point with stats, but on the surface everything appears normal in the more popular statistical categories.

As for the sim itself, the best record in the league was 92-70, as both the Royals and the Diamondbacks reached that point. The standings don't lend themselves to much to extremes, with the White Sox checking in with the most losses at 97 overall.

Other news and notes you can't find below, the Astros didn't finish last and didn't lose 100 games, so that could be a positive there. The defending champ Red Sox missed the playoffs altogether with an 81-81 record.

Finally, in what would be a most surprising World Series matchup, the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in seven games to claim the 2014 crown.

Check out the sim and let us know what you think! Once again a big thanks to NYYanks26 for his help!

More Screens of the Sim Here

League Standings

NL West (Screen)

Diamondbacks 91-71
Padres 90-72
Dodgers 79-83
Rockies 78-84
Giants 77-85

NL Central (Screen)

Cardinals 91-71
Pirates 90-72
Brewers 88-74
Cubs 77-85
Reds 71-91

NL East (Screen)

Nationals 92-70
Braves 89-73
Marlins 74-88
Mets 73-89
Phillies 71-91

AL West (Screen)

Athletics 90-72
Angels 83-79
Rangers 82-80
Astros 72-90
Mariners 69-93

AL Central (Screen)

Royals 92-70
Tigers 87-75
Indians 84-78
Twins 71-91
White Sox 65-97

AL East (Screen)

Blue Jays 91-72
Yankees 90-73
Red Sox 81-81
Orioles 73-89
Rays 70-92

League Leaders

HR: Adrian Gonzalez (Dodgers) & Aramis Ramirez (Brewers) - 37
H: Troy Tulowitzki (Rockies) - 193
AVG: Allen Craig (Cardinals) - .324
2B: Michael Bourn (Nationals) - 41
RBI: Paul Goldschmidt (Diamondbacks) - 119
ERA: Cole Hamels (Phillies) - 2.40
IP: Madison Bumgarner (Giants) - 232.1
Wins: Madison Bumgarner (Giants) - 18
Ks: Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers) - 218
Saves: Huston Street (Padres) - 54

Playoffs

Pirates beat Padres (Wild Card Game)
Diamondbacks 3 Cardinals 2 (NLDS)
Nationals 3 Pirates 0 (NLDS)
Diamondbacks 4 Nationals 3 (NLCS)

AL

HR: Chris Davis (Orioles) - 50
H: Albert Pujols (Angels) - 186
AVG: Shin-Soo Choo (Rangers) - .321
2B: Elvis Andrus (Rangers) - 44
RBI: Chris Carter (Astros) - 125
ERA: Yu Darvish (Rangers) - 2.54
IP: Felix Hernandez (Mariners) - 231.1
Wins: Jon Lester (Red Sox) - 17
Ks: Yu Darvish (Rangers) - 282
Saves: Casey Janssen (Blue Jays) - 50

Playoffs

Yankees beat Tigers (Wild Card Game)
Blue Jays 3 A’s 2 (ALDS)
Royals 3 Yankees 2 (ALDS)
Toronto 4 Royals 2 (ALCS)

World Series

Diamondbacks 4 Blue Jays 3

MLB 14 The Show Videos

Member Comments

# 21 dalger21 @ 03/26/14 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HustlinOwl


	still would like to assume injuries or standings played a role???

Possibly or even probable that that is the case. Maybe I'm just reading too much into that because of the past games as far as trading between CPU goes. All I play is RttS and saw first hand the odd trades that always happened.

# 22 Blazzen @ 03/26/14 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HustlinOwl


	90-72 far from sub .500

I didn't look at the screenshot. Someone put the wrong record in the text of the article.

League Standings
NL West (Screen)

Diamondbacks 91-71
Padres 79-83
Dodgers 79-83
Rockies 78-84
Giants 77-85

NL Central (Screen)

Cardinals 91-71
Pirates 90-72
Brewers 88-74
Cubs 77-85
Reds 71-91

NL East (Screen)

Nationals 92-70
Braves 89-73
Marlins 74-88
Mets 73-89
Phillies 71-91

AL West (Screen)

Athletics 90-72
Angels 83-79
Rangers 82-80
Astros 72-90
Mariners 69-93

AL Central (Screen)

Royals 92-70
Tigers 87-75
Indians 84-78
Twins 71-91
White Sox 65-97

AL East (Screen)

Blue Jays 91-72
Yankees 90-73
Red Sox 81-81
Orioles 73-89
Rays 70-92

# 23 fnz21 @ 03/26/14 11:50 AM

Figured the Reds would be about third place this year in NL Central, but this could be bad haha

# 24 GruffyMcGuiness @ 03/26/14 12:24 PM

All the A's do is win

# 25 My993C2 @ 03/26/14 12:43 PM

I would not read too much into one simulation sample in terms of thinking who will do good with the default rosters and who will not. One really needs to run the 2014 season simulation many many many times over and over again and take the aggregate results before one can assume that this team or that team will do good or bad.

Then again prior to the start of the 2013 real world season, the real world Toronto media was hyping up the 2013 Blue Jays as one of the greatest teams ever assembled and a sure bet to win the World Series that year. So I guess all it took was one pass at a virtual simulated season on MLB 14 The Show for the Toronto media to realize it's prediction, one year late and in the virtual world, not the real world.

PS: I have a modified MLB 13 OSFM roster set with 2014 player retirements/movements ready to run in another year in MLB 13 (I am still on the fence as to whether or not I will be picking up MLB 14 or playing another year in MLB 13) and the Blue Jays are one of the top ranked teams in this modified roster set. Problem is, during Spring Training which is coming to an end in the next few days (mostly simulated games though some games were played CPU vs CPU to ensure slider settings and the roster set were compatible), the Red Sox are kicking butt for the AL East teams while the Blue Jays have a losing record. Of course it is Spring Training ... you know practice ... and one only needs to ask Alan Iverson what he thinks about practice.

# 26 Beefmaster @ 03/26/14 01:13 PM

I am almost more curious as to the regression of older players. Has that been looked into yet?

# 27 MLB Bob @ 03/26/14 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My993C2


	I would not read too much into one simulation sample in terms of thinking who will do good with the default rosters and who will not. One really needs to run the 2014 season simulation many many many times over and over again and take the aggregate results before one can assume that this team or that team will do good or bad. Then again prior to the start of the 2013 real world season, the real world Toronto media was hyping up the 2013 Blue Jays as one of the greatest teams ever assembled and a sure bet to win the World Series that year. So I guess all it took was one pass at a virtual simulated season on MLB 14 The Show for the Toronto media to realize it's prediction, one year late and in the virtual world, not the real world. PS: I have a modified MLB 13 OSFM roster set with 2014 player retirements/movements ready to run in another year in MLB 13 (I am still on the fence as to whether or not I will be picking up MLB 14 or playing another year in MLB 13) and the Blue Jays are one of the top ranked teams in this modified roster set. Problem is, during Spring Training which is coming to an end in the next few days (mostly simulated games though some games were played CPU vs CPU to ensure slider settings and the roster set were compatible), the Red Sox are kicking butt for the AL East teams while the Blue Jays have a losing record. Of course it is Spring Training ... you know practice ... and one only needs to ask Alan Iverson what he thinks about practice.

It wasnt just toronto media and the team ended up doing terrible...for many reasons which did not relate to the originally constructed 25 man roster they thought would play most or majority of the games.

The sims people do or even last year when it was said that SCEA got things right because the rankings lined up occasionally and some how validated how SCEA ranks players and teams doesnt tell the whole story for any team.

Team rankings are based on 25 man rosters: injuries, trades and break out players happen that SCEA could never predict yet a hindsight look at rankings seem like they were right all along without any of those things ever happening in the sim.

I never get into team or player rankings too much but must admit this years look far better this year for space between ok, good and great

# 28 barsoffury @ 03/26/14 06:23 PM

I'm a Jays fan. 91 Wins and the division? My goodness. Most people are expecting 91 losses. Even the most optimistic fans wouldn't predict a division title..... I would love to see the starting rotation numbers.

# 29 Knight165 @ 03/26/14 06:25 PM

I seem to remember Boston coming out on top in the sims last year.
Lot's of people ?????? then as well!

M.K.
Knight165

# 30 CaseIH @ 03/27/14 04:03 AM

LMBO at the Reds simulation record and the Cubs not finishing in the cellar, not a chance that happens this year. Im not sure how our season will end up for sure, as we have been hit with the injury bug this spring, but 1 thing is for certain and thats the Cubs will be in the cellar

# 31 sroz39 @ 03/27/14 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My993C2


	I would not read too much into one simulation sample in terms of thinking who will do good with the default rosters and who will not. One really needs to run the 2014 season simulation many many many times over and over again and take the aggregate results before one can assume that this team or that team will do good or bad. Then again prior to the start of the 2013 real world season, the real world Toronto media was hyping up the 2013 Blue Jays as one of the greatest teams ever assembled and a sure bet to win the World Series that year. So I guess all it took was one pass at a virtual simulated season on MLB 14 The Show for the Toronto media to realize it's prediction, one year late and in the virtual world, not the real world. PS: I have a modified MLB 13 OSFM roster set with 2014 player retirements/movements ready to run in another year in MLB 13 (I am still on the fence as to whether or not I will be picking up MLB 14 or playing another year in MLB 13) and the Blue Jays are one of the top ranked teams in this modified roster set. Problem is, during Spring Training which is coming to an end in the next few days (mostly simulated games though some games were played CPU vs CPU to ensure slider settings and the roster set were compatible), the Red Sox are kicking butt for the AL East teams while the Blue Jays have a losing record. Of course it is Spring Training ... you know practice ... and one only needs to ask Alan Iverson what he thinks about practice.

Toronto media...American media...Vegas (8-1 to win the World Series)...everyone was jumping on the bandwagon. Though with the rotation this year, winning the division like the game predicted seems a bit of a stretch.

# 32 bronxbombers21325 @ 03/27/14 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knight165


	I seem to remember Boston coming out on top in the sims last year. Lot's of people ?????? then as well! M.K. Knight165

Maybe Ramone is atually psychic?

# 33 Brandwin @ 03/27/14 09:50 AM

So we can play Online Franchise with just one user?

# 34 Knight165 @ 03/27/14 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DookieMowf


	So we can play Online Franchise with just one user?

Yes.

M.K.
Knight165

# 35 seasprite @ 03/27/14 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DookieMowf


	So we can play Online Franchise with just one user?

Yes, I believe this was recently confirmed and clarified by Ramone

# 36 Double Deuce @ 03/27/14 01:21 PM

It looks like Closer usage/stamina may still be a problem. 50+ saves from the top closers in both leagues isn't very realistic, unless it was a fluke. But based on last year, I imagine it isn't. Closers always seem to be used too much in franchise. I'd like to see some logic to give closers more rest so they don't pitch day after day after day. Generally in real life, a team will have one closer with saves in the high 30s to mid 40s (assuming the closer stays healthy throughout the year), and one or two other guys with a handful. But The Show seems to always have the closer with high 40s or into the 50s, and very few saves from other relievers.

# 37 philipahoward2 @ 03/27/14 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Deuce


	It looks like Closer usage/stamina may still be a problem. 50+ saves from the top closers in both leagues isn't very realistic, unless it was a fluke. But based on last year, I imagine it isn't. Closers always seem to be used too much in franchise. I'd like to see some logic to give closers more rest so they don't pitch day after day after day. Generally in real life, a team will have one closer with saves in the high 30s to mid 40s (assuming the closer stays healthy throughout the year), and one or two other guys with a handful. But The Show seems to always have the closer with high 40s or into the 50s, and very few saves from other relievers.

At the same time, closers in The Show always seem to have far too few innings. I haven't played in several months, but from what I remember they usually have fewer innings than saves, which I think is a much bigger problem than closers having too many saves. I wish there was a better way to manage your bullpen in franchise while simulating. Like setting rules saying I don't want this pitcher to pitch with less than 70% energy (or at least put him on the bottom of the list for pitchers to come in). What would be really cool is if there was AI that learns how you manage your team (lineups, pinch hitters, double switches, how many pitches your SP goes and how you use your pen) when you actually play games. Then if you want to sim a few weeks it will manage your team more like you do. Of course the more games you play the better it would mimic your play style. I have absolutely no idea how realistic this is, but it would be damn cool.

# 38 Double Deuce @ 03/27/14 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philipahoward2


	At the same time, closers in The Show always seem to have far too few innings. I haven't played in several months, but from what I remember they usually have fewer innings than saves, which I think is a much bigger problem than closers having too many saves. I wish there was a better way to manage your bullpen in franchise while simulating. Like setting rules saying I don't want this pitcher to pitch with less than 70% energy (or at least put him on the bottom of the list for pitchers to come in). What would be really cool is if there was AI that learns how you manage your team (lineups, pinch hitters, double switches, how many pitches your SP goes and how you use your pen) when you actually play games. Then if you want to sim a few weeks it will manage your team more like you do. Of course the more games you play the better it would mimic your play style. I have absolutely no idea how realistic this is, but it would be damn cool.

That'd be cool. I'd also like to see the AI teams remove closers who are struggling, at least for short periods of time until they get their groove back. Real-life teams do this pretty often, especially for less-established closers. But in The Show, it's like if you are tagged as a closer, you're the one closing, even if your ERA is terrible and the pen has plenty of other viable options. I'd like to see this improved in the next few years.

# 39 tbook24 @ 03/30/14 01:44 PM

finally the A's actually won the division in the SIM. lol after 2 seasons of finishng 3rd

# 40 nomo17k @ 03/30/14 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Deuce


	It looks like Closer usage/stamina may still be a problem. 50+ saves from the top closers in both leagues isn't very realistic, unless it was a fluke. But based on last year, I imagine it isn't. Closers always seem to be used too much in franchise. I'd like to see some logic to give closers more rest so they don't pitch day after day after day. Generally in real life, a team will have one closer with saves in the high 30s to mid 40s (assuming the closer stays healthy throughout the year), and one or two other guys with a handful. But The Show seems to always have the closer with high 40s or into the 50s, and very few saves from other relievers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by philipahoward2


	At the same time, closers in The Show always seem to have far too few innings. I haven't played in several months, but from what I remember they usually have fewer innings than saves, which I think is a much bigger problem than closers having too many saves. I wish there was a better way to manage your bullpen in franchise while simulating. Like setting rules saying I don't want this pitcher to pitch with less than 70% energy (or at least put him on the bottom of the list for pitchers to come in). What would be really cool is if there was AI that learns how you manage your team (lineups, pinch hitters, double switches, how many pitches your SP goes and how you use your pen) when you actually play games. Then if you want to sim a few weeks it will manage your team more like you do. Of course the more games you play the better it would mimic your play style. I have absolutely no idea how realistic this is, but it would be damn cool.

I think the pitcher hook logic is still too simplistic. (Not sure if this has been worked on for MLB 14.)

The AI doesn't really try to use platoon advantage the way real-life managers often do. Many at least consider bringing in their closer in the 8th in a tight ballgame, which doesn't really happen in The Show.

Variable/customizable manager tendency for AI controlled team would be nice.

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