*One side note before beginning this article: I will be talking exclusively about non-gameplay fixes to keep things somewhat brief.*

In my franchise, Game 5 of the Division Series has just ended and the Tampa Bay Rays have just won its third game, moving the squad one step closer to the American League Championship. This should be a joyous time for a gamer. I'll now be able to sit back and watch the dugout and bullpen empty, as they all run at full speed waving their hands and tossing their gloves off as they engulf closer Troy Percival on the mound. However, there's one huge problem here. The cut-scene begins and lasts for about two seconds before the normal "end of game" summary is given by Matt Vasgersian. I think I noticed what seemed to be my Rays, but unfortunately I must have blinked just once, which made me miss the whole celebration.

This is what has inspired me to write about what I think might make an already great game an even better one. After all, doesn't battling through a 162-game season and five playoff games entitle me to a bit more team jubilation? Even if it is just the ALDS.

Obviously, first and foremost on my MLB 09: The Show list is enhanced celebrations. Bottles of champagne being opened and sprayed in the clubhouse, a trophy being carried around on the field, or maybe Bud Selig announcing the World Series MVP in front of a microphone to the fans that stuck around?

Another annoyance that comes with my acute attention for detail is the catcher lacking the ability to toss aside his mask, be it on pop ups or plays at home plate. I like the editing option where you’re able to choose which mask to put on your catcher; I'd just like to see him throw it aside once in a while.

Weather seems to big a big concern for many gamers in '08 and I must say that I agree with them on this one. Adding more clouds, a slight drizzle, or heavy rain causing the grounds crew to rush onto the field with the tarp once in a while would be nice additions. I suppose most gamers might simply fast forward through this by repeatedly hitting the X button but I would sure welcome the delay or cancellation (plus it would add more double headers to the schedule). Gusty wind is a common factor while playing in either San Francisco or Chicago and there is no need to mess with perfection there, but how about programming cold breath coming from the players in April and October (depending on the location of the game of course).

The next welcomed addition would be the ability to use a 40-man roster in September. I'm assuming that the coding written into the game causes issues for 40-man rosters, but I think having September feel more realistic would be the cat's meow.

Customizable walk-up music for the batters and the option of choosing what uniform to wear for each game would also be nice touches next year. While I'm on the topic of uniforms let's discus the sleeve issue. Nothing bothered me more than using the Rays for an entire year and not being able to have B.J. Upton rock his one full sleeve during home games. The fact that the Rays play in a dome makes all players go sleeveless; then when they play a road game they wear only long sleeves because most games take place at night. This means that during a 162-game season I only got to see my perfectly customized Upton wear his one long sleeve in a handful of Sunday games that were played outdoors.

Last but most certainly not least is having more gear for player editing. Sunglasses, cleats, tapped wrists, and even baggier pants would be a nice start. Changing the brim of a hat, protective wrist and/or hand braces, and about 25 more hairstyles could really have a positive influence. As long as you could see the new gear more than just on Sunday's outdoors.


Gameplay issues aside, what are some other surrounding elements you folks want to see improved for '09?