Implementing a Better Spring Training in MLB: The Show

[Steve_OS]

Every sports game is forced to tackle the same issue every year: how can you add a pre-season that feels both efficient and meaningful?

It is a complex issue because, while hardcore gamers are going to want spring training to feel as important as it is in real life, others simply want to simulate right through it and get on with the regular season. So accommodating both sides is the crux of the problem. Giving those who would normally simulate a reason to actually play through spring training seems like the most simple answer, so here are five ways MLB: The Show could more successfully implement spring training:

Read More: Implementing a Better Spring Training in MLB: The Show (Written by Ben Vollmer)

[tnixen]

"2. Unique Presentation: Spring training should have a unique feel. The games are relaxed, broadcasts are much less formal, and fans react differently. This should be apparent in MLB: The Show."

"3. Substitutions should be extremely frequent: This would require a major overhaul to CPU A.I., but it would be nice if teams were constantly replacing players on the field with new ones -- so as to get a look at everyone."


I would 100% like to see these 2 things added to MLB The Show!!!

[Cowboy008]

I maybe wrong but I think one of the devs said that #3 was fixed and that the cpu would sub players in more.

[Armor and Sword]

Correct on subs.

Ben before The Show 14 the CPU did sub frequently and quite realistically and then it stopped on 14. The team informed us it has been addressed (as well as for the All-Star game too!).

So you should see a good amount of subbing, especially early in ST.

As far as The Show's Spring Training. I like some of the suggestions you have made in regards to ambiance and try-outs etc. I actually use it as a proving ground for bubble players on my 40 man roster. I do some of my own position battles, and guys vying for roles on the team.

[HypoLuxa13]

Quote: Originally Posted by Steve_OS

1. Treat it as a true tryout: This is one problem that is going to persist in sports gaming for as long as ratings exist. The Show tackles it the best, with hot and cold streaks often dictating a player's performance despite rankings. Still, it would be nice if player-ratings were a little more vague and slightly more flexible around spring training. Then, as spring training goes on, their ratings become more fixed and the picture of who your best options are becomes more clear. Depending on performance, the rating might be slightly higher or lower going into the regular season than when going into spring training. 2. Unique Presentation: Spring training should have a unique feel. The games are relaxed, broadcasts are much less formal, and fans react differently. This should be apparent in MLB: The Show. 3. Substitutions should be extremely frequent: This would require a major overhaul to CPU A.I., but it would be nice if teams were constantly replacing players on the field with new ones -- so as to get a look at everyone. 4. Create-A-Park: Would there ever be a better time to have a created ballpark than for spring training? Being able to use your own park for about a month every year would keep the game fresh and give more incentive to play some spring training games. 5. A time for "gems" and "busts": Having some kind of system where spring training opens the door for one "gem" and one "bust" every year would keep things interesting. This could be dictated by statistics over the course of spring training. Have any spring training implementations you would like to share? Let's hear them!

What he said ^^^

Would love if there was some sort of coaching staff recommendations telling what the status of each player is. In terms of what they have progressed most at or what they need to work on most. And then incorporate that with some sort of special spring training workout routines. NBA 2k does this with an offseason training camp interface. Maybe you get 3-5 per season, that you can send a player to to improve their ratings in the related categories.

So you can send that light hitting prospect to a weight training "camp", and get a few points added to his power ratings. Or that Power Hitting first baseman that strikes out a lot can go to a pitch recognition "camp" and get a few points added to his contact and discipline. Or the super-speedy center fielder with the unreliable glove can go to a fielding camp and get a few points added to their fielding and reaction ratings. Etc.

It would be nice to have some sort of off season or spring training workout programs to develop players between seasons. I know others have suggested adding Arizona Fall League or Dominican League. Same concept, having some sort of facility to train up players between seasons.

[ShowTyme15]

Woodweaver mentioned the sub issue is fixed in MLB 15.

Rosters need to expand to more that just 40 for Spring Training. You'll never get a chance to see guys like Kris Bryant or Joey Gallo in the show during spring training unless they are added to your 40 man roster. That needs to change in my opinion. Expand the roster to allow 60-80 players at a time like in real life (Non-roster invitees).

[Knight165]

Mr. Vollmer.

This is an excellent piece. I absolutely agree with everything you said.

Spring Training is one of the most exciting times of the year for baseball IMO.
New blood.....position battles.....big questions on who's making it and who might get caught up in the numbers game.

Info should be abound. Who's playing well...poorly. What's happening with the other teams....

Your suggestion on pace of play is also spot on. Perhaps having the radio show guy do the announcing for spring training would work. Make it feel different.

While ratings will never go away....I think that the final piece would be if two like players vying for the last few spots on the roster...if they have similar ratings, their spring training performance should factor in rather large.

M.K.
Knight165

[bronxbombers21325]

Until they include non roster invitees, Spring Training isn't going to be something that I will be too interested in. I try every year to play through it, and one or two times I have made it through. But I just get tired of it after about a week in. It feels meaningless, and unrealistic when you still have AllStar calliber players playing the games in the 9th inning.