The Difference Between Wins & Losses (Tips)

[Heroesandvillains]

As MLB The Show players, we all go through our hot and cold steaks. This year, however, SCEA has brought the competitiveness to a new plane. Simply put; this game is hard.

First, I'd like to make some points about how I play. I have NOT 'slidered' this game to death. I'm virtually playing on Default HOF (Timing Only/Meter) with CPU consistency and strike frequency dropped one click. Minus the errors sliders and stolen base sliders (pitch speed and injuries as well), I play with the rest 5.

Currently, I'm franchising with SF. Previously, the NYY. Apart from my recent skidding (bringing my Giants team ERA to 4.50), my stats over the course of 11' have been scary realistic. As a whole (probably 100+ games), my team batting average is around .260, my ERA is around 4.00 (LOWER than my average runs per game! LOL), my extra base hits, walks, walks allowed, HR's allowed...etc, etc...are all acceptable.

I'm just the king of losing.

With all this said, I'm hoping to compile a list of tips to help with users that actually want to make the playoffs. Here are some things I've learned over the years:

1. Warm up multiple relievers at the same time from the 6th inning forward. Things can unravel in a hurry...even when your starter is rolling.

2. Know when to call it a day for your starting pitcher. If he's at 105 pitches...even if he's cruising...padding stats is not always the best alternative if you have a reliable relief pitcher ready and loose. Granted, this is a hard tip for me to follow...not taking out my starter has cost me SEVERAL victories.

3. Don't forget about small ball, even in the AL. Relying on the big inning can be devastating. Stolen bases, sacrafice bunts, and hit and runs WILL lead to runs. Sometimes, you need to play your chips conservatively...one or two runs in an innings definitely isn't as sexy as putting up a big seven-spot, but if you want to win, you need to know when capitalize on chances to push ANY runs across the plate.

4. Pinch runners and defensive substitutions. Pat Burrell's LF glove and slow as molasses *** has cost me more game than I care to admit. His OBP is through the roof for me...so I HATE taking him out of games...but do what needs to be done. The CPU is deadly from the 7th inning on. Don't forget to narrow down your squad in the innings that matter. Trade the bat for defense and speed. Remember Dave Robert's steal?

5. If you need a win, remember your closer. Time and time again I've lost games in the 9th with a 4+ run lead...only to blow it and not have enough time or mound visits to get my stud up and loose.

6. If you're in a bind on the mound, don't even think about trying to trick the CPU with an ineffective, low-confidence, pitch. With this, don't get beat on your 4 and 5 pitches. If the CPU's going to win, at least know that they man-handled your bread and butter. Nothing's worse than asking yourself, "Why the heck did I throw that?!?!??" Keep your 1-3 pitch's confidence up.

7. Carry a long reliever on your 25 man. Sometimes, you're just gonna lose. Make sure you don't ware out your entire bullpen in the process. You still want to win tomorrow.

Does anyone have any more to add? What do you do when your chips are down?

[Super Glock]

Great post, there are some good tips in there. I think you about covered it.

[Heroesandvillains]

Thanks.

Except I always lose! LOL!

(Scratches chin)...

I must be missing something...

[ChopTalk]

Can you post exactly what all you have changed? You always seem to know what your talking about in the slider discussions, I'd like to use yours.

[Heroesandvillains]

I'll PM you.

[ChopTalk]

Thank You. Out of all your points above, I'd say that leaving my starter in too long is the one thing that kills me.

It's hard to take the guy out when he has a shutout going, even if your only winning by 1.

[Bobhead]

Same here. Leaving in my starter too long is probably the reason for a third of my losses.

Only thing I can think of is that you should always plan ahead on the mound. If you know the 7th and 8th innings are always rough for you, the 6th inning is not the time to mess around and try out a new strike out pitch. When you are pitching in the middle innings, go out of your way to stick to a certain pitch, that way you can be sure it will have full confidence in the following inning.

[Heroesandvillains]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bobhead

Same here. Leaving in my starter too long is probably the reason for a third of my losses. Only thing I can think of is that you should always plan ahead on the mound. If you know the 7th and 8th innings are always rough for you, the 6th inning is not the time to mess around and try out a new strike out pitch. When you are pitching in the middle innings, go out of your way to stick to a certain pitch, that way you can be sure it will have full confidence in the following inning.

This is exactly the kind of response I'm looking for.

Will do. Next up, Barry...ugh...Zito.