MLB 11 The Show News Post

Four Keys to Success for MLB '11: The Show

07:14 PM - September 2, 2010 by RaychelSnr

Baseball's pennant push is in full swing, and several teams are feverishly trying to claw their way to a division title. For those of us whose teams have already been eliminated from postseason consideration (my beloved Tigers included), the only baseball we really have to look forward to right now is next season's entry of Sony's stellar MLB: The Show franchise. While this year's title was an excellent addition to the series, there are definitely some nagging issues holding the game back from the elusive "GOAT" status.

With plenty of time still left in this year's development cycle, I figured I would put together a couple critical aspects of the game that should be altered for the upcoming season.

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# 201 Comduklakis @ 11/13/10 08:42 PM

Knights, I was responding also to another poster as well as you. But as for Mauer, the attempted trade by the Twins was in may 2010, the first year of my franchise. I actually like when the CPU acts like a real life team and moves a star player when the team is rebuilding. I hold almost no one to be sacred to a franchise. My issue is when star players are traded when the team is in contention and when the player isn't in the last year of a contract or doesn't have a contract that is weighing the team down. One of my favorite parts of 30 team control in NBA 2k was playing GM and working the salary cap to create cap space for Free agents for some teams, pick up pieces for the stretch run for others, stockpile draft picks, etc. I certainly don't begrudge the CPU doing the same thing, if it's done logically and appropriately. My complaint is that I seen inappropriate moves like teams with proven closers offering 3 year contracts for 43 year old Billy Wagner or rebuilding teams offering seven million dollar a year deals to Troy Glaus. Or of course the stockpiling of multiple top players at the same position. I understand the game doesn't understand the intangible benefits that Mauer brings to the Twins, and I advocate a system like you that does take that into account. But I'm not actually hung up on names. I'd be just as upset if Joe Blow had signed a big long term deal with a contending team and then was immediately traded.

At the same time, it's possible my standards for logic in free agency and trades is higher than the current programming capablilities. It's why I do appreciate the 30 team option.

# 202 Knight165 @ 11/13/10 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comduklakis


	Knights, I was responding also to another poster as well as you. But as for Mauer, the attempted trade by the Twins was in may 2010, the first year of my franchise. I actually like when the CPU acts like a real life team and moves a star player when the team is rebuilding. I hold almost no one to be sacred to a franchise. My issue is when star players are traded when the team is in contention and when the player isn't in the last year of a contract or doesn't have a contract that is weighing the team down. One of my favorite parts of 30 team control in NBA 2k was playing GM and working the salary cap to create cap space for Free agents for some teams, pick up pieces for the stretch run for others, stockpile draft picks, etc. I certainly don't begrudge the CPU doing the same thing, if it's done logically and appropriately. My complaint is that I seen inappropriate moves like teams with proven closers offering 3 year contracts for 43 year old Billy Wagner or rebuilding teams offering seven million dollar a year deals to Troy Glaus. Or of course the stockpiling of multiple top players at the same position. I understand the game doesn't understand the intangible benefits that Mauer brings to the Twins, and I advocate a system like you that does take that into account. But I'm not actually hung up on names. I'd be just as upset if Joe Blow had signed a big long term deal with a contending team and then was immediately traded. At the same time, it's possible my standards for logic in free agency and trades is higher than the current programming capablilities. It's why I do appreciate the 30 team option.

Gotcha.
I guess I misread you on the name aspect. Sorry.
As for the stockpiling....I think it's because the devs wanted teams to take into account the possibilities of moving a player to a new position.
I agree it does happen too often and at times makes little sense.
I know that's what they wanted with the CP----->RP(which I wouldn't mind in Wag's case as long as they put him in the setup spot and didn't blow 15 million for him for the year at 43).
...and I truly don't think that the logic is limited by the programming capabilities...but actually in the amount of variables the team has in place right now. I do think and hope that they would add such things as a "star system"(that a certain player would mean more to his current team rather than another club)....and things of that nature.
I'm all for adding any new and good dimensions to the game as the more complex it gets...the more I enjoy playing vs. the CPU GM's.
Sounds like you(and others) feel the same.

M.K.
Knight165

# 203 tabarnes19_SDS @ 11/13/10 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knight165


	Gotcha. I guess I misread you on the name aspect. Sorry. As for the stockpiling....I think it's because the devs wanted teams to take into account the possibilities of moving a player to a new position. I agree it does happen too often and at times makes little sense. I know that's what they wanted with the CP----->RP(which I wouldn't mind in Wag's case as long as they put him in the setup spot and didn't blow 15 million for him for the year at 43). ...and I truly don't think that the logic is limited by the programming capabilities...but actually in the amount of variables the team has in place right now. I do think and hope that they would add such things as a "star system"(that a certain player would mean more to his current team rather than another club)....and things of that nature. I'm all for adding any new and good dimensions to the game as the more complex it gets...the more I enjoy playing vs. the CPU GM's. Sounds like you(and others) feel the same. M.K. Knight165

I agree that a star system would alleviate many problems with the logic as well as make trading for that "star" player much more difficult. I am hoping that no trade clauses and 10/5 rights will be added as well. This would help alleviate players from being traded as well.

Only caveat I have is that NTC and 10/5 have to have some wiggle room, like real life. An example is a player in last year of deal and playing for a bad team "may" accept a trade to a contender, like Berkman did this year IRL.

# 204 elfdutch @ 11/15/10 06:11 AM

Haven't played '10 but am currently playing the 09 version.

Some things i would like to see :

- better player models, most look too much like body builders
- more pitching/hitting cams. I really like the 2k10 ones.
- tighter fielding. Mvp has been mentioned many times and i agree. That game has very tight fielding. Combine that with the animations from the show and you have a winner. I would love to have the some freedom of control with the right stick for diving at groundballs or linedrives as in Mvp.

In general i'm having a very very hard time with hitting in this game. I'm 41 and have 2 kids, so i don't have the time to play this game all the time.
As a casual player i'm really getting dominated by the cpu pitchers.

About pitching : even when timing the pitch perfectly i will still miss. Its realistic i admit, but sometimes i miss the strikezone 3 times in a row.
I'm a bit biased as i really love the 2k pitching system.
I also like the hitters eye system that they have in 2k10.
That being said 2k does most other things wrong.

Really hoping for some tighter fielding control for next year and i might just buy it again....if i can find a copy here (i'm in the netherlands).

# 205 jethrotull @ 11/17/10 02:47 PM

Not necessarily a 4 key to success, but more downloadable classic stadiums, i.e. Tiger Stadium, and the ability to create and customize a league including Divisions, and number of teams.

You are so close to offering the perfect baseball game, but editing leagues would be something to put you on top as the GOAT.

# 206 Heroesandvillains @ 11/17/10 03:28 PM

I'm not sure how active the Development Team is in this forum these days, but I figured I'd add these things to the discussion.

1. Improved CPU stolen base intelligence.

A. Too many baserunners are caught. Even with Jorge Posada, who is one of the worst in this category, I'm catching guys at a 35 percent clip with him. This is very high.

B. The CPU currently steals way too often in hitters counts. This could very well explain reason A. This goes for elite base stealers as well.

2. Outfield errors. I've only seen one, in nearly 150 games played.

Both of these are essential in accurate runs scored per game averages.

# 207 Heroesandvillains @ 11/19/10 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cardsleadtheway


	Interesting what you are seeing in regards to stolen bases. I was thinking that they did a pretty good job of improving this since last year. Not only do I see runners that are not the top 10 fastest players attempting to steal, but I also see more hit and runs than I have ever seen in a video game (which might explain the hitter's count running you mentioned). I think they need to fine tune the decision on whether a successful steal is made rather than some in-game dice rolling algorithm that either makes a fast runner slow down or a weak catcher's arm magically turn into a rifle to make the perfect throw. Otherwise I think the steals are pretty good. Couldn't agree more on outfield errors. I wish there were some way for the CPU to determine that I, the player, made an error and charge me with it. I have misplayed dozens of balls in the outfield (like getting behind the ball to throw out the runner only to have the ball bounce in front, or thinking I am right under the ball as it goes over my head) in this year's game and never get charge an error for it. I guess it would be pretty impossible for a CPU to know that, so perhaps some kind of error override system where the user can make the call.

Ah!!! Some official score keeper option!

I love it. I would use the heck out of that.

I agree that hit and runs are plentiful, just to add to what you posted. The AI baserunning agressivness is good. I'm with you on that. I just get sick of throwing to tier guys out on 1-0/2-0 counts to kill CPU rallies. I find myself talking to the television, pleading with Ichiro to chill out a moment. I throw plenty of balls...I just wish they'd capitalize on that a bit more and wait for an offspead pitch situation to run on.

Oh, and to add to my previous post:

How about Defensive Indifference?

You know, program a 9th inning scoring mechanic, where if the team that is stealing is behind 5 or more runs, the second baseman/shortstop won't cover the bag and the game doesn't register a SB or a SB attempt.

I don't know. Maybe if it were that easy, SCEA would have already included it...

# 208 Heroesandvillains @ 11/19/10 04:48 PM

What are you using?

I like what you're seeing better. Feel free to PM me if you don't want to post it here.

# 209 Heroesandvillains @ 11/19/10 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cardsleadtheway


	I have it dead center. I was getting discouraged with how easily the CPU was throwing out my really fast guys, so I increased it up one click at a time until it was maxed. It turns out that all the way up makes it impossible for the player to steal and impossible to throw out the CPU's runner. I would see the CPU's catcher throw a ball when my runner was three steps away from second and still get him. On slow motion, the ball would literally warp three times to the get to the bag in time instead of a steady progression you should see on the replay. In the meantime, the CPU's average runners were getting stand up steals on pitch outs. I moved it the other way and the reverse happened. So the stolen base slider is broken, as others have also discovered. So I keep it dead center, even though it is inaccurate, in hopes that it is the closest thing to fair possible for both teams.

You mean Success, right?

How about the frequency?

# 210 ped3328 @ 11/25/10 10:43 AM

Things I like � Things I don�t likeffice

ffice" />>>

Let me start on a positive note. Player models, for the most part, are accurate. Perhaps you can tweak a few here in there. That�s it. Uniforms and stadiums look fantastic. Grass, in most stadiums, looks right. Game play, as a whole, is pretty good. That part of the game has improved over the years. Hopefully, 2011 will be even better. But there are areas that need to be upgraded, and I mean upgraded. I will explain this in the Things I don�t like later on. The game looks pretty realistically as a whole. I particularly like a batter who dejectedly breaks his bat or a pitcher who slams his glove against the wall in the dugout. That�s hilarious and adds punch (no pun intended) to the game. To sum up, this game is way better than its counterpart MLB 2K.>>
On the negative side, well I�m sorry, but there are areas that need to be upgraded. And I mean upgraded. Game presentation is stale, particularly when it comes to post-season play. Put some life into it! Make it so you really feel it�s the most important time of the season. Game play wise, I would improve the throws to the catchers from the outfield. In all cases, the ball arrives on the first base side of the plate all the time. Come on, that is not realistic! Also, outfielders do make errors at time. The game should reflect that. A miss judged fly here, a dropped fly there, an occasional errant throw would enhance the realism of the game tremendously. How about a couple of outfielders/infielders converging on the ball, only to see it drop! It happens in ball game, you know. Foul balls which land near an outfielder and he does even pick it up? Think about it! The crowd looks to youngish. A large proportion of fans attending ball games are older people. Therefore, crowd models should reflect that. When it comes to the All-star game and post season play, I would insert outfield umpires. After all, that�s what happens in real life. What needs to be fixed also are throws from the outfield to the infield. They start right, but about halfway they suddenly pick up speed and seem to change direction!
Finally, let�s talk about the commentators. Matt Vasgersian is ok, although I much prefer Garry Thorne. Now that�s a real baseball voice for you. As for Rex Hudler and Dave Campbell, what more can be said? I would not renew their contract (unless they�re signed for 2011. Hope not. Thank God I can silence them by using a code. What a relief! In that area, 2K is much much better. Speaking of commentators, how about telling the gamers what a hitter has done THIS season. NOT last season. It would really add a lot to the game and might even change the way your pitcher approaches this hitter in certain cases. If so and so has hit a couple of HR�s against your pitcher lately, you might consider changing him or pitch him more carefully. That would really add realism to the game. >>
If other things I missed can be improved, so much the better. All in all, The Show is a darn good baseball game. But please, change the commentators and make them less repetitive.
Looking foward to an already fantastic game in 2011.

# 211 Heroesandvillains @ 11/26/10 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MLB01


	Four keys to success ? What ? The Show isn't successful yet ? I don't know. I'll list 4 things I think would be cool to see next year.. Improved player models ( less width in the shoulders ) Improved HR derby Improved real time presentation Able to import seasons and other saved games

The bolded one is on my Christmas list!!!

# 212 nemesis04 @ 11/26/10 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heroesandvillians


	The bolded one is on my Christmas list!!!

Of which year?

# 213 Heroesandvillains @ 11/27/10 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nemesis04


	Of which year?

!!!

Considering I have my Christmas lists written out until 2017...

All of them.

# 214 EnigmaNemesis @ 11/27/10 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heroesandvillians


	!!! Considering I have my Christmas lists written out until 2017... All of them.

I like the way you think!

# 215 jcmreds @ 11/28/10 02:28 PM

More user control over the fielding with less canned animations. The OF's taking 20 seconds to pick up a ground ball as the runner goes first to third needs axed.

# 216 jethrotull @ 11/30/10 09:38 PM

For some reason I always have trouble tagging up on fly balls to right and moving second and third base runners ahead to home and third respectively. I have trouble timing it right, or it just seems a bit hard to do. I wish they would make the base running controls a bit less complex.

1.) Base Running Controls
2.) More Attempted Steals
3.) Customizable leagues and divisons ala pre Florida/Colorado/TB/AZ
4.) Create a Stadium (or Tiger Stadium included!)

# 217 CubFan23 @ 12/04/10 12:55 PM

would love a create your own league, put teams into different divisions, expansion feature with an expansion draft, create teams in different cities and stuff like that

# 218 Scooter3 @ 12/05/10 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CubFan23


	would love a create your own league, put teams into different divisions, expansion feature with an expansion draft, create teams in different cities and stuff like that

Or something like this.
Many Franchise's have been located in different Cities.

Like the Braves were in Boston, Milwaukee and are in Atlanta. The Dodgers in Brooklyn and Los Angeles

Maybe SCEA could just offer these Franchise Cities.

Once you choose a City like Brooklyn for the Dodgers Announcements Jerseys and stadiums would all match-up with Brooklyn.

scooter...

# 219 Comduklakis @ 12/05/10 09:09 PM

Well for those who remember or who want to go back to page 26 of this thread, I complained about the CPU logic for trades and free agent signings. got to be my 2nd offseason (typical Detroit Tiger 2nd half collapse, five game lead with 20 to play, lost my last six and ended up falling all the way to 81-81 and missing the playoffs) and the Cardinals strike again. Other than the Cards and the Redsox (signed Nathan, already had Papelbon and the apparently ageless Billy Wagner, plus Bard who is stuck in middle relief while striking out 14 or so per 9) the logi wasn't too terrible. Squashed a couple trades during the season, but let a few through too, plus did trades at the deadline myself for the top contenders and the guys looking to dump for prospects. That said, I had complained about the Cardinals signing both Rollins and Jose Reyes for 2011. Guess what they did for 2012? If you guessed signing Rafael Furcal, you win a cookie. They have 3 shortstops making a combined 155 million total and 48 million for this upcoming season. I'm going to edit one of them to play 3b as a secondary position so they all will play. And Felipe Lopez is not a bad 3b either. he hit .268 with 15 hrs. Just weird GM logic with the Cards. I'll put one of them on the block too.

# 220 Skyboxer @ 12/07/10 11:08 AM

I want the meter pitching to have an option to turn off the actual meter(still "there" just don't see it") and base button hits on the pitchers motion instead of watching the meter.
Other than that and just continually improving AI logic and ball physics... I love the game.

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