Pitching stategy

[dennisfs561]

I have been playing this game for a while, and I think I need to change how I do my pitching settings.

- I generally draft a decent starting staff, sometimes 4 man sometimes 5 rotation. Usually 1 good closer, 2 decent set- up, 2 <1mil (10 man staff).
-- I usually use the closer against both right and left, and generally one good middle- relief against both right and left, sometimes I'll put one pitcher L, one R. I usually set 1 pitcher as mop-up, and the closer as do not bring in before 8th. All other settings on pitching cards I leave unchecked. Also, I always have 2 lefty relief pitchers.
-- I set closers to MAX, and relief to REG.

I had decent results in 2005 with these settings. 40 teams, I averaged .517 winning %, made playoffs 17 times.

BUT, my last 30 teams, 15 ATGIII and 15 2007 teams, my winning % has only been about .480, and I think I need to re-adjust my pitching strategy.

I would welcome and appreciatte all suggestions.

Thanks.......Dennis

[Free Radicals]

I , personally don't like to mess with Hal's head to much . If you have good starters then set the pen on conservative not regular. I generally don't put anyone in as closer or set up so closer at regular. I do it all from the individual card settings. The thought is , Hal has options and is not "stuck" in one mode of operation . It usually works for me .

[dennisfs561]

I was reading through some of the old posts and I read one where you made those same suggestions. It sounds pretty good to me. I'll give it a try.......Thanks

PS Generally, what settings do you use on the individual cards.

Good SP-slow hook?
Set-up- Not before 6th?
closer- Not before 8th?
1 pitcher as mop- up?, the rest avoid use in blowouts?

Do you set closer as max 1-2 innings, strong set-up as max 2-3?

[Free Radicals]

It all depends on who I have on the staff. If you think you have solid , go deep into the game SP's then slow hook ,maybe avoid which ever side . As for the pen , I always try to get a stud RP from both sides and an even guy . I usually set it at avoid which side , 2-3 , quick hook , and the main guy at avoid blow out also. You can designate innings but it's just another restriction put on Hal . Whoever you want to get the most save opps go 8th inning .I use the mop up for my guy who I don't want to get much action and if he does then it's usually in a blow out for me situation . The less you restrict Hal the better he handles a pen . Your fill in guys , usually cheapies that you pray can get outs I go with avoid which side , 1-2 innings , quick hook . You must realize that no matter what you do Hal will occasionally throw a monkey wrench into your plans . So have patiences and good luck . :wink:

[dennisfs561]

Thanks again.... Now I was thinking as for hitting:

- Don't set pinch hitters
- Don't set pinch runner.
- Set bunt, H&R to conservative (though I always have put these at normal)
- Set Steal and Extra base to coservative (I also always have put these at normal)
- I usually set infield in to 5th.
-I usually don't, but sometimes do, set def. replacements.
-set as many settings on hitters card as are applicable.
- Strong hitters and anything below B rating, I set do not bunt and do not H&R.
- I rarely adjust steal and extra base on a series to series basis.

Thoughts?

[Free Radicals]

Hitting is a whole different animal . Hal does what you tell him to do . I always set up PH/PR. I always set my Managerials also . Baserunning is always on aggressive , even with slow teams ( though I rarely build slow teams). Steals, H&R and bunting I look at my overall teams ability and set the managerials , normal usually does the trick . Then set the individual cards appropriately. Remember I play ATG more than anything and so it's very easy to put together a particular type of team . I have a team starting Monday that I'm going after the team 80 triples record , so my team is built for that run . Triples , speed and OBP ...hoping it will carry me to the record.