SOM Online Update

[bernieh]

Hey everyone,

I'd like to take a few minutes to update you all on what I'm working on these days and how I'm (hopefully) earning my paycheck. Unfortunately I'm unable to provide you with a time frame for each of these items, but you can trust that I'm giving them due priority.

[b:def4638ab4]"Reverse" lineups, "Super HAL" Lineup Depth Charts[/b:def4638ab4]
These new lineup features are definitely coming in the future. In addition to setting your default lineups versus LHP and RHP, you'll be able to set lineups versus "reverse" LHP and RHP, i.e. a LHP that happens to be tougher on right-handed batters than left-handed batters. ALSO, the CD-ROM game's "Super HAL" Lineup Depth Charts feature will be added: you'll be able to define and prioritize backups for each of your starters that will be placed in lineups and in the middle of games in the event of injury.

[b:def4638ab4]In-game bullpen logic improvements[/b:def4638ab4]
I'll be resuming the work I was doing earlier in the summer 1) improving the default bullpen management logic and 2) adding new or improving existing options that will let you fine-tune your relief preferences. As always, please understand that this is an extremely difficult process, with no exact litmus test for success. And as always, I appreciate your patience.

NOTE: I will do my best to retro-fit older games with any new features I develop, but there'll be cases where it's impossible for any number of reasons (e.g. incompatibility with code, interface, or feature set). I never deliberately ignore support for any games - I usually have some good reason for things I do or don't do.

[b:def4638ab4]ATG III: Early Wynn[/b:def4638ab4]
I promised I would bring Early Wynn back from the ATG I graveyard and I still intend to. Stay tuned for that announcement.

[b:def4638ab4]Die rolls, injuries[/b:def4638ab4]
For the record, and I hope this is the last time I have to say it: there are no patterns when it comes to die rolls and injuries. The die rolls that drive each play are truly random (or as random as a computer can get, which is pretty darn random), and, as a result, injuries are too. The next time you're thinking of formulating a conspiracy theory, it's probably because you're choosing to see what you think you see. When I was young I was convinced that if I tuned into the Yankee game on the radio after the leadoff hitter batted but before Don Mattingly came up, he'd get a hit. It worked about 30.7% of the time.

Those who are clamoring for the die rolls to be shown - I'd love that too, but at this point I haven't figured out how. I'm learning new things about the game engine every day, so maybe soon I'll find the solution. But - again I hope this is the last time I have to repeat myself on this - don't assume anything is easy to do, or that I'm deliberately keeping things out of the game for some devious reason.

[b:def4638ab4]League list cleanup[/b:def4638ab4]
This keeps slipping on my priority list, but it's annoying me and I'm trying to fit it in. I'll be posting a note on the lists of available leagues warning people that empty leagues will be purged from the database on a nightly basis, and then I'll set it up so it does so.

Thanks for your continued support!
Bernie H.
SportingNews.com

[LANCEBOUSLEY]

Thanks Bernie-- this is all great news!!

[Play By The Rules]

Bernie you're why this game is the best out there. Thanks for the efforts.

[ArrylT]

Thanks Bernie!! :)

[Stoney18]

Ditto on the thanks.

[jagint]

I'm glad to hear about the improvements. I'm having fun now :shock: but it would get so much better! Looking forward to it. Thanks! 8)

[bjs73]

Please DON'T bring the dice results to the 80's format if you ever figure it all out.

It won't be a mystery card format if you do.

[tersignf]

all cool
thanks

[LMBombers]

Lineups vs Reverse pitchers is very unrealistic IMO. Although it would help us have more productive lineups in this game it is like cheating the system. Please don't use that feature.

[edgecitytx]

Thanks, Bernie! Great work, as always!