SOM 2007 Computer Manager improvements explained

[bernieh]

Strat-O-Matic Baseball 2007 features vast improvements to the Computer Manager's strategic capabilities so that it will make much more intelligent decisions when it comes to position-player substitutions. It is still far from perfect - there is no such thing as a "perfect" computer manager - but I'm sure you'll agree that it makes much better moves than it used to.

- [b:5df6592ee0]Finding smart replacements for injured or empty slots in your starting lineup[/b:5df6592ee0]

The new Lineups screen, which introduces Depth Charts, lets you assign up to 2 backups for each fielding position in your default lineups, so that you have much more control over who starts when any of your regulars gets injured. However, in the case that you don't set your backups, or even your starters, the Computer Manager will choose the best overall players to fill in for injured or empty slots. When judging overall worth, it will consider both a player's expected offense versus the opposing starting pitcher, and defensive ability. In addition, it will also find the optimal fielding configuration including your healthy starters, moving guys around the diamond if necessary.

Oh, and it will make a more reasonable batting order with the starters it ultimately settles on, if you have significant gaps.

- [b:5df6592ee0]Subbing for injured or subbed-out players in-game[/b:5df6592ee0]

This is much more important because the Lineup Depth Charts do not handle these cases. Again, similar to above it will fill in for players that have been injured or pinch-hit/pinch-run for using the best overall replacement, and move guys around the diamond to find the optimal defense.

Note that the logic of which PH or PR to use originally has not been changed - only the logic of who subsequently REPLACES the PH or PR.

- [b:5df6592ee0]Picking smart defensive replacements for players you've marked as "remove for def. sub with lead"[/b:5df6592ee0]

First of all, I've figured out that when you check a guy to "remove for def. sub with lead", that means it will ALWAYS take him out in the 8th inning or later and you've got ANY lead. It [i:5df6592ee0]used[/i:5df6592ee0] to do a decent job picking the best defensive replacement for each guy you've checked. But the new logic improvements will, again, also shift your lineup around the diamond to find the best defensive configuration.


Is it perfect? Again, no - there's no such thing - but we can certainly always try to get better. Will you still find decisions that it makes that you wouldn't have made? Probably, especially since I'm calling so much attention to it. But will it be a much more intelligent manager from now on? Yes.

Also note that we haven't made any changes to bullpen usage and PH/PR logic, but now that I finally know what's going on in the code, who knows what we can accomplish next.

Thanks!
Bernie H.
SportingNews.com

[bernieh]

Addendum: these changes will make their way into ATG III and The '70s Game within the next 2 months. Btt80s and/or 1969 may cause me some trouble with compatibility issues, but I will give them my best shot.

[BOBBYTHOMPSON]

thanks for the hard work Bernieh...

[The Biomechanical Man]

Wow, Bernie, that's great.

What BoDean said.

[coachteel924]

Thanks Bernie-All SOM players appreciate your hard work in making the game better. Gary

[markp65]

One word: TREMENDOUS. Can't wait to dig in. Thank you for all your hard work, Bernie!

[davydrums]

Always working to improve the game.We do appriciate all of your efforts.PS- 2007 scares the heck out of me. :wink:

[TomSiebert]

I am very excited to be back for a new season and appreciate the continuing efforts to upgrade and improve the game.

I've tried several other fantasy sports leagues, but this one remains the best. Kudos to you all.

tws

[HUDAMAN]

Bernie, I decided to let HAL do ALL the managing for my first series of the year, including picking lineups. The lineup was, frankly, flawless. It matched the lineup I would have set except for one spot, the 8/9 spot in the order. Picked the right players and put them into the right lineup spots. It's just one testimonial, but put me in the impressed category.

The jury is still out on pitching, as my staff somehow managed to throw three shutouts in three games, two of them the complete game variety! Maybe I'll just put it on autopilot........ :D

[Roscodog]

I [b:f5cc78073c]can't[/b:f5cc78073c] say the same thing for when HAL changes the lineup due to injury replacements.