Insider Info

[movertom]

Where do I go to obtain information on pitcher and hitter advanced settings that are not covered in the help area. For instance, even though I have tried starters that are balanced to perform better when facing left-handed batters (e.g. 6L) they seem to be touched by right-handed batters even though I had indicated that right-handed batters should be avoided. Can someone clarify how that configuration setting actually works in game play? :)

[durantjerry]

I have never used the avoid settings with SP's, as it seems impossible. With regared to relievers, even with avoid RH hitters, a LH specialist(avoid RH, quich hook & 1 IP only settings) will still face a good number of RH hitters, if not more RH hitters than LH hitters. I once compiled the numbers on 8-10 teams with there types of pitchers on teams with deep bullpens and found that none of them faced as much as 60% LH hitters, with a high of about 58%. Occasionally, they even faced more RH hitters. If you look at the %'s on these type of RP's cards, the real %'s are similar. You rarely see 60% vs LH hitters. If a pinch hitter is used, they are required to stay in and face him. Also, if your bullpen isn't deep enough, they may be called on to pitch in non-LH situations. There was a higher % with the RH specialists facing RH hitters, I guess because there are just more RH hitters. I think the best % was about 67% vs RH hitters for a RH specialist. I assume the %'s will be lower if quick hook and 1-2 IP are not checked off for settings.
With regards to hitters, I platoon often and get consistently very good platoon splits. Some complain HAL does not use a pinch hitter early enough in the game, but I have often gotten 90% splits. One side is more likely than the other to be good, probably LH hitters vs RH pitchers, but I forget. Overall, it is an inexact science, but for the most part I think a good job is done. IMO, some problems are self inflicted by team make up and lack of depth, causing players to be used in situations not specified by the settings. However, I have had instances of gross misuse of RP's for what seems like no discernable reason based on the availability of other pitchers and the settings I am using and you will see occasional posts of some players voicing their frustration because of this. My advice would be not to try to be too fine with the settings, as they are not followed in that manner. For example, I rarely use a different set up guy vs LH hitters and RH hitters, for the very reason you are now questioning. In my experience, it just won't happen the way you want it to. I know it(bullpen logic) is an area that they are working on improving.

[movertom]

Thank you for taking the time to post this most thorough response.
Happy New Year!

[pwootten]

Jerry, your stats are really interesting. In a nutshell, SOM hasn't kept up with the concept of situational relievers, at least to the degree they are used in MLB. That said, I have had better luck with a team in the 2005 set than I've had before, with 4, 5, or 6 relievers being brought in and quickly removed as the situation dictates.