Another I don't understand this roll

https://365.strat-o-matic.com/game/play ... 455447/394

1 W.McGee 6-10 Single (3B) b-1 gb(3B)x F9

Bottom 9th
1 out
Nobody on base
Caminiti 1e27 at 3rd
McGee is a C bunter

How does McGee get a single? The only thing I can think of is HAL had the corners in. You're telling me HAL pulled the corners in for a C bunter? Say it isn't so!

Your guess seems most plausible.

I don't know if HAL considers the bunter rating...though I doubt it is as important as the situational part in the algorithm's decision tree--late game, score tied, less than two outs, with a fast guy up--in real baseball maybe one could say the conventional move is to bring the corners in.

But SOM is not real baseball, and I wish I could tell it to never bring the infield in because of this kind of stupidity. And the only control we have is limit the inning to no earlier than the 5th, and of course on the other side of it, we have no control over HAL deciding to bunt for a base hit, only sacrifices and squeezes.

In that sense, I guess HAL knows how stupid he can be, and considered that Willie may bunt for a base hit, and so brought the 1e27 in to degrade his range rating for a bunt attempt that shouldn't occur. Sure. Makes perfect sense.

Though rule 20.0 as implemented leaves more questions than answers...With no one on, I don't think a person has the option in the computer game. So why would HAL do it?

"Super-Advanced

(20.2) In Super Advanced Play, the manager of the team in the field has the choice of Infield Back, Infield In and Corners In.

(20.3) Because Super Advanced play provides for Corners In to defense the sacrifice bunt, Infield In may be chosen only with a man at third.

(20.4) The Groundball Result Chart (see Page 15) replaces the Basic Strategy Chart for any gb()A, gb()B and gb(c) readings from the batter or pitcher cards with the Infield Back or the Infield In. It does not apply to gb()X chances.

(20.5) With a runner on third base, always consider the pitcher to be playing in on a gb(p)A, gb(p)B or gb(p)C from the batter's or pitcher's card.

(20.51) On a gb(p)X or CATCH-X, the pitcher and catcher are considered to be playing normal (back) when rest of the infield is playing normal and they are considered to be playing in when the entire infield is in.

When the defensive manager is playing Corners In, the pitcher and catcher are considered to be playing in when there is a runner on third base only, or when there are runners on second and third base only. Otherwise, the pitcher and catcher are considered to be playing back.

(20.6) With Infield In, convert any batter's card groundball followed by a "+" to read "SINGLE**" (all other runners advance two bases).

(20.61) With Infield In, convert any Super Advanced X-Chart result followed by "#" to read "SI2" (single, with all other runners advancing two bases).

(20.7) The manager of the defensive team may position his infield as Corners In until there are two outs, whenever a runner is on any base. Corners In preserves some double play possibilities while limiting the batter's advantage of hitting safely more often through the drawn-in infield.

With Corners In, use these rules:

(20.71) Do not award a SINGLE** for a batter's card groundball followed by a "+". Treat the play as if the "+" did not appear.

(20.72) On a groundball hit to the first baseman, third baseman, follow the rules for Infield In (including changing X-Chart results followed by a "#" to read "SI2").

(20.73) On a groundball to the second baseman or shortstop, follow the rules for Infield Back.

(20.74) Rules 20.5 and 20.51 also apply.

(20.75) Any runner or combination of runners also may be held on base when the infield is positioned as Corners In.

(20.8) For gb()X results, refer to the Super Advanced Fielding Chart. Under each table for G1, G2 and G3 results, there are guidelines for each baserunning situation, with Infield "Normal" (back) and Infield In. There is also a Super Advanced Groundball Results Chart printed on the Fielding Chart that describes the outcome of each event that can occur on the Fielding Chart."

The PC engine also has a Guard The Lines option, but I can't recall if that affects infielder range or not. I thought it increased the chance of singles at the expense of taking away extra base hits, but I was thinking that was just for outfielders.