Classic Pitching Questions and Discussion 2012

[Geronimo22]

H&V you started this thread last year. I thought I'd bring it back for this year.

Now, when it comes to sliders most guys (including myself) bump up human pitcher control and human consistency. Is this really necessary? Most would say yes.

I've read up on on how other guys use it. And all the pitching strategy is great, but I'm more interested in the mechanics of the control. Here's a couple things that I have noticed to get the discussion going.

1) You can't pitch to the rumble and expect control. Last year a few of us did some pitching tests and my results had higher strike % than the others. However I wasn't using the dualshock stick. So with no rumble, I went with a timer in my head and never held the button down for longer than a second. Most of the time I just tapped it. Unlike others have said in the past, I don't believe it's about timing the pitchers leg kick. I'm thinking physical timing is the way to go (example 1/2 second or 1 second).

2) You have to learn each pitchers spots. For example, I have a theory that if you want hit the low outside corner with a C.C. Sabathia change up you have to aim the ball above and to the left of the target (batters view). What I'm saying is, with some pitchers you can't aim the ball at the target and expect it to hit it and it's not because they have poor control. It's because there pitch DNA is built to aim "here" and the ball well go over "there" consistently.

Currently, I'm testing out my theories in practice pitch mode (knockout drill). HOF level - default sliders.

I'd love to get your guys opinions and would love to do some tests if guys are interested.

[Heroesandvillains]

Great stuff!

I'll just add that I have a tad more control if I throw the ball with 1/2 to 2/3 effort. I do this approximately 65% of the time, otherwise my walks increase a bunch.

Light taps are decent to mix in occasionally, but I find them typically inaccurate unless we're speaking changeup, or something with higher pitch confidence.

I'll be back when I have more time, but for anyone interested, read through Armor & Sword's slider thread. There's fantastic tips in there (and speaking of sliders, I use all AS Defaults...as they apply to this thread, anyway).

[Geronimo22]

Quote: Originally Posted by heroesandvillians

Great stuff! I'll just add that I have a tad more control if I throw the ball with 1/2 to 2/3 effort. I do this approximately 65% of the time, otherwise my walks increase a bunch. Light taps are decent to mix in from occasionally, but I find them typically inaccurate unless we're speaking changeup, or something with higher pitch confidence. I'll be back when I have more time, but for anyone interested, read through Armor & Sword's slider thread. There's fantastic tips in there.

I hardly use light taps this year. I'm using more 1/2 effort as well.

Correct if I'm wrong, but in the Armor and Sword's thread, didn't he say using max effort got him the best results (control wise)?

[Heroesandvillains]

Quote: Originally Posted by Geronimo22

I hardly use light taps this year. I'm using more 1/2 effort as well. Correct if I'm wrong, but in the Armor and Sword's thread, didn't he say using max effort got him the best results (control wise)?

I don't think so. I could be wrong too.

I just mainly remember him telling me to hold X down longer than I was. Presto! Control problems gone. There's some other good advice in there too. Definitely worth a read.

[Geronimo22]

Quote: Originally Posted by heroesandvillians

I don't think so. I could be wrong too. I just mainly remember him telling me to hold X down longer than I was. Presto! Control problems gone. There's some other good advice in there too. Definitely worth a read.

Def will take a look over there. BTW are you using default pitching? Also, what level pitching?

[Armor & Sword]

Quote: Originally Posted by Geronimo22

I hardly use light taps this year. I'm using more 1/2 effort as well. Correct if I'm wrong, but in the Armor and Sword's thread, didn't he say using max effort got him the best results (control wise)?

No. I use 1/3 to 2/3 most of the time. I will use max effort on strong pitchers counts like 0-2 and 1-2 to put away a guy with a high hard one or a hard slider or pull the string on a 12/6 curve in the dirt to get the cpu to chase, a biting splitter etc .

I love the tip you gave about pitch location. That is so true. You must learn your pitchers "pitch DNA" to really become a good pitcher overall. Even then, the beauty of classic pitching is some nights even your Ace does not have "it" and sometimes your fifth starter will throw a gem.

Classic pitching is as sim as it comes with the Show IMO.

[Geronimo22]

Quote: Originally Posted by Armor & Sword

No. I use 1/3 to 2/3 most of the time. I will use max effort on strong pitchers counts like 0-2 and 1-2 to put away a guy with a high hard one or a hard slider or pull the string on a 12/6 curve in the dirt to get the cpu to chase, a biting splitter etc . I love the tip you gave about pitch location. That is so true. You must learn your pitchers "pitch DNA" to really become a good pitcher overall. Even them the beauty of classic pitching is some nights even your Ace does not have "it" and sometimes your fifth starter will throw a gem. Classic pitching is as sim as it comes with the Show IMO.

Great stuff A&S!

[Heroesandvillains]

Quote: Originally Posted by Geronimo22

Def will take a look over there. BTW are you using default pitching? Also, what level pitching?

AS Default.

[Ryan97]

I'm using all-star default as well, I haven't found the need to make any changes to the sliders for classic pitching. I was lucky and the first time through my rotation I got great results. The second time they were a little different but still great which allowed me to chalk it up to "a different day" so things shouldnt be exactly the same.

When I was able to K 9 and hold the Yankees to 5 hits through 7.2/3 with 3 walks with Romero I felt they were certainly passable.

I hold the button for a half second not a tap for pitches around the edges or pitches I need to keep down. I use full power off and on for every pitch cause it varies the speed and break which is important for keeping the AI off balance.

[KingV2k3]

Anybody have any classic experience with knuckelballers?

As we know, there's a graphic that will show (for instance) where a 12-6 Curve should be "aimed" and where it's likely to "end up"...

Same for sliders, any pitch with movement...

But when I used RA Dickey in practice mode, there wasn't anything to indicate that sort of thing...

What area of the zone is best to aim for?

It seems like you just kind of chuck it up there and hope for the best, which is taking the "classic" thing to quite an extreme, correct?



Tips?

Thanks!