Defensive Alignment AI

[jmik58]

I'm not quite ready to take on the defensive alignment subject in terms of "proper depth"... however, I am starting to have an issue with the success of the AI to align correctly a majority of the time based on where the ball ends up going.

While I have a hunch that "deep alignment" is way too deep (and the same for shallow) ... I'm just as concerned at the moment that the CPU outfielders alignment correlates with the landing spot of my hits way too often. And I'm finding their alignment isn't necessarily based on the hitter (or type of hitter power/contact) at the plate.

I'm contemplating doing a rough statistical comparison to see if there is any truth to it, but it really feels like the CPU outfielders are aligned (deep or shallow) way too accurately when the ball actually ends up going deep or shallow.

What type of results are you seeing?

[JohnMcClaneTW]

The results I am seeing is the CPU catching or quickly getting to anything and everything hit near it. Seemingly lining the ball into the gaps is caught very often, and when you get hits that should be sure doubles, you either barely make it to second or are thrown out trying. There are also WAY too many diving catches for my liking.

I may have to mess with some of the fielding sliders to try and make that feel more realistic.

[jmik58]

I'm also noticing that the CPU is taking perfect angles in what seems like 99% of the time. The only time they miss the ball is when they are too slow and can't get there or they just whiff with the glove.

This was a concern of mine when they talked about player defensive ratings making a difference. I had hoped it would result in less-than-perfect angles on most attempts; but the reality is that everyone makes near perfect angles but the end result is the only thing that is tampered with.

[BoSox5]

Quote: Originally Posted by JohnMcClaneTW

I may have to mess with some of the fielding sliders to try and make that feel more realistic.

Yup, Outfielder speed and arms is where you should start. Moving both down by one has given me good results thus far for more gap hits. Also moved base running speed down to offset.

[jmik58]

Quote: Originally Posted by BoSox5

Yup, Outfielder speed and arms is where you should start. Moving both down by one has given me good results thus far for more gap hits. Also moved base running speed down to offset.

I've turned down fielder speed, reaction, and arm strength but I still feel like they are in position way too often.

[bukktown]

I never thought anything of it until I hit a liner to right with Joe Mauer and the RF was playing shallow and caught it. Why would the OF be set to shallow for Joe Mauer?

[jmik58]

Quote: Originally Posted by bukktown

I never thought anything of it until I hit a liner to right with Joe Mauer and the RF was playing shallow and caught it. Why would the OF be set to shallow for Joe Mauer?

This is what I'm talking about.

I've had guys like John Jay and Chris Carpenter hit liners that would have hit the wall on the fly but were caught because the defense was playing deep. Sometimes I check the defense pre-pitch just to see where I might end up hitting the ball (joking)... but it's tempting.

You want to talk about feeling ripped off... the shot with Carpenter would have resulted in two key runs, but instead it was tracked down and caught at the wall after a drop-step and about 5 strides. This was with 2-outs as well... so there was no reason at all to play that deep.

[decga]

There is a defensive alignment adjustment in the gameplay option. I am not sure if has any affect on gameplay though...

[PsychoBulk]

jmik, i generally enjoy your posts but on this occasion i think you are looking too deeply into things and looking for something that isnt there.

Im having no trouble getting the correct hits at the correct times without feeling like im playing against an entire team of HOF defenders.

You will come through the frustration

[jmik58]

Quote: Originally Posted by PsychoBulk

jmik, i generally enjoy your posts but on this occasion i think you are looking too deeply into things and looking for something that isnt there. Im having no trouble getting the correct hits at the correct times without feeling like im playing against an entire team of HOF defenders. You will come through the frustration

Ya, I thought about it and you're right... I think my frustration came through and I had to blame it on something. I may be onto something, but there's no way to know without bringing some proof...which I don't have.

I should know better lol... but hey, I guess I'm not perfect so I had my moment and time to move on

Sometimes the convenience of this board is something a person (myself included) can use as a crutch to vent. Good thing there's guys like PsychoBulk to call me out and keep me level headed