Baserunning/Stealing Feedback

[2K Admin Ron]

Please provide feedback using the following format -

PROS:


CONS:


SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

[Cava256]

Pros: The concept of the way to steal bases this year is great.

Cons: It's almost impossible.

Please fix this without changing the way to steal.

[tiedyed]

PROS: how difficult it is to steal

CONS:none



I think the stealing is actually really good now. I have not had any problems stealing, you just need to pick the right pitcher and situation to run.

[LtWeight]

Pros: The way you steal is great.

Cons: It is really hard to time it right so you can steal.

Suggestions: Make it so we can go a little later after when the pitcher starts the stretch and make it so we can go a little bit before he starts the stretch and not have to go into a pickle.

When slide or dive into a base, can we have dirt on the jerseys?

[Wildcatsj2512]

Pros: I also enjoy the way you steal i think its great.

Cons: it is very difficult if i have a guy like Ian Kinsler up and he cant ever steal second when he was only thrown out once last year i dont like it, but i also dont think this should be too easy.

Suggestions: 1 suggestion when the human player is at 1st and the computer is going to attempt to pick you off i really think that it shouldnt show you for 5 seconds before they throw it makes it too easy to not get picked off so i would change this so we dont get a warning before they throw.

[jeffy777]

Pros: The concept of the way to steal bases this year is great.

Cons: It's almost impossible.

Please fix this without changing the way to steal.

Agreed. :)

Another Suggestion:
Bring back the Baseburner mode that was in 2K7 where you could take full control of the baserunner and you had the controls to tell the batter to take a pitch, etc. I still don't understand why this was ever removed as it was a very nice feature.

ALSO:
Please improve the dust clouds. They are too frequent first of all (just running down the line is not going to kick up a cloud with every step) and they look weird. AT LEAST let us turn them off (I know you can on the PC version, but not on the 360). But it would be nice to have them on IF they were more realistic looking.

[aabar]

please just allow us the option of changing the steal controls to previous years. i've played this game since day 1 (literally) and have been able to steal 1 base and have been picked off about 100 times

fix the dust clouds. it just gets annoying to look at

[RedLine]

Pros:
I like the current implementation for two-player

Cons:
Too hard to steal, pitch speed slider seems to affect success

Suggestions
Option to use 2K7 Baseburner mode for 1 player games (more immerse)
Make ratings / attributes more important for steal success

[dodgerphreak]

Pros: Concept of stealing bases is great

Cons: Timing is very difficult

Suggestions: I say that we should have a different button for leading and stealing. Say for the 360, LB would be lead off and LT would be steal. You can lead off, then time your steal so that the instant you press it, the runner takes off rather than having to guess when the pitcher is going to throw the ball.

[crkluvit]

I think 2k9 stealing is pretty good, but I think if you made it so you had to get back yourself or have an option to turn on that you can manually get back would make it even better.

[BigBlue922]

PROS: I like the new basestealing mode this year

CONS: Watch the animation of the basestealer! For the first 3 steps, head is down and he's going all out. But then he picks his head up and looks like he slows down a bit.

Suggestions:
(1) Improve the animation so that the base stealer is running hard to steal the base
(2) Improve the animation where the fielder covering receives the throw from the catcher and applies the proper tag to the runner FLUIDLY
(3) Ensure that the proper call is made by the umpire

BigBlue922

[biggestcubsfan]

keep it the same

[Nick15_19]

Suggestions:
Have runners looking like they run full speed, typically people have their heads down when stealing.
Fielders should catch the ball in front of the base and then apply the tag.
Fielders should not catch the ball and then almost instantly have their hand down to the ground.
People with high speed should have a pretty obvious faster time to the base than slower people.

[Trevytrev11]

Pro's:

I love the contol's of this year. The press, hold and release is a great idea and gives the user much more control.

Con's:

1) Too hard to steal with great base stealers and almost impossible with average guys.

2) Way too easy to get back on a pick to first. The camera shifts to the pick off cam a second before the pitcher even tries to pick. It should be instantaeous.

Suggestions:

Focusing on Pickoffs

In real life, as a runner, you pretty much know when the pitcher has you in his radar and is focusing on you. Pitchers have to check runners to make sure they don't get too large of a lead or a walking lead and have an easy time stealing bases on them. At first or third, they can see when the pitcher tilts his head to look at them.At second, it's obvious when a pitcher is looking because he has to turn his head 180 degree's.

However, in video games, you never know if he is looking or not. You never know if he is aware you are taking a larger than normal lead because he can see it on the screen in the PIP window's on or the base runner icon's.

Suggestion

New camera's / effects to bring the cat and mouse game of pitcher vs. base stealer to video games!

Basically, the pitcher can't see the runner unless he looks at him and the runners will know when the pitcher looks.

-Keep the PIP (picture in picture) base running screen's. However, when runners are on base and the pitcher is set, these spaces will remain blank and the pitcher will be clueless as to the size of the runners lead. The icon's also will not adjust to reflect a lead off. If a pitcher wants to look over, he presses the desired button and the pitcher will then tilt his head to look and the PIP screen will fade in to the action at first (or third) and he will be able to see the runner, the bag, the fielder, etc.

At second, it's the same concept. However, the default camera will be zoomed in or raised in such a manner that you cannot see the runner on second in the basica camera view. When he wants to look at the runner, he presses the desired look button along with the base button (similar to a pick to certain bag you have to press an activator and a base button/direction) and this time the camera will zoom out to reveal the action at second. The pitcher will turn his head to look.

When hitting from the batters view, you will know know when the opponent is doing this becuase on screen you will see the pitchers head move.

The pitcher then can execute his pick (when he is looking or not looking) like normal, by pressing the pick button. The pitcher does not have to look to pick, only to actually see. He can pick at any time. Often times pitchers will pick regardless of the lead based on a situation, a set play, etc.

Example: Say L Trigger is the look activator and L Bumper is the pick activator.

You are pitching with a runner on 1st. You are set and have no idea of the runners lead as the PIP screen is empty. You press the L trigger and see in the PIP screen that the runner as three step lead and extends it to four steps. As you look you see the runner take a step back. You let off the trigger, the screen fades out and the pitcher looks towards the plate. You feel the runner is probably extending back to a four step lead and you want to get him. Now press the bumper to pick with the base button and pick over.

Not sure if this is too complicated or not, but it could always be turned off as an option. Just think it would add a feel of the cat and mouse game a pitcher plays with a speedy baserunner.

[joker1231233]

PROS; Being able to change runners while playing

CONS: Stealing mode

SUGGESTIONS: Be able to revert back to classic stealing controls like in 2K8

[Blitzburgh]

PROS:I like the design


CONS: When my guy is on base i need a visual to see how fast he is


SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Allow me to cycle my base runners so i can see their spped rating like when I am pitching.

[Nick15_19]

2) Way too easy to get back on a pick to first. The camera shifts to the pick off cam a second before the pitcher even tries to pick. It should be instantaeous.
Actually, the better the pitcher is at pickoffs, the faster he throws it. Like Andy Pettite throws it almost instantly when the camera goes to pickoff.

[ulose22]

Pros: Stealing concept, sliding system, control of runners

Cons: Too hard to steal, no collision detection

Suggestions: Don't let runners go back to the base they left from on a steal attempt after a certain point. Also, let the fielders get rid of the ball faster when a runner is in a pickle, as it is too easy for a runner to get out of a pickle sometimes.

[bango31]

Cons:

a) Players holding up on flyballs that they should be running on. A runner will sometimes step off the bag after diving back and then get tagged out. The user has no control over this; it's a glitch or something.

c) AWFUL calls at the plate.

Suggestions:

a) GET RID OF IT. If a guy hits a ball to the gap, no one is going to hold up on that, yet twice in one game I've had a guy on 2nd that hesitates for a good 1-2 seconds on a deep shot to the right-center gap. He's then thrown out at the plate. And no, it's not a slow runner. If "Smarthold" is on, then it needs to be SMART.

b) FIX IT.

c) Something's seriously wrong. I should have been saving replays from all the blown calls at the plate I've seen. There is no tag, half the guy's body is across the plate, yet he's still out? I don't think so. You don't get points in this game for ALMOST getting the out. It's so bad, I don't know how this could've been overlooked the first time around.

[BigBlue922]

Suggestion:
Please get rid of the ugly yellow stick figures that indicates the runners on base in the lower right of the screen. I'd rather see dots or a tiny baseball cap than stick figures.

BigBlue922

[Trevytrev11]

Actually, the better the pitcher is at pickoffs, the faster he throws it. Like Andy Pettite throws it almost instantly when the camera goes to pickoff.

If this is the case, then they need to tone down down the discrepencies. I was facing Sabathia and it switched to the pick off camera well before he even started his move to first. So I have my runner going back to the bag before the pitcher does anything.

[Nick15_19]

If this is the case, then they need to tone down down the discrepencies. I was facing Sabathia and it switched to the pick off camera well before he even started his move to first. So I have my runner going back to the bag before the pitcher does anything.
Ya they should change it so, they just take longer to make the move to the base, not just sit there for 5 seconds while you go back to the base.

[Greg7]

Pros:
*Stealing system - very fun

Cons:
*Too hard to swipe a bag with a good base stealer
*Runners don't run hard
*Sliding is terrible
*Too hard to tag up with multiple runners
*Baserunner AI
*Blown calls by umps.

Suggestions
*Make runner's ratings mean something. Guys like Jacoby, Ichiro, Carl Crawford, etc. should fly and be able to get to their top speed very quickly (acceleration). 2k9 is missing that explosiveness of speed for those certain players. These guys can be game changers without getting a hit. Speed never slumps!

*Make the runners run harder. Redo the animation of the runner so it looks better. Needs to be more fluid. Everything from a dead sprint to a nice easy homerun trot and everything in between.
-- Also, the animation for turning around and heading back to your previous base needs to be redone. It's waaay too slow.

*New sliding animations! More pop up slides. Hard take out slides on DPs. Head first slides where the runner slides up and over the bag and keeps contact with his feet as he almost slides completely over the bag. The slides in 2k look like they slow the runner down. I hate seeing my runner slide in head first only to barely make it to the bag. The slides that go to either side of the bag (head first to the left and to the right; feet first to the left and to the right) aren't too bad. It's mainly the slides that go straight into the bag that look crappy. Between the runner animation and the slide animation, 2k10 needs to capture the true speed of baseball. Play 2k9, then watch a live game on MLB network and notice the difference in speed.

*Baserunner AI - If I tag up from 3rd and there's a runner on 2nd as well (let's say no outs and the ball was hit to the warning track in right field..and there's a runner on 1st who will go halfway and not tag up) then I'd like for both runners (2nd and 3rd) to tag up. Then I'd have a runner on 3rd with another chance for a sac fly as well as a runner on first. Right now I can't have more than one runner tag up without hitting the "advance all" bumper. The baserunners are too slow to tag up at 3rd then switch to the runner standing on 2nd and tag up with him... I'd be out at 3rd. So if I tag up at 3rd with no outs and a ball hit to deep right; the runner on 2nd should automatically know to tag up too. While I'm on the Baserunner AI then I'll add to not have the batter start running on an obvious foul ball. I'd also like to see a runner hustle when hitting a homerun that's a wall scraper instead of doing a bat flip and start walking as if he hit the ball 450 feet. Obviously if you hit the ball 450 feet... then yeah, watch it go.
**Edit**Another good example to improve baserunner AI: Let's say I'm trying to steal 2nd base. The Catcher comes up throwing and the ball sails into center field as I slide into second. The runner should pop up quickly knowing that he could possibly head to third on the error. At this point it should be up to the user to decide whether or not to head to third on the error or to stay put at second. As it stands right now, the runner will slide into second and get up slowly even though you've already hit the button for him to head to third on the bad throw. You would have to hit for him to stay at second because he didn't get back to his feet fast enough. Bottom line, you can't make the other team pay for a bad throw on a stolen base.
**Yet another example to improve Baserunner AI - in 2k9 runners don't "freeze" on line drives. They automatically think that it will be caught and start heading back to the previous bag. I frequently have to hold runners on 3rd on line drive base hits (runner was at 2nd).. even with two outs. This should not be.. it should be ::Contact:: and ::Go::.
Honestly, baserunning AI could be revamped from every angle.

*Umps blow obvious calls - no need to say much more. I'm sure you guys at 2k are aware of this one.

[buckyrocks]

WTF? I know i commented in here and for some reason it got deleted. All I said was not to have catchers make perfect throws everytime and to have the runner take off as soon as the pitcher lifts his leg instead of as the pitcher is coming forward. Did saying that offend someone?

[Trevytrev11]

Some other thoughts:

1)When you get a 4 step (Three clicks and a hold of the L trigger) lead at first, the pitcher will pick over every single time and I mean EVERY time. Even when you are making it back easy they will continue to throw. I've littlerally sat there for a good 5 minutes to see if they ever go to the plate and they do not.

From this situation there are usually two things that will happen
a) because the runner can make it back easy, he would probably extend his lead and take another step or half of a step-now maybe the pitcher would have a chance. (Unfortunately you are limited to a 4 step lead or at least I think you are because every time i go that far they pick immediately).
b) if the pitchers best move isn't working and he thinks the runner will run, go with a pitchout. He may throw over two, three or even four times, but not more than that and not every time with every runner. Once he realizes his efforts are futile, he's got to move on.

2) Runners usually get their largest lead at second. There is nobody holding them on the bag (like at first), so they can listen and feel for the fielders and know whether to shorten or extend their lead and the pitchers have a more time consuming move to second (via a long, drawn out inside move or a spin move in which they have to turn and throw 180 degrees instead of 90 at first). In this game, I believe you can only take 2 steps at second, while you can take 4 at first. Whey even limit the number of steps, especially if you are going to allow runners to take off whenever they want. If there are two outs and the middle infielders are playing back, I should be able to extend my lead as far as possible.

3) As I said in an earlier post, it would be nice if the pitcher was actually forced to check the runners. As a runner, you never even know if the pitcher is aware of you. In real life if you are on second and the pitcher is not looking at you, you can get a walking lead and swipe third easily. In this game, you just never know.

Please, please develop a system (even if it's optional) to make this part of the game a part of your game.

4) Slide steps
-Not every one uses them in real life. So as an option for each player, give them the option to pitch with a slide step. (If a pitcher only uses it, then it would be their default and the option would not be needed).
-If this option is given, don't force it on every pitch, use a modifier to choose when to use it. If your pitching with Ryan Howard on first, your not going to be too concerned with rushing to the plate and therefore wouldn't need it.
**With a slide step comes a faster motion to the plate, which usually means a little less effectiveness on the pitch. this could be taken care of like it currently is when pitching from the stretch, with a faster motion.

[Nick15_19]

On popups in foul territory, the batter would not be running to first base.

[MLBfanaddict]

I use the PC version

Cons
Difficulty in stealing for fast players.
Baserunner returns to his base with a fly ball with two outs, he should be running.
With a fly ball to the outfield where the outfielder is close to catching and doesn't, the runner dosen't advance far enough and is often thrown out. This would NOT happen is a MLB game.

[kcxiv]

Give us the ability to hold players were we want them. Like if there is a pop up, give me the chance to park the player between the base. I know it does it automatically, but sometimes it doesnt. Let me do it. Make it to where if you hold both bumpers the runners freeze or something like that. I am sure you all can implement it better.

[Trevytrev11]

Give us the ability to hold players were we want them. Like if there is a pop up, give me the chance to park the player between the base. I know it does it automatically, but sometimes it doesnt. Let me do it. Make it to where if you hold both bumpers the runners freeze or something like that. I am sure you all can implement it better.

Good one! This would make many of my base running errors disapear.

The one concern about the bumpers though is they are used to advance and retreat runners and my fear is that if you didn't hit them or release them exactly at the right moment, you'd end up moving all of the runners one way or another instead of stopping them or keeping them stopped.

Maybe a face button. A switches runners and X slides. Maybe they could use Y or B (or both-one to stop all runners and one to stop the chosen runner).

It is commone for a situation to arise when you a runner is supposed to go half way and this would really help out.

[RabidMongoose_Xbox360]

PROS: Not much

CONS: Indicator in corner of screen does not tell you EXACTLY where runners are. Runners run back base on contact with 2 outs. Stealing impossible.

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Get rid of the stick controls for brunning, just use the shoulder buttons. Let us cue up steals like previous games. Let us control which way runners slide.

[Nick15_19]

Runners should get more than a 2 step lead off second.

[Trevytrev11]

Runners should get more than a 2 step lead off second.

Exactly. Runners get their BIGGEST lead from second. There is nobody holding them directly on the bag like at first. They can gauge their lead by the distance of the fielders as they know all they have to do is beat the fielder back to the bag.

[Nick15_19]

Ok. For sliding into bases:
Sliding should not slow players down. Especially on a head first slide into a base.
On slides to the left/right of bases, Players usually slide feet first and touch the base with their hand.
OR they go head first hit with their hand and as they slide by, make the transition to their feet.
PLAYERS WOULD NEVER GO HEAD FIRST, SPIN AFTER TOUCHING THE BAG WITH ONE HAND AND THEN SWITCH TO THE OTHER HAND. THEY WOULD GET TAGGED OUT EASILY.

[tackleb0x]

Pros: I like how its difficult to steal a base.

Cons: Jacoby ellsbury should not be thrown out stealing on a curveball. The sliding plays need to be more exciting and accurate. Different types of slides should have an actually effect on the gameplay. And where are the popup slides?

[ScirishHoss]

need to make calls more acurate idk how many times i get thrown out stealing when i'm safe. take out slides and collisions are a must. cant believe they arnt in 2k9 its a f'n joke.

[dodgersfan]

PROS: ummmm... well... its hard to say

CONS: to be safe, i have to turn around and get into a pickle and hope for a bad throw or for one of the fielders to stop and i cant really describe it but they sort of turn around and wont throw it and i can slide in safely but tht shouldnt be how i have to steal. its way too hard to steal on this years game.

SUGGESTIONS: make it to where we have an option if we want to let go and the runner take off like it is this year, or where we can hav the classic stealing where all we gotta do is press y & up and theyll go on they own when its pitched......PLEASE!

[Trevytrev11]

Suggestion:

When a runner slides and then is directed by the user to go to the next base, there needs to be an animation to have him quickly get to his feet.
Example: Runner slides into third and the ball is thrown over the third baseman's head. Instead of jumping up and maybe scoring, he takes his time and there is no chance.

[ken32turley]

Better plays @ the plate!!!!

[-Sonnenschein-]

PROS:
- I like the chance to lead off

CONS:
- after patch I haven't picked off anybody! It doesn't matter how far the guy gets away from the plate
- baserunning is extremely unresponsive: I want my guy stopping at third, but he just keeps running, no matter how often I push the stick to the left... oh no, half way home he does turn around and then gets caught at 3rd... frustrating
- also starting to run seems unresponsive: they just keep standing for 2 more seconds... well, that's too long!
- absolutely no collision detection and no double play break ups

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
- being able to lead off way further and start running earlier: a steal like Ellsbury's steal of home against the Yankees is not possible since you can only take 3 steps forward

[Trevytrev11]

PROS:
-SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
- being able to lead off way further and start running earlier: a steal like Ellsbury's steal of home against the Yankees is not possible since you can only take 3 steps forward

I gave my idea before, but to do this, they, like you said, need to add a system in which you can take longer leads (unlimited really), but also the pitchers, IMO, need to be forced to look at runners to see how big of a lead you are getting. When they can tell automatically by the Picture in Picture screen that you have a 4 step lead instead of a 2 step lead, then there is no way for a runner to get an advantage on his lead.

In real life the reason many runners get to steal bases is because the pitchers neglect them. They don't look at the them and allow them to get an extra long lead and get a good jump. They will shorten their lead and maybe hesitate on their jump if they know the pitcher is paying attention and looking over at them...Unforunately, you never know.

[Nick15_19]

I gave my idea before, but to do this, they, like you said, need to add a system in which you can take longer leads (unlimited really), but also the pitchers, IMO, need to be forced to look at runners to see how big of a lead you are getting. When they can tell automatically by the Picture in Picture screen that you have a 4 step lead instead of a 2 step lead, then there is no way for a runner to get an advantage on his lead.

In real life the reason many runners get to steal bases is because the pitchers neglect them. They don't look at the them and allow them to get an extra long lead and get a good jump. They will shorten their lead and maybe hesitate on their jump if they know the pitcher is paying attention and looking over at them...Unforunately, you never know.

Maybe an attribute should be added for baserunner awareness. The higher the awareness, the less people will be able to steal off that pitcher becuase he is holding the runners on.

[Trevytrev11]

I agree, but I still think there has to be something visual in the game so that as the runner, you know the pitcher is paying attention to you and know that you are at a risk of getting picked off. If you are on second and the pitcher doesn't look at you, you should be able to basically get a walking lead and take third standing up (he would have no idea you are extending you lead unless the defense says something, then you would hear it as well and move back). If your extending your lead and he looks back and see's your 12-15 feet off the bag, then he would pick or step off...do something to stop you.

The awareness rating could tie into how good of a job he does. A low rating against an AI pitcher would result in less variety of looks/picks. A high rating and almost every pitch pattern is different than the previous one. (One look-pitch, one look-pause-pitch, one look-long pause-pitch, etc.

On top of just the awareness, there are several ways pitchers control the running game.

1) Some pitchers have great pickoff moves. Runners hesitate because they can't immediately tell whether or not the pitcher is going to the plate or not. This is more typical of lefties, but there are a few righties out there who get a way with a little front leg movement before their pick.

2) Some pitchers do a great job of varying their looks and holds before pitching. Pedro was a guy who though was slow to the plate did a good job of holding runners by making them wait. When runners are running and you force them to wait and wait, they tend to tence up a little or get antsy and leave before you go to the plate. Pedro would sit there and hold for 3 or 4 seconds or sometimes would just hold until the batter called time. Runners couldn't time his delivery becuase it was different every pitch.

3) Some pitchers are just quick to the plate. Even if you don't have a good move or do a good job of mixing up your time to the plate, if you pitch with a slide step and get the ball to the plate quickly, you're going to give your catcher plenty of opportunities to throw runners out.


They really need to ditch the pick off camera when the AI is pitching. It just makes getting back way too easy. With some pitchers, I can have a three step lead and get back to the bag before the pitcher even starts to throw only because I know he is going to because the camera switches. It would be much more realistic if they kept the camera the same until the pitcher actually released the ball. It would make stealing off of a lefty much harder as you would have to decide to go on first movement or read him and wait until he went to the plate.

[Nick15_19]

I agree, but I still think there has to be something visual in the game so that as the runner, you know the pitcher is paying attention to you and know that you are at a risk of getting picked off. If you are on second and the pitcher doesn't look at you, you should be able to basically get a walking lead and take third standing up (he would have no idea you are extending you lead unless the defense says something, then you would hear it as well and move back). If your extending your lead and he looks back and see's your 12-15 feet off the bag, then he would pick or step off...do something to stop you.

The awareness rating could tie into how good of a job he does. A low rating against an AI pitcher would result in less variety of looks/picks. A high rating and almost every pitch pattern is different than the previous one. (One look-pitch, one look-pause-pitch, one look-long pause-pitch, etc.

On top of just the awareness, there are several ways pitchers control the running game.

1) Some pitchers have great pickoff moves. Runners hesitate because they can't immediately tell whether or not the pitcher is going to the plate or not. This is more typical of lefties, but there are a few righties out there who get a way with a little front leg movement before their pick.

2) Some pitchers do a great job of varying their looks and holds before pitching. Pedro was a guy who though was slow to the plate did a good job of holding runners by making them wait. When runners are running and you force them to wait and wait, they tend to tence up a little or get antsy and leave before you go to the plate. Pedro would sit there and hold for 3 or 4 seconds or sometimes would just hold until the batter called time. Runners couldn't time his delivery becuase it was different every pitch.

3) Some pitchers are just quick to the plate. Even if you don't have a good move or do a good job of mixing up your time to the plate, if you pitch with a slide step and get the ball to the plate quickly, you're going to give your catcher plenty of opportunities to throw runners out.


They really need to ditch the pick off camera when the AI is pitching. It just makes getting back way too easy. With some pitchers, I can have a three step lead and get back to the bag before the pitcher even starts to throw only because I know he is going to because the camera switches. It would be much more realistic if they kept the camera the same until the pitcher actually released the ball. It would make stealing off of a lefty much harder as you would have to decide to go on first movement or read him and wait until he went to the plate.
Maybe to indicate the pitcher is looking at the runner, maybe on the Daimond display at the bottom of the screen, the baserunner icon should start flashing or something like that.
One thing better about pickoffs in this game than The Show: You can't steal bases in this game off a pickoff move.

[Trevytrev11]

That would work in a one player game, but I think you still run into the problem online or in a two player game. I thought it'd be cool if the diamond display was blank (transparent) and then filled in with the graphic of the runner when the pitcher looked over (users would have to press a button to peak). At the same time, on the screen, the pitcher would turn or nod his head (just something to let you know he's looking). I figured something like this would take care of both sides. The pitcher has to look to see the runners and the runners know when the pitcher is looking at them.

[David M. Talbutt]

Pros: Stealing is good stuff. I like the way we get to do it now.

Cons: My nephew can't do it, neither can my girlfriend. The Computer can always do it no mater what.

Suggestions: Pleanty of players have a hard time reading a pitcher. Some players get a bad jump and start from the base late, not when they're controlled by the computer though. Denard Span is super fast and he can steal pleanty of bases, but he's not good at reading most pitchers and often gets caught because of it. There aught to be a "read pitcher" trait for baserunning.

Also for player controlled baserunners the current method should be optional.

[David M. Talbutt]

I forgot to mention my main concern.

I have played the game numerous times, and I've hit into many double plays, but I have never ever seen a collision at second. Maybe I'm doing it wrong, but if there isn't an animation for a collision then you need to put one in.

[David M. Talbutt]

Also we need Balks.

[msainttt41]

Stealing

Pros: The controls, to steal.

Cons: It's impossible.

Baserunning:
Pros: The controls except for the right stick.

Cons: Right stick way too sensitive. I've lost so many runs because my guy's about to score and am holding down on the right stick for him to come Home and right before he touches Home, he reverses directions and starts back to Third. You press down on the stick again to go Home and before it registers, you're out.

[thereelslim]

Pros: a great new system
Cons: IMPOSSIBLE to steal, player looks like he is jogging to 2B
Improvements: no MLB game I've played has simulated how close steals really are. I LOVE seeing them in the MLB because the catcher's throw is right there, and its always a bang-bang play. Somehow emulate that in a video game

[thereelslim]

Whatever happened to Base Burner??? That was sick, I loved that idea!

[mlb2k921]

Love the concept. Hate how it's impossible - even if you try to change every setting possible to make it easy.

[DonSPa]

i dont know why so many have troubles stealing.In my franchise mode i have 60 stolen bases and im into the month of may

[soxfan667]

STEALING:

PROS: i like the way you do it.

CONS: way to hard to steal.

IMPROVMENT: make it easier to steal.

BASERUNNING:

PROS: everything great except for right stick

CONS: i find my self going to 2nd on a ground ball to the outfield just get rid of the right stick control way way to sensitive.

[DonSPa]

adjust your sliders it is not hard to steal

[SAINT Wick]

Pros: None


Cons: All


Suggestions for improvement: Please review 2k7 for notes on improvements

[moralvirus]

adjust your sliders it is not hard to steal
Great advice - now how do you suggest people simply change their sliders to improve this quality without exactly specifying what attribute best affects the stolen base portion of this game? You know - not so vague advice such as what you've currently already given.

To be honest here, I'd love to run down a list of things I liked and hated about this one aspect of the game but if there is no assurance to us, the consumers, that you, the producers, of this product are going to take any heed to our grievances and complaints than what's the point in this? An exercise in futility on our parts?

Let's be honest here - the biggest reason most of us play the 2K baseball series is because of monopoly-styled contract that basically grants us one baseball game on a console that many people own because of its affordability over its major competitor (PS3 for anyone confused). If given the opportunity, many, if not all, of your fan base would have shriveled up and ran off to the nearest competitor baseball game product for the 360 long before you could even breathe word of The Bigs 1. We're sitting here at your mercy and for the most part our cries have, and probably still fall upon deaf, incompetent ears!

We're not saying that you produce a horrible product, we're practically screaming it! You've received marginal scores from fan sites like Operation Sports (6.5 score / 6.5 reader score) and were trashed by industry publications like IGN (6.8 score / 6.5 reader score / 6.5 press score average) and yet all we're given in regards to the hope of a better, brighter baseball game for next season is this little forum that basically stands more for a venting process for us to cycle down and get ready to come quivering to the food stand, bowl in hand, begging for more.

It would just be nice to know that this is being taken seriously before anymore time is wasted in giving out both great and horrible advice. This forum has already shown two things: [1] there are great ideas to improve upon the core of this game that could add elements never before seen in the industry as far as game mechanics for two player play is concerned, and [2] that some people are either so bitter, or completely blind that they'll just lay out the worst kind of advice to you, as a company, further giving you reason to never listen to a fanbase ever again.

It probably doesn't help every year the same old, tired song and dance is sung and jigged to upon the release of every copy; "last year's model of crap was better than this year's model." That motto is thrown around the internet with every incarnation of the 2K series, regardless of its truthfulness and regardless of the person spewing-it having no ability to look at the games objectively enough to even come to such a conclusion. But I digress, I certainly don't want to give you any sort of credence to your cause of ignorance to the consumers when this entire time you've held a gun to our heads and told us you're our only option for our baseball fix.

Not every good idea posted on this forum need be looked into as far as implementation for the next series, but it would certainly be nice to hear from someone official that at least it's going to be discussed in regards to how it can be implemented, if it should be implemented, and how time consuming it might be.

All we want is a baseball game that plays like a baseball game - not a simulation, or draft copy of your The Bigs series. We want a genuine feeling baseball game - we're not asking too much, I think. After all, we're the ones sinking $60+ every winter's-end/spring for a copy of this massive cranial crushing, soul destroying experience with the grin upon our faces that say we bear it all and keep digging that soiled spoon down our gullets.

So now my question(s): who is checking out this forum, who is taking notes - if any are being taken - and how realistically are our complaints being looked into so that 2K10 is something we'll be looking forward to rather than dragging ourselves to grab up because it's our only god forsaken choice?

Now that that's out of my system, I'll be waiting to see whether or not it'll be worth my time to even comment upon the project of next year's edition - wouldn't want to bounce ideas off of a wall that has no means of actually catching and returning that ball, something I'm sure others have thought as well.

[DonSPa]

myself ive changed difficulty sliders for running speed higher and changed the ai fielding speed lower.Also the team i play as i edit each players agilities as well such as running speed and acceleration higher.Stealing second im more successful than not ,stealing 3rd is tougher but still can do it and stealing home ive only done once

[Mr.Jumpman23]

players make the most stupidest errors like sometimes when you are on the ball it just randomly drops it makes no sense and sometimes you cant even tag people i hate it.

[thereelslim]

Pros:
• More control for user when stealing

Cons:
• Impossible to steal
• Cannot break up double plays
• Players do not appear to run hard
• Do not step on base immediately when retreating to a base, rather, they chop their feet for a second or two

Suggestions:
• What ever happened to Base Burner?
• More running animations, that make the player look like he is trying, and maybe some signature running animations
• Make it possible to steal

[jmaronich]

If you are not Jose Reyes or Carlos Gomez, it is nearly impossible to steal.

I suggest the following:

1) Allow a slider for CPU Catcher Throw-Out Strength
2) Allow a slider for Human Steals

Either 2 would solve this problem. I do like the fact you have to time the pitcher to steal, but someone like Carlos Beltran who has the best stealing % in league history can't steal a base if his life depended on it.

[BostonBaseBall040709]

Pros: It's really easy to steal on pitchers like John Lackey

Cons: It's impossible to steal on pitchers with the generic windups.

[knownAllstar]

Pros: sliding is done with the stick

Cons: The stick controls for sliding are still not camera sensitive. What I mean is that they direction to slide is not changed depending on the camera angle.

Suggestion: Make sliding controls sensitive to the camera angle so it is easier to decide on where to slide based on the direction that makes sense by looking at the screen (like MVP baseball) <<I know you hear a lot of references to that game.

[crkluvit]

There should be an option to set it so you can ge back on your own. It would make the game much more fun, especially for online. I also don't think when there is a pickoff to first it should be so obvious

On hits especially with 2 outs runners should be running on contact.

[Esmond33]

Pro: The overall concept is SO good. The holding of the left trigger to steal is great, and the vibrate to confirm that the steal is on is such a great idea. Most importantly, the ability to initiate the steal, and THEN to be able to hold R to dash back to the base is GREAT. IF you get a bad jump, or see a fastball coming in, you can abort the steal attempt. This is great.

Con: It's too hard.

Overall: This is such a great control for stealing. Brilliant. Keep it! Like so much of this game, so close to being the total package.

[dgard20]

I'm playing Pc. can leed off but not run. Why

[pfloyd73795]

I like dodgerphreaks' suggestion

[mvpwebgems]

Pros: i like the controls for the base running seems well laid out.

Cons: Its too hard to steal a base. Also one of the biggest complaints about the game for me is the fact that there is no TAKEOUT slides......this is a big part of baseball........the absence of this make double plays way to easy.....not realistic at all without TAKEOUT slides.