My New Favorite Mode: Co-Op
Now I get to let down someone else when I hit another weak pop fly to right field.
With the season about to end and my Ranked Seasons fate all but set (low 700s – easily my worst performance in years but I’ll get into that another day), I dove into Co-Op mode. Let me tell you something: Co-op fucking rules.
Now, does it have some problems? Yes. Overall, though, I got a kick out of playing that mode and trying to work with someone. I also need more partners, so if you read this and want someone to play with, I’m snuggybell (long story) on PSN.
So what did I like? First, it is fun playing alongside someone else. My first partner was absolute garbage at the plate. He got two bunt base hits with Dee Gordon but otherwise did not put a ball in play. He literally struck out every at-bat (usually on three pitches) with hardly a foul ball. His pitching and defense were find, so not a complete waste, and thanks to weak opponents we actually won the game.
Later in the night, I got paired with a player a little more my speed. When he asked to become friends and play more together, well, I was a little flattered (I never get complimented on anything ever, so it felt good). Our second game was an absolute epic with him hitting a grand slam in the 8th (in a lefty-lefty matchup no less) for the win. It was fun and a nice switch-up from the regular modes.
I liked the pressure of trying to carry my weight. During one game, I hit into a bad double play that ended a rally. I was angry and myself and apologized to my partner for sucking. I did not want to let him down. It is one thing if I screw up in solo mode because I’m the only one getting let down. Co-op made me want to play better for my partner.
I also liked trying to gauge my opponent’s skill level. One team we played had one great player and another who was the obvious weak link. I tried to pitch around the skilled guy and attack the lesser hitter. It was a nice little switch in strategy.
Now, there are a few issues.
You can get matched with a dud like I did. I’m sure this is where it helps to have a group of friends to team with but it kind of sucks when your teammate is not even competitive.
There’s more downtime in the games. When not hitting or pitching, I found myself less engaged. I used that time to flip cards, watch TikTok, and scroll Twitter. I yelled at the television a few times for people to move it along.
All the lineups are basically the same. This is true in regular Ranked Seasons, I guess, but everyone gravitated toward a short list of players that took the variety out of the game.
Speaking of opponents, one of my partners (guess who) spent a lot of time bunt dancing. How can I make it clear that I just got paired with this guy and do not endorse his shithead behavior?
There are also some gameplay glitches that could be smoothed out. I’m not going to get into all of it but San Diego Studios would do well to improve the overall gameplay and presentation.
What’s your experience with Co-Op? And more importantly, will you be my friend?
Re-Learning How to Pitch
About a week ago I was leading 8-6 going into the 9th inning of a Ranked Seasons game when my bullpen decided to implode. After allowing a two-run tank to tie the game, I pulled Devin Williams (my de facto closer) for Lee Smith in hopes of taking it to extra innings.
Nope. Smith brutally hung a slider on his first pitch and my opponent rightfully hit it 500ish feet.
I bring this up because I spent the whole game fighting to compete on the mound. Bob Gibson got lit up as a starter, giving up 8 hits in the first two innings before he was pulled in the third. This type of pitching performance has become the norm lately as I try to adjust to the new settings without a ton of success.
Pitching obviously changed in ’23. There are more walks, a lot more hit batters, and what I call superballs – those unnatural-looking pitches that rocket four feet over the catcher’s head. Pitching was often the easiest part of the game but I find it more and more frustrating.
I’m wondering what settings everyone uses? I know Pinpoint is likely the best option. I’ve long used Meter and never thought to change because it always worked well. I now find myself, though, thinking that I need a new strategy. While pitching goes both ways – I’ve been the recipient of my fair share of meatballs – I would like to learn how others are effective and what pitches everyone likes.
This video from Gomer is solid in providing advice on which pitchers to use (I strongly disagree on Dustin May – he gets lit up for me but the rest of these check out).
Mark McGwire Kind of Sucks
I finished the Live Series collection the other night thanks to endless hours of flipping. While I’ve never bought stubs, the older I get the more value I can see in it. While I’ve been a long NMS player, I’m trading my time (either through flipping or grinding) to build a squad.
With all that said, the major Live Series rewards disappoint. McGwire can get a hold of a pitch but I often find myself hitting ground balls to the right side or striking out. Considering this is still on All-Star, I doubt he’ll be much use once I get to Hall of Fame.
As for Sosa and Jeter the jury is still out. Sosa has been OK. Not great. I’ve used him in BR in the past and he was solid. Jeter has everything you want in a shortstop. I’ve started slow with him but going to try to be patient.
The Productive Hitter I Want to Get Rid Of
Charisma Johnny Bench has been my catcher the past few weeks almost out of default. I thought of getting Posada in the BR program but Griffey was too hard to pass up. I could still buy Posada but he’s 150,000+ stubs last I checked. I usually struggle with Posada so I’m not in a huge hurry to pony up for him.
That brings me back to Bench. As much as I want to replace him, he’s been pretty good all things considered. I played two Ranked games the other night, including the ill-fated Lee Smith performance, and Bench hit three home runs. His average is fine. His defense is largely good. Do you have any players like that where the results are good but you still desperately want to get rid of them?
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