Article: Analyzing the 2013 Twins using MLB 13: The Show

[Brad Swanson]

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1440-Analyzing-the-2013-Twins-using-MLB-13-The-Show

[John Bonnes]

This is nice because it is now much easier to see which players are better than others. This is important to me for some reason. I'm 30.

 

Great line.

[Twins Twerp]

You can view the page at Twins Daily - Analyzing the 2013 Twins using MLB 13: The Show

 

Did we just become best friends?

[Jeremy Nygaard]

Awesome!

[Andrew Bryz-Gornia]

I just got The Show as well. I noticed De Vries' crazy-high rating relative to the other starters as well, but it was likely due to his decent ERA and great control.

 

I, however, am never satisfied with what is given. I honestly go to FanGraphs and Texas Leaguers (PITCHf/x website) and adjust the players' stats myself. I do this because of the De Vries of the game that are given odd, inexplicable ratings, and I'm not content with the updates. It adds a hell of a lot of time put into the game, but when I'm finally finished with all 30 teams, I'm satisfied that I've made the game as realistic as I possibly can.... more realistic than Sony could do on their own.

[James]

I'm also 30, and I always end up buying these games as well. It's funny how we fall into that trap.

 

I also always create a player using the "Road to the Show" mode, play for the Twins and somehow poise myself to become the greatest player ever. This player obviously has the same name as me.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Heheheh. Great article.

[whitsbrain]

This is nice because it is now much easier to see which players are better than others. This is important to me for some reason. I'm 30.

 

Um...I buy this game every year and play it with exactly the same frequency as you...but I'm 49. It's sad, really. 49 going on 30 I guess.

 

The two things that stuck out to me about Sony's ratings were also DeVries and Vasquez. I started a season and had the game simulate Spring Training. It chose DeVries as my #2 starter with Vasquez as the #5 starter. Correia got sent to the pen as a long reliever (my $15 million dollar mop-up guy).

 

After the real Spring Training is over, on or around April 1st, you can download and load the full major & minor league rosters (at least AA & AAA) that are created by some outfit called Operation Sports (OSFM). The OSFM rosters are far more complete and accurate.

[fairweather]

You guys are talking about DeVries being over-rated but I think Mauer is far more over-rated. Of course the country that gave us Ichiro over values singles hitters.

[FrodaddyG]

Of course the country that gave us Ichiro over values singles hitters.

San Diego?

[UCLA_YANKEE_COLA]

You guys are talking about DeVries being over-rated but I think Mauer is far more over-rated. Of course the country that gave us Ichiro over values singles hitters.

 

Ha, this is funny but not at all for the reasons you thought it would be.

[raindog]

Great post Brad! Thoroughly enjoyed. You old folks shouldn't be embarrassed to play video games still. It's quite normal now.

 

You guys are talking about DeVries being over-rated but I think Mauer is far more over-rated. Of course the country that gave us Ichiro over values singles hitters.

 

Good God, I hope this is a joke.

[fairweather]

OK obviously I didn't think that last post through but my point was that there's no way Mauer is an overall 93. I will go as far as saying I think it's more likely that DeVries performs like an 81 in the coming season then it is Mauer performs like a 93. Other than contact what attribute could you honestly rate Mauer at 90 or above at this stage of his career?

[raindog]

OK obviously I didn't think that last post through but my point was that there's no way Mauer is an overall 93. I will go as far as saying I think it's more likely that DeVries performs like an 81 in the coming season then it is Mauer performs like a 93. Other than contact what attribute could you honestly rate Mauer at 90 or above at this stage of his career?

 

Vision.

[Brad Swanson]

First off, thanks to everyone for various kind words. Much appreciated!

 

Second, thanks for the tip on the rosters, whitsbrain!

 

Third, Mauer should have high marks in plate discipline for sure. He also has a strong arm, even if he doesn't throw out a lot of runners.

 

Finally, Andrew, you deserve a Nobel Prize for customizing the rosters like that!

[YourHouseIsMyHouse]

Thank you for reminding me to buy this!! Still have my copy of MLB 10 The Show. I played that for over two years. I was tempted to get 2012 when I got bored of 10 finally last fall, but I figured waiting for the new one was a better idea.

[YourHouseIsMyHouse]

I can't believe Diamond is only 1 overall higher than Devries though.

[fairweather]

Diamond isn't any overly talented pitcher in terms of raw attributes. That being said if you have great control of all your pitches and good stamina you don't need the most velocity or movement to have a high level of success.

[old nurse]

DeVries rated an 81 on the early model. They must have used the Expected Pitching Effectiveness tool from the prognosticator in Pennsyvania who predicted DeVries could be an ACE of the staff. There must not be many out there with future Twins fans if they have that much time for games.

[glunn]

This is tempting me to buy a PS3. I could then make a few key adjustments then migrate to a fantasy world where Plouffe is a 95 and Deduno is a 99.

[PopRiveter]

Here I've been creating Miis of the entire 40 man roster to play Mario's Super Sluggers (like a chump.) Your solution is so mich simpler!

[ahart10]

Please tell me you made more interesting roster moves than TR.

[ashbury]

Other than contact what attribute could you honestly rate Mauer at 90 or above at this stage of his career?

 

A guy who led the majors in on-base average probably should be a 90 at something.

 

In response to another comment: I am about to turn 59 so I am waiting for the Books-on-8Track-Tape version of this game.

[DaveW]

Yes Mauer is only one of the top 7 or so catchers of all time and lead the league in OBP last year. No way does he deserve a good rating in a video game...

 

 

On a more positive note: this is one of my fav articles posted on this site, very good work! I might actually have to dust off the ps3 and buy it.

[DaveW]

Also it's weird hicks isn't in the game I thought all 40 man roster players were in it

[edavis0308]

Here I've been creating Miis of the entire 40 man roster to play Mario's Super Sluggers (like a chump.) Your solution is so mich simpler!

 

How did I not think of that yet? Too bad it isn't 2007 Anymore. You could just use any of the billion Toad characters for Punto.

[Andrew Bryz-Gornia]

Also it's weird hicks isn't in the game I thought all 40 man roster players were in it

 

Nope, players are only in the game if they happened to play in the big leagues during the prior season. I believe it's due to the contract that the player's union has with The Show.

 

However, there are always some weird guys that fall through the cracks, such as Tsuyoshi Wada being in the game for the Orioles despite not pitching a single major league inning last season.

[Brad Swanson]

Yes Mauer is only one of the top 7 or so catchers of all time and lead the league in OBP last year. No way does he deserve a good rating in a video game...

 

 

On a more positive note: this is one of my fav articles posted on this site, very good work! I might actually have to dust off the ps3 and buy it.

 

That is very kind, thank you! I would recommend the game. I've played each of the last four MLB the Show games and I think they keep getting better. The hitting has really improved.

[DaveW]

Yeah I always end up playing games for. 2-3 weeks then run out of time etc, I bought the show the last 3 yeas, last years I think I literally only played it a few times. It is a great game though.

[glunn]

I played an early version and it seemed like good reflexes were important, especially for batting and fielding. Is that still true? Can a good player with great reflexes take the Astros to the World Series and win?