This may have been done before, but I was bored and wanted to list out the teams as I see them, ranked from best to worst. Feel free to do the same.
(Note, these rankings are based on ATG [i.e. "curve" pitching], series-style play with 1 SP/game)
1. Boston -- Maybe it's my personal bias since I basically grew up playing with Boston, but I think this is the best team in the game. Top to bottom, the lineup is formidable (after substitutions, of course). Boston's greatest shortcoming is their overwhelmingly right-handed lineup, which can lead to a lot of double plays, especially with the team's generally poor speed rankings, but the fact that every spot in the lineup has protection (save the 8-hole, of course) typically results in a lot of big homers. Boston hitting is the king of the Bunyan (http://dee-nee.com/rbi/glossary.shtml) and the homer-that-should-have-gone-foul-but-stays-fair (does this phenomenon have a nickname?). Boston has one of the game's top pitchers in Rocket Roger Clemens, but the rest of the pitching staff is very mediocre, except Schiraldi who is terribly sub-par. Usually the big bats can overcome this, however.
Preferred lineup:
1. Barret Burks (sub immediately)
2. Bucknr Armas (sub immediately)
3. Boggs
4. J.Rice
5. Baylor
6. DwEvns
7. Gedman
8. S.Owen Hndrsn (sub immediately)
All substitutions should be made the first time through the order. Some prefer going Armas - Burks, ostensibly to minimize the double play, although in my experience, the Burks - Armas order has been more successful. Sullivan must be left on the bench for a late inning pitcher sub. Roger Clemens is obviously your main starter.
2. California -- Cali is a great all-around team. Fantastic lineup and an unrelenting pitching staff. The fact that this team's pitching roster has more total stamina than any other goes a long way in the successful use of Ca in RBI. California also benefits from possessing arguably the best non-all star batter in the game in the form of Reggie Jackson, as well as fan-favorite Ruppert(o) Jones, who is far and away the most powerful lefty off the bench in the game. California's combination of very good, reliable hitting with pretty good, reliable pitching (Donnie Moore is reliable in that he always sucks) lands them in a close second behind Boston.
Preferred lineup:
1. Pettis Wilfng (sub early in game)
2. DeCinc
3. Joyner
4. Jacksn
5. Dwning
6. Grich Jones (sub immediately)
7. Schfld
8. Boone Hendrk (sub immediately)
Jones and Hendrick are huge bats which MUST be subbed in the first time through. Sometimes I'll let Pettis bat a time or two and leave him in as long as he gets on, which is usually never. Burleson is very much like Boston's Sullivan, in that he should only ever be a late-inning pitcher sub, and that he very, very rarely actually gets on base. As for pitching, Witt should be your #1 starter.
3. NL -- NL... Where do I begin? Firstly, I admit that I don't play with the all stars as much as the rest of the teams, but I still wanted to include them in these rankings. Second, it recently came to my attention that I had been misusing this team's subs in the past, which did not lead to maximum efficiency. With the new and improved lineup, NL moves up a spot in my rankings if only in their new, theoretical value (see below for explanation). A team that definitely looks good on paper, I look forward to testing this out with Attezz in a couple weeks. Although it remains obvious that the wicked, wicked stuff of Fernando Valenzuela can be enough to win a game in and of itself.
Preferred lineup:
1. Raines
2. Sndbrg Guerro (sub immediately)
3. Sntago Murphy (sub immediately)
4. Dawson
5. EDavis
6. Schmdt
7. Glrrga
8. Pedriq Gwynn (sub when PH bonus most valuable, or earlier to go for the pettis (http://dee-nee.com/rbi/glossary.shtml))
Guerrero and Murphy should always be immediately subbed in. The remaining two bench players suck, so when and for whom to put them in at the bottom of the order is a matter of personal preference. This is the new (for me) strategy here. What you wind up having here is hands-down the best 1-6 in the game, but possibly one of the worst bottom three in the game. But this 1-6 is so UNBELIEVABLY good that you should be scoring with them every time that large part of the order comes up. Some will immediately put in both Kruk and Gwynn for Galarraga and Pedrique, but I personally will never, EVER exhaust all of my bench players early in the game, so as to keep the pinch-hit for the pitcher threat alive. Fernando Valenzuela is one of the most dominating pitchers in the game and should be your main starter.
4. Detroit -- NO holes in this lineup (except for Nokes, but that's only relative to the rest of the Dt dynamite). I know it may sound scandalous to some to only rank Detroit 4th in the overall rankings, but this is 100% the result of their crappy pitching. Games against Detroit are usually high scoring with all of Dt's big bats but abominable pitching staff. Detroit could have made it higher, but I only rank them #4 since they're the team most likely to score 10+ runs in a game but still lose.
Preferred Lineup:
1. Tramml (can be subbed out for late-game PH bonus)
2. Gibson
3. DaEvns
4. Nokes (can be subbed out for late-game PH bonus)
5. Herndn Sherdn (sub immediately)
6. Lemon
7. Whitkr (can be subbed out for late-game PH bonus)
8. Brookens
The only immediate substitution here is Sheridan for Herndon. Some like Madlock or, less frequently, Heath here, but that ultimately just comes down to your righty/lefty preference (some may think having four lefties in a row here would be excessive). The rest of the bench is great for pitcher subs, and even coming in for starters in desperate situations at the very end of a game. Trammal, Nokes, and Whitaker are all players who can be subbed out in late game situations for that all-important first-at bat power bonus from your bench players. Alexander is the preferred starting pitcher.
5. AL -- I'm again regretting including the all stars in my rankings, because I really do not have a 100% set strategy with this team. They possess three of the most powerful bats in the game though, which can usually get you somewhere. Problem is , when it comes to this team's individual power rankings, it's feast or famine. You've either got loads of power, or zilch. So this makes AL an easier team to "pitch around", landing them at 5th place in my personal ranking.
Preferred lineup:
1. Rndlph Molitr (sub at own leisure)
2. Mtngly
3. Bell
4. Cansco
5. Ripken
6. Baines McGwir (sub immmediately)
7. Brett
8. Schrdr Seitzr (sub when PH bonus most valuable)
The leadoff spot is an enigma for this team. It seems none of your three weaker bench players can ever get on base in this spot, but you just CAN'T leave Randolph in either as a matter of principal. So despite the fact that, with his PH bonus, McGwire becomes the most powerful hitter in the game, you may want to consider using him to leadoff for the team, because although this might lead to more solo homers instead of bigger run scoring shots, it does also have the effect of keeping him from being intentionally walked at his usual 6th spot in the lineup. Since Seitzer is your "best" (read: least terrible) remaining bench player, he is your safest bet for the 8-hole, although you needn't necessarily sub him in the first time through. I personally have a problem mismanaging the Am squad, as I can never resist putting Julio somewhere in the lineup for most of the game... Nevertheless, Am is a decent squad that can win you some games. As for your primary starting pitcher, Saberhagen is the only side-arming starter in RBI and can be very effective, however Am is one of the few teams I prefer to have start with a reliever (usually Righetti) and then bring in the Sabre a couple innings into it.
(...)
It's a good thing I also made the second post in this thread, because I filled up the char limit in the first one and need to spill over into here. On with the review:
6. San Fran --. San Fran is a stacked team that can compete with anybody on any given day, but are generally inconsistent and often get pummeled if their starter can't make it deep enough. I like playing with San Fran though, almost every hitter in the lineup is someone you can look forward to batting with. Almost everyone is at least a moderate HR threat as well, and you can benefit from some big, multi-run homers from this team.
Preferred lineup:
1. JUribe Spilmn (sub immediately)
2. Mitchl
3. Leonrd
4. Mldndo
5. WClark
6. Brenly
7. CDavis
8. Thmpsn Speier (sub immediately)
Spilman is your leadoff man -- there can be no discussion about this. Put him in immediately. If I don't get you, Gantry will if you don't. Another important pointer: Brenly, although kind of garbage-ey, must be left in since people tend to over-estimate the potential of SF's remaining bench players. Youngblood should be strictly be used as your first pinch hitter for the pitcher. Aldrete is a weak lefty who also typically only sees action as a pitch hitter for the pitcher, but he can also be brought into other parts of the lineup late in the game when you're desperate for a leftie hit. Just make sure you don't bring him into the lineup in a situation where he is going to see subsequent at bats. Clark and Davis are your big boys and you should always be swinging for the fences with them. But the pitching is where it gets tricky with this team. The strategy when playing against SF is to take take take pitches and try to knock out that starter as quickly as possible. So as a result, when you are playing with San Fran, it's important to come right after the batter and challenge him, only trying to go for the K when you're really in a jam, no matter what team you're playing against. SF's starters both have a lot of movement, so if there is a batter you just dread coming right after, feel free to sneak a beanball in on them. As for which between Krukow and Reuschel should be your game 1 starter, these pitchers are basically the same, but I would give a slight edge to Krookoff.
7. New York -- NY barely finishes ahead of Minnie, and mainly because of the solid pitching staff. Leadoff and second spot in this lineup are absolutely painful, but you do have a couple big bats in the lineup, including one of the best in the game in Strawberry. The secret to doing well with the Mets is to not expect too much from this team, which means making sure you pitch well and play good D against your opponent, and suffer no outs on the basebaths in order to stay in the game. There really is no margin for error.
Preferred lineup:
1. Dykstr (sub only if last at-bat for PH bonus)
2. Wilson (sub only if last at-bat for PH bonus)
3. Hrndez
4. Carter
5. Strawby
6. Backmn Teufel (sub immediately)
7. Knight
8. Sntana Johnsn (sub immediately)
Nothing you can do about Lenny and Mookie at the top of the order, so you just have to bear with it. Bring in Teufel and Johnson immediately. Although Johnson is the better hitter between him and Teufel, I like Johnson in the 8-spot because his lefty stance is more useful here when Kniggit can manage a single. Heep is strictly a pitcher sub, and Mazilli can be used to pinch hit for either the pitcher or one of the top two in the lineup if it's late in the game. Getting big hits with Carter is important since he's the only batter that really has great protection in Strawberry, and will probably get good pitches to hit as a result. Straw must still be one of your biggest producers to have success with this team though, so if he gets a pitch to hit, make it count. Doc Gooden is your primary starter and is one of the best all-around pitchers in the game. Above average speed, above average curve, above average drop, and above average stamina. Sometimes I like starting with the side-arming reliever Orosco, and then bringing in Gooden to try to finish out the rest of the game, depending on who my opponent is. Results may vary.
8. Minnesota -- A lot of quality players on this staff, but unfortunately the dud starters cannot be subbed out for something decent, given all four of Minnie's bench subs have 700-level (i.e. terrible) power. The biggest threat with this team is a tremendously powerful 4-5 in the order, just like with NY, so you should always be trying to just get guys on before this brief heart of your lineup comes up. Minnie can be a decent team, but the fact that Blyleven can only pitch every 2nd game (by our rules, anyway) leaves this squad very vulnerable.
Preferred lineup:
1. Glddn Bush (sub immediately)
2. Gaetti
3. Pucket
4. Hrbek
5. Brnsky
6. Gagne
7. Laudnr
8. Lmbrdz Larkin (sub when PH bonus or lefty hit is needed)
The only mildly redeeming quality of Minnie's worst bench in RBI is the abundance of lefties. You'll want to bring in Bush and Larkin as soon as possible, and save the rest for pitcher-sub work. Smalley might occasionally be good for a late inning sub for a starter, but that would require having already used Davidson as your pitcher sub, which is only arguably slightly better than just leaving in the pitcher to hit for himself. Hrbek and Brunansky will be your big guns, and if they're not on, don't expect to get too far; even Gary "GAR" Gaetti isn't capable of carrying the team all by himself... Onto the best part of this team: Bert Blylevan. Insane curve, great drop, highest stamina in the game -- this guy is arguably the best pitcher in the game, and is the only tool in your arsenal to overcome things when your offense takes the day off.
9. St. Louis -- Very fun team to play with because of the overall speed and abundance of lefties, but just too great a dearth of power to be competetive. A player who has "mastered" how to play with St. Louis can be a serious competitor versus anybody though...
Preferred lineup:
1. Colman
2. OSmith
3. T.Herr Morris (sub immediately)
4. JClark
5. McGee
6. Pndltn
7. Ford Lindmn (sub immediately)
8. T.Pena
Morris and Lindeman should be subbed in the first time through, although sometimes if neither Vince or Ozzie gets on, I'll just just let Herr make the third out and save Morris for when the power bonus can be better utilized. Lake and Oquendo are strictly one-time use pinch hitters (typically for the pitcher) and should never see more than one plate appearance a game. Tudor is hands down your opening day starter.
10. Houston -- Despite having arguably the best starting "rotation" in the game, having only one guy on the ENTIRE SQUAD with power over 804 (i.e. Greg Gagne level) makes their last place finish self-explanatory. Games with Ho can be unbearably frustrating and will make you want to never play RBI again, unless your opponent is St. Louis. Ho and SL do match up pretty well, and I recommend only EVER having the Cards be your opponent if you dare to play with Ho... Okay, I may be overexaggering a little bit, Houston can be a fun team to play with just for the challenge of trying to beat the odds itself, but one thing you DEFINITELY never want to do is try to play with them for the drinking game...
Preferred lineup:
1. Hatchr Lopes (sub immediately)
2. J.Cruz
3. Wallng Garner (sub immediately)
4. GDavis
5. K.Bass
6. Doran
7. Rynlds
8. Ashby Puhl (sub immediately)
Davey Lopes is actually one of my favorite players in the game and not just because of his mustache. He's blazing fast, tied for second fastest in the game after only Vince Coleman, actually, and he's been known to leadoff a few games with a bomb every now and then. Subbing him in should always be the very first thing you do when batting with Houston. Cruz sucks and it's tempting to sub him out, but there's no better option that doesn't involve putting in a right hander, which will hurt you in this spot. So leave cruz in but put in Garner in the 3-hole. He and Glenn Davis will be the pseudo-heart of your lineup. If Glenn Davis doesn't go yard at least once a game, your chances of victory are slim. Your opponent will know this as well, so also expect them to take the bat out of his hands most trips to the plate... Doran is another turd sandwich that your intuition screams to sub out, but there is no better option; Terry Puhl has to go in for Ashby in the 8-spot, while Dickie Thon must be saved exclusively for a late inning pitcher sub. The pitching staff is the highpoint of this club, with two primo starters in Ryan and Scott, and a pretty decent side-arming reliever in Kerfeld. Dave Smith is something of an equalizer in his being beyond dispute the worst pitcher in the game, but due to the effectiveness of Ryan and Scott and the low scoring nature of games you play with Ho, he should only ever have to be used if it goes into extras, or in a situation where your opponent has three terrible hitters due up, but even then it's dangerous to bring him in... Ryan is lightning fast, while Scott is a dropball expert (although such pitches should be VERY seldom used), and his slower speed can increase the effectiveness of curveballs, but in general Nolan Ryan is your best bet for your main starter.
I may continue going back and editing this, maybe even re-ordering, as I pay closer attention to individual team performance in the future, but this is how I see things for now. Comments/criticsms/own strategies welcome!
Nice work Octo, hopefully this will generate some RBI discussion...
Based on how you wrote this, I assume these rankings are based on a "no reset" best of three series, correct? Your writeup of Minnesota and Blyleven for example leads me to believe this is not a "one game for all the marbles" type ranking...
Quote from: Gantry on 02/15/06, 07:52:27 PM
Nice work Octo, hopefully this will generate some RBI discussion...
Based on how you wrote this, I assume these rankings are based on a "no reset" best of three series, correct? Your writeup of Minnesota and Blyleven for example leads me to believe this is not a "one game for all the marbles" type ranking...
Thanks Gantry. Most of my games are played against Attezz, and we normally play either 3, 5, or 7 game series against each other (I've edited this in for clarification), but even if it's a one-game exhibition, we typically limit ourselves to just one starter. And we do reset the game to switch home/away, but we'll remember which pitchers are available for the next game. I realize the team rankings could vary tremendously based on the style of play...
I figured that's what you were talking about, but just checking. I can definitely see pitching styles making an impact with various gameplay scenarios.
For example, in a one-game series with 1SP, Minnesota may get a boost because of Blyleven. And if you are allowed 2SP, San Fran may move up because they have two good curve, low stamina starters. Etc etc...
I'll get my SP rankings out shortly, after my daily Law and Order fix...
Reading this thread makes me realize just how long it has been since I played any RBI. I can't contribute to this thread without sounding like a jackass.
Wow, Octo. I'm really surprised you rank Na 4th...I cannot see how Ca or Dt are ahead of them. Really, I'd put them 1 with Bo 2, but I can at least see the argument of Bo 1...
Here's how I break it down btwn Na and Bo:
SP Rankings
1 Clemens
2 Fernando
3 Hurst
4 Sutciffe
So obviously SP advantage goes to Bo.
RP Rankings
1 Bedrock
2 Franco
3 Stanley
4 Schraldi
So obiously RP advantage goes to Na (with the note that SP is more important, but Na's advantage in RP is greater than Bo's advantage in SP so I'll call P a wash).
Line Ups (with assumed PH substitutions)
Na Bo Advantage?
Raines Burks Na
Guerrero Armas Draw
Murphy Boggs Na
Dawson Rice Na (slight)
Davis Baylor Na (slight)
Schmidt Evans Na
Kruk Gedman Draw
Gwynn Henderson Bo
Team Speed Na
Team Power Draw
Just my opinion...I can see a healthy debate on some of the above.
More RBI talk is being had, JD!
Good input, but I stand by my ranking.
How do you rate Raines better than Burks? I think Burks +45 power over Raines (not to mention the initial PH bonus) is far more valuable than Raines +6 speed over Burks. Don't see how you rank Guerrero/Armas as a draw either, since both are slow pinch hitters... Armas is especially brutal, he seems to hit more home runs on average than any other player in the game in my experience (well, maybe outside McGwire).
No argument on the collective superiority of the NA pitching staff. I think Nando does top Clemens. Especially against Attezz, he's unstoppable with high-curve pitchers such as Valenzuala, Tudor, and Blyleven... Still though, each team has an ace starter and a mediocre starter. Even if Italian J. Franco ranks higher than Schiraldi for relief pitchers, it's not by much... And I think you underrate Stanley, whose speed/movement/drop rating is comparable to that of such previously mentioned legends as Blyleven.
For the record, I'll be happy to play you Bo vs. Na anytime online, Dirty Joe!
PS. I'd be less vocal in my defense of placing Na behind Dt, but you have to pick your battles...
Quote from: OctogenarianFranco on 02/15/06, 09:38:02 PM
How do you rate Raines better than Burks? ... Armas is especially brutal, he seems to hit more home runs on average than any other player in the game in my experience (well, maybe outside McGwire).
I do love Burks in the game. No question. I also regard Raines as one of the best lead off hitters (off of the top of my head, I'd put him right behind McGwire). Looking at the ratings, you're right--Burks is better. But just like you getting great production out of Armas, I seem to get great production out of Raines. I originally had them listed as a draw but then went back and changed it. Maybe it's that Raines gets the lefty hit advantage. Maybe the +6 speed is the difference maker. I'm not sure, but I seem to get very good production out of Burks and great production out of Raines.
Quote from: OctogenarianFranco on 02/15/06, 09:38:02 PM
No argument on the collective superiority of the NA pitching staff. I think Nando does top Clemens.
I can't agree with this because 'nando takes up too much stamina that he doesn't have to begin with. But his movement is wicked--sometimes he almost has too much movement.
Quote from: OctogenarianFranco on 02/15/06, 09:38:02 PM
Especially against Attezz, he's unstoppable with high-curve pitchers such as Valenzuala, Tudor, and Blyleven...
I can't put Tudor in the same category as 'nando and bertus. Don't get me wrong; I personally think Tudor is the best SP in the game, but I think he's quite the different type of pitcher than the other two...this has nothing to do with the discussion at hand; I'm just saying.
Quote from: OctogenarianFranco on 02/15/06, 09:38:02 PM
Even if Italian J. Franco ranks higher than Schiraldi for relief pitchers, it's not by much...
I can't believe I just read this. I think Franco is vastly superior than Schraldi...if nothing else for the fact that he's a lefty and can nip the outside corner so well against a R hitter.
Quote from: OctogenarianFranco on 02/15/06, 09:38:02 PM
And I think you underrate Stanley, whose speed/movement/drop rating is comparable to that of such previously mentioned legends as Blyleven.
I like Stanley--I think he's very fun to pitch with. I just think Bedrock and Franco are better. I tend to think that high curve/low speed Ps require more pitches to get outs than good curve/high speed Ps (which is what we're talking here...this is not to be confused with low curve, high speed Ps).
Quote from: OctogenarianFranco on 02/15/06, 09:38:02 PM
For the record, I'll be happy to play you Bo vs. Na anytime online, Dirty Joe!
I would love this...just let me know when...but more importantly, why are you and Attezz not going to be in Chi for the COTUT? Don's say because it's full because 1) there's talk of expanding to 32 so you should at least be listed as a reserve, 2) there are always unexpected/last minute drop outs, so you should at least be listed as a reserve, and 3) even if you guys didn't get in the tourney, there'd still be a congregation of the best known RBI players in the country for you to play side games with.
Quote from: OctogenarianFranco on 02/15/06, 09:38:02 PM
PS. I'd be less vocal in my defense of placing Na behind Dt, but you have to pick your battles...
Well, I won't even get into this one...I'm more likely to argue that Dt is better than Ca.
Okay, Octo because I'm bored, let me explain in a similar manner, why I think it's nuts that you have Ca over Na:
SP
1 'Nando
2 Witt
3 Sutcliffe
4 Sutton
I'd give Na a slight advantage here; Witt is a pretty good SP and Sutcliffe/Sutton is close.
RP
1 Bedrock
2 Franco
3 Corbett
4 Moore
This isn't even close. This makes Na's pitching clearly and abundantly superior to that of Ca's.
Na Ca Advantage
Raines Ruppert Na
Guerrero DeCinces Na
Murphy Joyner Na
Dawson Jackson Draw (IMO)
Davis Downing Na
Schmidt Hendrick Na
Kruk Schofield Draw
Gwynn Boone/Burleson Draw
* This one was a little tough to do because Ca's line up can change so easily--but the point should remain that Na is clearly better!
I disagree with this
Kruk/Gedman Draw
Quote from: ultimate7 on 02/16/06, 08:39:39 AM
I disagree with this
Kruk/Gedman Draw
Okay, I'd be willing to give Bo that one with the (slightly) stipulation.
I haven't played much recently, but for me it would be something like this, and I frequently change it
Na
Bo
Dt
Ca
SF
Mn
AL ?? could go up haven't used them much
Ny
SL
Ho
Here are my picks based on style. We play:
- Straight pitch
- Pitcher can move on the mound
- No slowballs with two stikes
- Use as many pitchers as you want
- 1-game series
Given this style of play, the advantage is pretty much towards any team with power. Also with straight pitch, left-handed hitters have a decided advantage over their righty counterparts for one big reason - with a runner on first, a righty is prone to a double play on a grounder while a lefty is prone to the lefty hit. So here are the Gantry 2006 rankings, not counting All-Stars.
1. Detroit - This one is pretty much set in stone. They sport a full lineup of powerful hitters, a ton of lefties, plenty of quality bench players, enough quality starters to leave you with 3 on the bench, etc. From top to bottom and including the leftovers on the bench, I would say that Detroit boasts the best str8 pitch lineup in RBI.
One of the biggest advantages for Detroit is also that of Willie Hernandez, who I consider to be the best pitcher in our style of play. Left handed hitters have major problems hitting Willie, especially after facing a righty for seven innings. He pretty much makes the lower power lefty studs (Wilfong, Spilman and the like) worthless and has a great disparity between his fastball and normal pitch. This keeps hitters on their toes and forces some bad swings. Hernandez is good for 1.5 to 2 innings of low scoring pitching, something you typically can't count on for most in our style of play.
2. California - This one is certainly debatable, but for me I think California beats out Boston for #2. Their lefty power hitting is tops in the game and from 1-8 they don't have many weak spots. You are typically only left with Burleson on the bench, which gives Detroit the advantage there. Pitching wise California is weak, and that is really the biggest difference between them and the Tigers. They have four righties and only Donnie Moore has a decent fastball, meaning your opponent often chooses his own fate at the plate. The most important factor for success at RBI is powerful lefties, and California's big three (though they have some good righties as well) put them at #2.
3. Boston - Power, power, power. Studs up and down the lineup, but they only have one usable left-handed hitter in Boggs. This makes them VERY prone to the double play and those are killer in straight pitch. Clemens is a stud starter because of his speed and Hurst gives them a valuable lefty arm in the pen. Many would put Boston a notch above California because of their pitching and slight power edge, but IMHO their lack of lefty hitters is their biggest downfall. Boston defintiely matches up with Detroit better than any team in the game, however.
4. San Francisco - There is a monsterous dropoff between the #3 team in RBI (Cali/Bo) and San Francisco. I like to call them the "best of the rest" as they have little chance to consistently beat the big three. Regardless, San Fran has a pretty potent lineup, though they lack enough quality subs to match that of the big boys. Spilman is a stud at the leadoff spot, but the ineptitude of Aldrete, Speier and Youngblood forces you to keep in the mediocre Brenley at the 6 spot and use one of the losers at #8. This gives one of the games better players, Chili Davis no protection before or after him. The 2-3-4 righties are either on or off, and if they aren't hitting, you have little chance to beat the stud teams. Pitching lacks a lefty, but Garrelts blazing fastball makes him one of the better relievers. They are one stud powerful lefty from breaking into the top tier...
5. Minnesota - Another team with a decent lineup, decent pitching, but is absolutely killed by their bench. You have to take out the #1, #6 and #8 hitters but they only have one semi-decent sub in Bush. This forces you to keep a total loser in at #6 and use the crappy Gene Dee-Nee Larkin at #8. Their pitching is OK and Berenguer is one of the best "one out" pitchers in straight pitch. After timing 70mph pitches all game, timing a 100+ fastball is next to impossible. Similar to San Fran, but just a little less oomph in the order.
6. New York - They suck, period. Strawberry is their only true stud hitter, and this is their downfall. They are chock full of merely OK hitters in their lineup, and lack any sort of stud pinch hitter. Couple that with the mediocrity of Dykstra/Mookie and you have a lineup that simply cannot put up enough runs to keep up in straight pitch. Their pitching ain't half bad - Gooden is decent, Ojeda is a tough lefty and Orosco's uniqueness causes trouble. Still, this team is cursed by their hitting, the st8 pitch style doesn't give the player enough options to win a game with pitching.
7. St. Louis - Terrible hitting, absolutely terrible. Their speed on the basepaths, the good amount of lefties and John Tudor makes this a fun team to play with, win or lose. Morris is actually a decent sub and Lindeman is an upper-level bench player. To win you have to hit consistently with them and Jack Clark. As silly as it sounds, St. Louis actually matches up pretty well against Detroit. Their lefty pitching and speed gives Stl a better chance to beat the Tigers than any team outside of Boston, Cali or San Fran. Regardless, as fun as they may be, you won't be winning a lot of games with them.
8. Houston - Absolutely fucking worthless. No power and Nolan Ryan is a good pitcher but it matters not. Houston can beat nobody outside of Stl more than 35% of the time in straight pitch. They wholeheartedly suck and I refuse to comment any more on them.
Almost totally agree with your rankings Gantry, although I consider your top 3 all equals. Even when I can choose whatever team I want to win a game, I will often vacillate b/w the top 3 depending on my mood.
Just out of curiosity, where whould you put NL and AL in your list. I would probably put them 4/5 respectfully.
Quote from: Gantry4. San Francisco - There is a monsterous dropoff between the #3 team in RBI (Cali/Bo) and San Francisco. I like to call them the "best of the rest" as they have little chance to consistently beat the big three. Regardless, San Fran has a pretty potent lineup, though they lack enough quality subs to match that of the big boys. Spilman is a stud at the leadoff spot, but the ineptitude of Aldrete, Speier and Youngblood forces you to keep in the mediocre Brenley at the 6 spot and use one of the losers at #8. This gives one of the games better players, Chili Davis no protection before or after him. The 2-3-4 righties are either on or off, and if they aren't hitting, you have little chance to beat the stud teams. Pitching lacks a lefty, but Garrelts blazing fastball makes him one of the better relievers. They are one stud powerful lefty from breaking into the top tier...
Gantry, have you ever experimented with hitting Spilman 6th or 8th to give Chili more protection?
Why would Davis need to be protected when the P cannot throw balls?
my rankings of the teams I personally use:
1. Boston
2. Houston
my rankings in terms of how much fun I have when playing as the teams I personally use:
1. Houston
2. Boston
Do you ever use them in a different way than personally?
Gantry's rankings are much cooler than everyone elses here. That's why he is my Neo
Quote from: fknmclane on 02/16/06, 02:19:31 PM
Gantry, have you ever experimented with hitting Spilman 6th or 8th to give Chili more protection?
What JoeDirt said... Though it is sexy to say so in a ranking, protection isn't super important in str8 pitch, though it is nice to drive in Chili when he gets on base 2/3rds of the time. In my mind, you cannot take Brenley out because he has just enough power to stay in. Speier, Youngbloog and Aldrete all suck, but Aldrete has the lefty thing going for him so he usually bats 8th. The biggest problem isn't protectrion per se, but the fact that 6-7-8 for SF don't get nearly the prodution of Bo/Dt/Ca. You gotta bat Spilman #1 because he is the only stud on the bench...
Hope that helps!
Stock - I so rarely play with the All-Stars that I don't know where to accurately rank them. I certainly would rather play with Dt and Ca than NL or AL, even if given the choice. 4/5 sounds right, but maybe 3/4 too...
Looking at your rankings again JD, I have to figure either you don't play with Ca/Bo very often, or you just have insanely good luck with Na. As far as your between-player comparisons, I think you need to re-evaluate the actual speed/power statistics.
Also I think one thing that really kills your managing of the Na all stars is that you seem to immediately sub in all four bench players. I always view this as a catastrophic mistake, as it will always come back and bite you in the ass when you are powerless to defend against people walking to your pitcher or other weaker hitters. I always leave Sullivan on the bench for Bo and Burleson on the bench for Ca, usually for a late inning pitcher sub. I know these two batters are just barely one notch above just leaving the pitcher to bat for himself, but it can be effectively used as a deterrent to make your opponent come after your bigger bats.
Do you throw a lot of fast/slow pitches, JD? When I play, it's almost exclusively regular speed pitches, and only a fast/slow one when I need a crucial K or maybe when I know my pitcher's about to come out anyway. Your pitcher rankings really seem to prioritize speed over movement and even drop.
Also Strassy, there's a great, wide, wonderful RBI world out there. You should go explore it.
I like your breakdown too, Gantry, I have to say that's more or less how I'd rank it for straight pitch too, especially with Dt's power/leftie combo on top.
Although frankly I'm surprised you mention that Ho's winning percentage against non-St. Louis teams is even approaching 35%. Maybe I misread...
Do allow intentional walks when you play, Gantry?
I suppose one of the weirder rules we play with is that when we want to walk a guy, we'll ask the other player to crowd the plate and allow the pitcher to just bean him on the first pitch. I think this is more to save time than pitch count.
QuoteAlthough frankly I'm surprised you mention that Ho's winning percentage against non-St. Louis teams is even approaching 35%. Maybe I misread...
Do allow intentional walks when you play, Gantry?
I was thinking Houston against the lower-tiered teams at 35% - their ability to beat the big 3 is under 10% easily. Assuming of course there is a disparity in skill between the human players...
We do not allow intentional walks, though it was be an interesting twist to give it a shot. Many players have a SLG way past 1.0 and it would behoove you to walk them everytime. Still, it would defintiely be a completely different strategy...
Octo...I do play regularly with Ca and Bo. In fact, I play regularly with all 10 teams of Tengen League.
Also like you, I rarely throw fastballs (and even more rarely throw drops). I more rely on movement...that is why I stipulated speed with movement (as opposed to speed without movement) as being superior to no speed with movement.
Maybe that's just my personal preference, but that's how I see it. That's also why I regard Tudor better than, say, Witt. Tudor has plus speed and plus movement while Witt has plus movement only (note that I still regard Witt as a good SP).
i have a slight argument with the pitching staff of Cal. Ocoto makes very good points about em, but theres reason for concern when using them.
Sutton has the stamina, but his movement aint so hot and I love a guy who can throw occasional smoke in a jam which he cannott. Ive noticed a trend in games with the fort dodge crew that a lot of the time Cal winning in 2-SP really hinges on Suttons performance. More so than any other pitcher on CAL actually.
Witt has some better movement and can get it done, but if Sutt dogs it, your stuck with the bull pen for the long haul and its iffy with corbet's best weapon being a serviceable drop ball.
id prefer the movement of Alexander and Morris. I aint sayin thier better pitchers, i just feel more comfortable going into battle with those cats.
However if sutt coughs out a solid 4-5 innings, then CAL is usually golden. This makes me lean towards DET slightly edging out CAL.
Doyle Alexander has better movement to the left than Sutton, Sutton has better movement to the right than Morris. Not to mention the all important TEN more stamina than both Alexander and Morris. (Which, if playing with two starters, I don't really think stamina should ever come into play)
the thing with Sutton that gets me...works for or against me i should say ;D is he can be easier to tee off on due to his lack of speed on the ol radar gun. Not that the DET crew are fire ballers, but having both CAL starters with regular speed in the 160's is benficial to the batter.
CAL's line-up is stacked though, so realistically they can go blow for blow with DET...making the pitching a moot point in many cases even if Sutt or Witt struggles.
6 of one and a half dozen of the other.
Quote from: Kipsilanti on 03/26/06, 02:35:53 PM
(Which, if playing with two starters, I don't really think stamina should ever come into play)
With all due respect, Kip, I do believe this is more a function of you being a 1 SP for lifer...stamina most certainly still comes into play with 2 SP.
Stamina matters more for 1 SP, IMO.
Yeah but you suck at RBI, so how much weight does your O actually have?
Quote from: ultimate7 on 03/26/06, 08:26:32 PM
Stamina matters more for 1 SP, IMO. with the ladies
every time someone talks about using two starters, i get mad. it is an absolute travesty, a slap in the face of RBI.
Okay, after spending quite a while extensively updating my original post in this thread, including the addition of batting orders and other strategy points, as well as changing my original order, I'm curious to see how other people's strategy compares to mine. I was motivated to do this after an IM conversation with JoeDirt a few days back, and would be particularly curious as to his thoughts about the specifics of my strategies. I also encourage anybody else to post their own rankings/explanations...
Well, Octo, you've really outdone yourself yet again. Great insight. I do not agree with everything you've posted, but I cannot dispute the clear logic that you put into your game plan.
Consider this post merely a teaser to my official analysis of your work in this field. Like the end of Back To The Future, "too be continued..."
one of the things i like about the burks/armas one two, is that armas is generally going to get a homerun or a single, giving you a chance for the only lefty hit in the lineup.
Quote from: nomaaa on 08/08/06, 10:09:56 PM
one of the things i like about the burks/armas one two, is that armas is generally going to get a homerun or a single, giving you a chance for the only lefty hit in the lineup.
Good point
Quote from: OctogenarianFranco on 02/18/06, 11:51:02 AM
Do you throw a lot of fast/slow pitches, JD? When I play, it's almost exclusively regular speed pitches, and only a fast/slow one when I need a crucial K or maybe when I know my pitcher's about to come out anyway.
Do allow intentional walks when you play, Gantry?
That's pretty much how I play as well. I rarely change speed, but I do throw my fair share of fast balls. I rarely throw a slow ball. If I don't care about pitch count/stamina then I mix it up more often.
When I play we allow intentional walks. We try to make the game as real as possible when we can.
Quote from: Strassy on 03/26/06, 10:39:36 PM
every time someone talks about using two starters, i get mad. it is an absolute travesty, a slap in the face of RBI.
Whatever guy. I hate the one starter rule. It ends up being a firework show with all the hitting. The pitchers simply cannot last if you play a competent opponent. It makes pitching boring, cause it is not smart to go for the strikeout. I prefer two starters because it makes it more real in the sense of playing the game.
Anyways, awesome thread. Interesting how Octo and some others like to use Spillman in the leadoff. I put him in the 8 hole to protect Chili. I usually go with Speir in the leadoff when a lefty starts, and Aldrete when a righty starts. I save Youngblood for a late inning off the bench bomb. He is money of the bench. Sometimes, I just go with who is hot, and Aldrete can rack up some basehits when he gets in a groove. Anyways, I still think SF is the best team in anything goes with 2 sp's. They are scrappy with just enough power up and down the lineup. Brenly is not that bad, he can get some timely hits. Like I said before,
it's not the bow, it's the indian. Great Hand-eye,intuition and a good keen baseball sense for the game and for the limits of the players of RBI can make any individual a star with any team. Here is my Frisco lineup:
1. Speir/Aldrete
2. Mitchell
3. Leo
4. Candy
5. The Thrill
6. Brenly
7. Chili
8. Spillman
Subs- Youngblood for the late innings or to break the game wide open in the middle innings.
Quote from: JoeDirt on 02/18/06, 05:06:52 PM
Octo...I do play regularly with Ca and Bo. In fact, I play regularly with all 10 teams of Tengen League.
Also like you, I rarely throw fastballs (and even more rarely throw drops). I more rely on movement...that is why I stipulated speed with movement (as opposed to speed without movement) as being superior to no speed with movement.
Maybe that's just my personal preference, but that's how I see it. That's also why I regard Tudor better than, say, Witt. Tudor has plus speed and plus movement while Witt has plus movement only (note that I still regard Witt as a good SP).
Tudor is the best lefty in the game. He has sharp movement and good stamina. Witt is a generic version of Krukow. Witt is solid and has great stamina. Movement is the key in pitching in RBI, changing speeds at the right time should never be neglected. I rarely throw fastballs, just regular speed fastballs with movement in or out or whatever to keep the hitter guessing. I will pump it at times just to keep the hitter guessing or for a punch out pitch if I am in a jam.
Quote from: Sarc on 08/09/06, 07:42:05 AM
Quote from: OctogenarianFranco on 02/18/06, 11:51:02 AM
Do you throw a lot of fast/slow pitches, JD? When I play, it's almost exclusively regular speed pitches, and only a fast/slow one when I need a crucial K or maybe when I know my pitcher's about to come out anyway.
Do allow intentional walks when you play, Gantry?
That's pretty much how I play as well. I rarely change speed, but I do throw my fair share of fast balls. I rarely throw a slow ball. If I don't care about pitch count/stamina then I mix it up more often.
When I play we allow intentional walks. We try to make the game as real as possible when we can.
So are you saying you mostly throw fastballs (if you throw "your fair share," AND you "rarely change speeds")?
I don't think that's at all what Octo is saying his style is...
Jesus....
Well I didn't think my post would be taken so literally......but yeah my style is basically like his. What I tried to imply was that I don't change speeds like every other pitch, but rather if I need a strike out etc...I meant it as it's not my norm but if it throws off the other player...such as someone who you play on a regular basis and knows your style.....then yeah I try to mix it up a little. I throw the slow ball rarely.
I'm not trying to be a bully--I'm just sayin'.
I never said or implied that you were. I was just.......suprised......that my post was taken so literally is all.
Plus I really don't give a shit what anyone says. It's not like I'm going to take offense to what someone writes on a message board. I've dealt with far worse than anything anyone here could do. It's not a big deal to me who cares?
It's just fun to get into the RBI debate...
Yeah sure, I didn't mean that towards you, Clampett is the comedian apparently.
I'm just here to talk RBI man. 8)
All in jest. Dirt is cool as a cucumber ;)
What can I say, I'm new......it might take me awhile to figure out everybody's sense of humor and when they are being serious. No biggie.......my bad. It's not like it was a big deal. 8)
OK, if I were to play with one sp, then I would go with Boston. If all star teams were game, then I would use Na. BO has good sticks up and down the lineup, ok speed and power at every at bat. I would go with Armas in the 2hole, and Hendu in the 8hole. SF is not that sexy if it is only one sp. I would take two strikes the first time around, unless it was a scoring situation, and my stragedy would be to get the bullpen tired by the 6th or 7th. Then I would put on a firework show with seeds disappearing over the scoreboard.
who would you bat leadoff with boston? don't tell me you leave barrett in.
he was just probably pointing out where armas and henderson go, since they sometimes switch. but burks, in his case, is a given. just sayin'.
bumpst for one of the best/detailed RBI team analysis i have read.
Quote from: JoeDirt on 08/08/06, 10:01:29 PM
Consider this post merely a teaser to my official analysis of your work in this field. Like the end of Back To The Future, "too be continued..."
You are such a tease, JD.
Did we not talk at great length off line about this very subject?
But why are you so afraid to speak... on the record?
Wow. Thanks for bumping. The level of RBI discourse this week has been ri-goddamn-diculous. Awesome job by all especially Gantry and OctoFranco.
Here are my thoughts for ATG, 1SP, No All-Stars, Best of 3
1. Boston
Preferred Lineup
Burks
Buckner
Armas
Rice
Baylor
Evans
Gedman
Hendu
Why they rank where they rank
RBI is all about longball, and this team has the most power. Guys at our level pitch too well to give up bunches of hits and only a couple guys in the league can steal off good RBI players, so there's rarely manufacturing of runs. Whoever hits more home runs wins. The fact Boston is mostly righty hitters gives them the edge over the relatively lefty-heavy Tigers, but that's admittedly a personal preference. As far as pitching goes, even though I don't like power pitchers, Clemens has excellent curve ratings as well. Hurst has average stuff but he is a lefty, and the cutter to righthanded hitters is deadly. Many jamjobs. Stanley has a top-5-in-the-league breaking ball and can pitch 2 innings. Schiraldi has enough stuff to vary fastball, changeup and get 3 outs. Clemens/ Hurst 6 innings, Stanley 2, Schiraldi 1. See ya.
Starting Lineup reasoning
Most people use Armas for Buckner, but I think Buckner has decent power, and I use Armas for Boggs. Don't let the lofty batting average fool you. We all know it means nothing. Just ask Wally Backman. This lineup leaves you only Sulli on the bench, but with this lineup, you suck if you don't score a lot of runs. You don't need a pinch hitter.
2. Detroit
Preferred Lineup
Trammell
Gibson
DaEvans
Nokes
Madlock
Lemon
Whitaker
Brookens
Why they rank where they rank
2nd most power in RBI, hence they have the second best lineup in the game. Very close with Boston but as I said, I love the right-handedness of the Bosox. Every hitter in this lineup has at least plus power and although other than Whitaker, there is no one to pitch to in this lineup. I stay up at night trying to come up with a way to get out Tom Brookens. It can't be done. The key difference between Detroit and Boston is pitching. Doyle has great breaking stuff, and Morris has average-to-slightly-above-average stuff (and that's being kind). I am not comfortable asking this bullpen to get more than 6 outs, 7 tops. And thinking about handing the ball to Eric King in a tight game is a nightmare. I do like their bench, but the bench isn't as important as pitching, especially when you don't have the opportunity to pinch hit for the pitchers because you end up coming to get your pitchers in the middle innings when they get in trouble due to lack of stamina.
Starting Lineup Reasoning
I don't understand the fascination with Pat Sheridan and Mike Heath amongst dee-nee'ers, but even without them this lineup is ridic. I prefer Maddog but it really doesn't matter. They are going to score. Nokes is one of the most underrated hitters, as he gets mf'd routinely on this site by Heath-lovers.
3. California Angels
Preferred Lineup
Jones
Decinces
Joyner
Jackson
Downing
Hendrick
Schofield
Burleson/ Wilfong "reverse platoon" (RH vs. RH, LH vs. LH)
Why they rank where they rank
This lineup is awesome, but the two best hitters are lefty, and that bothers many people including me. Reg is an incredible talent, widely considered the best player in RBI. But they rank behind the Big 2 because of the bullpen. While of the 3 top teams, Boston has by far the best 4 deep pitching, Det has a slight edge over Cal. Witt and Sutton are about equal in talent to Doyle and Morris, however Donnie Moore and Doug Corbet are inferior to Guillermo and EKing. And that says a lot.
Batting Order Reasoning
This might be the most widely disputed batting order in the league. 3 terrible players (Pettis, Grich, Boone) and 4 solid bench guys. Just like Tim Burks, Rupperto has the best combination of power and speed on the team so he should bat first. 2-5 are set in stone. Grich must go, and I like the righty power source here in Hendrick. Schofield is serviceable. Boone obviously comes out, and I'll go reverse platoon here, as Wilfong (despite puzzingly high dee-nee love) and Burleson (I've had huge success with him) are excellent hitters/ IBB drawers.
4-8 will come later. I gotta go rub one out.
If you start lefty batter guy A strictly vs lefty pitchers and righty batter guy B in his place strictly against R pitchers, it's still a platoon. There's no reverse about it. Now knock that shit off.
Questionable, Joey Dirt. Since a platoon in baseball is always lefty/righty, I think it's fair to say "reverse". Close call here.
shit, i wish i had a forum fulla this many original tecmo enthusiasts. :(
we rarely squable about overall team rankings in tecmo. 1-12 for the most part is irrelevant. tecmo does have more of tier type setting. top middle bottom. top are superior but not a day in/day out lock by any means. it does translate that the further down the ladder you go the wins can be easier/more lopsided, but still not a lock by any means.
the awesomest thing about tecmo is to evaluate each individual match-up in a team vs team format. nate nate nate and i can easily talk for an hour about about various good match-ups, bad match-ups, and a slug of different strategies you can use vs the various teams.
and furthermore to add one more nuggett. while we routinely rank NYG 1st or 2nd, and MIN, and WSH 11th and 12th...those 2 teams are probably more capable than most anyone at giving NYG huge problems on a regular basis.
Take a hint, TBT...nobody wants to talk that trash with you. Not even on the tecmo forums.
Quote from: OctogenarianFranco on 10/11/06, 09:25:04 PM
But why are you so afraid to speak... on the record?
I see no reason to itemize my entire strategy on the Internets for my opponents to learn from. Yes, I am stupid, but I have a fairly detailed scouting report on each player that I've played/seen play in the tourneys and I'd like to keep that advantage.
Quote from: JoeDirt on 10/11/06, 10:10:54 PM
Take a hint, TBT...nobody wants to talk that trash with you. Not even on the tecmo forums.
3 words pal....Nate Nate Nate
Isn't that really one word three times?
we'll let TBG be the judge of that.
Quote from: JoeDirt on 10/11/06, 10:15:39 PM
I see no reason to itemize my entire strategy on the Internets for my opponents to learn from. Yes, I am stupid, but I have a fairly detailed scouting report on each player that I've played/seen play in the tourneys and I'd like to keep that advantage.
I withheld a lot of strategy stuff with that thought in mind, but I think it's interesting stuff to discuss.
Quote from: TecmoBowlTerror on 10/11/06, 10:04:57 PM
shit, i wish i had a forum fulla this many original tecmo enthusiasts. :(
we rarely squable about overall team rankings in tecmo. 1-12 for the most part is irrelevant. tecmo does have more of tier type setting. top middle bottom. top are superior but not a day in/day out lock by any means. it does translate that the further down the ladder you go the wins can be easier/more lopsided, but still not a lock by any means.
the awesomest thing about tecmo is to evaluate each individual match-up in a team vs team format. nate nate nate and i can easily talk for an hour about about various good match-ups, bad match-ups, and a slug of different strategies you can use vs the various teams.
and furthermore to add one more nuggett. while we routinely rank NYG 1st or 2nd, and MIN, and WSH 11th and 12th...those 2 teams are probably more capable than most anyone at giving NYG huge problems on a regular basis.
Tecmo is great to play just like real football. But just like real football, it is nowhere near as interesting to talk about as RBI/ baseball.
DIE!
Are you talking about the original tecmo or super tecmo?
Must be original tecmo bc you rank Minn high.
I would love to get into a Super Tecmo tourney. I spent 50% of college playing that game.
tecmo..what is this super tecmo you speak of?
there is talk of a national tourney (TSB) in minny soda sometime early in '07. they had one before up there, (about a year ago) but i didnt get a good read out on exactly how they played or how teams were decided.
i would be up for a tecmo tourney in minn as i often get back to wisconsin (alum) and could drop in. i play the game that has all the teams, QB Eagles is Cunningham, i think it's '91 stats. i think you are referring to original tecmo which has cap boso unstoppable play. please clarify which game is played in said minnehaha tourney. thanks
Tecmo Super is played in the national tourney.
Linky below.
http://www.knobbe.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8126
there is another thread about a tourney on there, but it was at an unrealistic location like cancun. sounds great on paper(thats doesnt make any sense?) but trying to get 16 guys to cancun to play TSB and still have the best of the best playing is sketchy.
rod's shooting for minneapolis in february. i think late march or early april would at least bring forth safer weather.
Quote from: TecmoBowlTerror on 10/12/06, 11:56:36 AM
Tecmo Super is played in the national tourney.
Linky below.
http://www.knobbe.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8126
there is another thread about a tourney on there, but it was at an unrealistic location like cancun. sounds great on paper(thats doesnt make any sense?) but trying to get 16 guys to cancun to play TSB and still have the best of the best playing is sketchy.
rod's shooting for minneapolis in february. i think late march or early april would at least bring forth safer weather.
I'm in. A college friend of mine who is from a suburb of Minneapolis would be in too- easy sell on location. Please pm me other deets (so we don't have angry dee-nee'ers we are subjecting them to tecmo talk). ATG?
ATG besides the NT lurching/diving.
That's the way I play- although we do allow the NT to dive at running plays but not passing plays. If not, then the Run 4 with offset backs or split backs up the middle is a lock to gain a few yards which is not fair. I am fine with your way though. I can make he adjustment in practice week of.
Quote from: Big Apple RBI Champ on 10/13/06, 10:52:53 AM
That's the way I play- although we do allow the NT to dive at running plays but not passing plays. If not, then the Run 4 with offset backs or split backs up the middle is a lock to gain a few yards which is not fair. I am fine with your way though. I can make he adjustment in practice week of.
That's how I play against the computer (I rarely get to play any TSB against a human). Until this was mentioned, though, I was having a hard time figuring out what kind of restrictions you'd put on a Tecmo Super Bowl game. You probably could also stop that run with a good bottom ILB (I rarely use that player, so I'm not positive), but you'd definitely have to dive if it's the offset backs formation in order to take out the fullback.
I wonder if you'd be allowed to fiddle with the playbook - that would make a big difference in what team to choose. The Giants are, to me, the best team in the game, but they're hurt by having both a flea-flicker and a play-action pass in their playbook, since an opponent with a good top OLB basically eliminates both those plays.
i believe they have a few minutes to change thier playbooks.
I would hope you could change your playbook. Usually I don't change it against awful competition, but in a tourney you'd have to be able to change playbook.
My dirty little secret... I have played ten times the amount of TSB than I have played RBI.
DIE!
I went through a phase of giving back fumbles. Also, I played that the offense can't advance a fumble (Ken Stabler rule) because sometimes a lineman will pick it up and be able to run the length of the field because you can't tackle him because he knocks you off... guy goes crazy. It's against NFL rules. I liken it to playing infield fly rule in RBI. The game lets you do it (dropping ball on purpose to get multiple outs) but it's bs. It's plain good ol' fashioned sportsmanship.
TBT does not play TSB, the rules are not his and he can really care less about it, he only plays the original Tecmo Bowl
This thread is LOCKED you off-topic bastards.
After playing against Attezz as Na (Attezz was Na, not me) with him using the "new" six-straight-sluggers lineup, I'm very tempted to move Na up in the overall team rankings. I'm curious as to what other Dee-Nee'ers also use this lineup, and if so, their experiences with it.
These findings are still in the preliminary stage, but don't be surprised to see Na moving up to the 2nd or maybe even 1st place in my ranking in the next few weeks...
The hardest part is just getting used to Bo and Ca playing against Na, as 99% of the time if we play with one all star team, the opponent will be the other all star team.
For reference, the Triple S lineup consists of the following:
1. Raines
2. Guerro
3. Murphy
4. Dawson
5. EDavis
6. Schmdt
So formidable...
In high school tournaments and leagues, NA and AM were ok to use. NA has the deadliest lineup, but the 7 and 8 holes are jinxed for whatever reason, it does not matter who you put there.
Your Triple S lineup was in vogue as long as I can remember. My question is, who do you put in the 7 and 8 hole? The big cat sucks or is it just me? I did not use NA that much, but the other rbi jedi's who did, inserted Kruk in the 8 hole, left the easy out "Gallagra" in the seven hole. Some have put Kruk in the 7 hole, and Gwynn in the 8 hole and just rolled the dice with no bench.
I've dabbled with the power 6 lineup many, many times Octo. I'll usually go no bench and bring Gwynn in 7th and Kruk 8th. The results are usually a beatdown for the person playing me.
I'd go with Kruk in the 7 hole and Gwynn 8th, just so that if they pitch around the #8 hitter, or he manages a single, it's a guy with speed to provide a little help avoiding the DP and make a successful sacrifice more likely.
I always refused to remove Ryno from the lineup because he was my favorite player, but that Triple S lineup is indeed awesome.
Why is it called the "Triple S" lineup?
Quote from: FrancogenarianOcto on 11/30/06, 12:11:30 AM
six-straight-sluggers
Just coined it and already it's catching on, don't I feel special. Although Mclane's "power six lineup" is catchy too. Interesting to know this strategy is in use by others.
Like Dark Side, I unfortunately leave Andres "Easy Out" Galarraga in, but the 8-hole is something I actually enjoy in this lineup -- Tony Gwynn all the way. Not sure if Beef was hinting at this, but Tony Gwynn has in my experience been the most successful player in pulling off the "Pettis". Tony has great speed, but the trick is that he has so laughably little power that any time you get the ball on the ground to the opposite field, it rolls so slow that the result is a practically automatic single every time. Plus since his contact rating is so good, you don't have to worry about intentionally getting the contact penalty, and thus have even more control over the direction you hit the ball. Hardest part is keeping it on the ground, although Tony seems to pop it straight up WAY less than Vince Coleman.
yeah NA lineup is the toughest to figure out I think...a lot of different ways to do it. I've yet to come up with one lineup that I think is best...but lately I've been going with Santiago so I can take out the Big Cat...I only use three bench players simply because I think Santiago is better than Gwynn, and then at least I've got Gwynn for a pitcher pinch-hit.
Quote from: lancemeister2006 on 12/01/06, 10:42:13 AM
yeah NA lineup is the toughest to figure out I think...a lot of different ways to do it. I've yet to come up with one lineup that I think is best...but lately I've been going with Santiago so I can take out the Big Cat...I only use three bench players simply because I think Santiago is better than Gwynn, and then at least I've got Gwynn for a pitcher pinch-hit.
Gwynn is streaky, has good speed, but lacks power. Santiago can get you some occasional bombs and some occasional hits, but that's it. He has no business hitting in the 3 hole. He justs ruins the most feared lineup in RBI. Bentio should never...ever play. NA's offense is unprecedented. They can hit the ball everywhere and anywhere.
This is the best line up in RBI. There should be no doubt about this. This explosive offense can overcome the fact that there is nothing left on the bench. All shortcomings should not matter if you know how to hit and hit smart.
My lineup with NA:
1. Raines
2. Guerro*
3. Murphy*
4. Dawson
5. EDavis
6. Schmdt
7. Kruk
8. Gwynn
* Players are basically interchangeable.
My alternate line up would be used if I anticipated a low scoring game when I am slumping:
1. Raines
2. Murphy*
3. Guerro*
4. Dawson
5. EDavis
6. Schmdt
7. Gallagra
8. Gwynn
Quote from: The Dark Side on 12/01/06, 06:50:57 PM
This is the best line up in RBI. There should be no doubt about this. This explosive offense can overcome the fact that there is nothing left on the bench. All shortcomings should not matter if you know how to hit and hit smart.
Dark Side actually makes some sense here.
Forget that there is no bench. It really shouldn't matter with this lineup. It should never get to the point that you'll need to pinch hit for a pitcher late in the game.
Quote from: fknmclane on 12/01/06, 06:58:35 PMIt really shouldn't matter with this lineup. It should never get to the point that you'll need to pinch hit for a pitcher late in the game.
You guys make some great points, but I am uncomfortable with no PH's on bench. If you are playing good competition, the game would likely be close and in 9th inning, the other guy would be happy to walk the bases loaded (or however many guys it took to get to the pitcher) and you can only watch as Bedrossian goes down looking to end it.
I agree. You have to leave somebody on the bench. Leaving Big Cat (or whoever else) in makes more sense, as I'd rather have Kruk available in the ninth and Gallaraga in the rest of the game than to be screwed in the name of a minor upgrade earlier in the game.