Best RBI tactical innovations?

[TbT]

Trying to put together a list of 5 solid tactical options for those who are not enlightened in all things RBI.  Obviously the initial line-up subs is on here.  Going deeper than that....

-using relief pitchers as starters to stretch out their stamina as far as possible
-late bench sub power ups
-using base on balls to navigate through a tough line-up
-throwing strikes/out right challenging weak hitters to conserve pitch counts

What else?

[Shooty]

Don't use Houston

[BDawk]

Avoid lollipop throws by pushing the direction and the throw button. 
Stealing bases is nearly impossible if the fielding team isn't retarded

[edfan]

I always try to have as many lefties in the lineup as possible.  I think that Gantry and crew follow this as well.

Pressing A and the directional arrow simultaneously to get a good throw
"Throwing to home" with the catcher to catch a speedy runner who is trying to steal 2nd base.  Just be sure to get the pitcher out of the way.

"The Tettleton"

I would argue that a better strategy than walking a tough batter is a beanball.  You waste less pitches that way and don't lose as much stamina.  If there is a guy that I don't want to face, I always try to hit him with the pitch


edited because I am slower than BDawk

[TbT]

I always try to have as many lefties in the lineup as possible.  I think that Gantry and crew follow this as well.

I would argue that a better strategy than walking a tough batter is a beanball.  You waste less pitches that way and don't lose as much stamina.  If there is a guy that I don't want to face, I always try to hit him with the pitch

Yes, bean-balls when applicable are better than walks. 

The whole lefty thing is merely personal preference and seemingly more advantageous in straight pitch.  That chain if thought can change drastically when curve play is introduced into the equation.  In curve play, invariably some prefer same hand pitching/batting side while others prefer opposite sides in the pitching/batting match-up.

[Stock]

Ignore the IF Fly Rule.

[Re-Peat]

Cocking the bat at 1/4 swing to get a faster swing response.  I'll do this if I'm facing a pitching speed change (like a fastball RP coming in for a spent SP) but generally don't use it since I often find myself in front of most balls anyways.  But there are some people who do this every at bat.

[fathedX]

That's 'The Tettleton' mentioned by edfan.  See, you learned something today!

[Stock]

Not sure it is possible to put the sweet spot of the bat on an outside corner pitch.
If this is true, never put a pitch down the middle.

[BDawk]

Have you seen my baseball?

[BeefMaster]

In high-level competitive RBI, how useful is the hit-and-run?  It use to be standard practice for me in my younger years to get a little head start when the ball was hit, but I mostly played slurve (we didn't refer to it as that, but that's basically what it was - very little trying to strike guys out), so the risk of getting caught in a rundown following a ball or strike wasn't all that high.

[Attezz]

I often find myself in front of most balls

Ha.

I bet if you try to intentionally walk JoeDirt he makes sure it gets to a full count.

[Stock]

That thing where you put in a pinch hitter for a starting relief pitcher, and you don't have to take him out of the game.

[BeefMaster]

I often find myself in front of most balls

Ha.

I bet if you try to intentionally walk JoeDirt he makes sure it gets to a full count.

That can be dangerous, though, because the pitcher could try to sneak across strike 3 when the count fills.

[bigbrothermuscle]

Sub Wilfong for Pettis. I believe Gantry stated that and he's absolutely right.

I'd go as far to say Wilfong is the best pinch hitter ever. He may not hit bombers, but last time I played as California, Wilfong went 4-4 with 4 RBI's. Classic 'stache too.

[Re-Peat]

I bet if you try to intentionally walk JoeDirt he makes sure it gets to a full count.

Here's an ethical question that relates to the much heated JoeDirt infield fly debate...

If someone is trying to bean your hitter to avoid having to waste 4 pitches walking your slugger, is it ethical to swing to avoid the bean?

[Stock]

Yes.

[Attezz]

I bet if you try to intentionally walk JoeDirt he makes sure it gets to a full count.

Here's an ethical question that relates to the much heated JoeDirt infield fly debate...

If someone is trying to bean your hitter to avoid having to waste 4 pitches walking your slugger, is it ethical to swing to avoid the bean?

No.

[edfan]

I bet if you try to intentionally walk JoeDirt he makes sure it gets to a full count.

Here's an ethical question that relates to the much heated JoeDirt infield fly debate...

If someone is trying to bean your hitter to avoid having to waste 4 pitches walking your slugger, is it ethical to swing to avoid the bean?

Let's ask Strassy.  Weeeeeeeellllllll....

[BDawk]

I see no problem with it.  You people and your defined rules for RBI.  It's supposed to be fun.  Just play and stop being such fucking dorks