Quote:
Originally Posted by ToTheBackstop
I posted this in the Newbie forum yesterday, and it was kindly suggested to me that this might be better suited to the main discussion forum where the knowledgeable OOTP veterans hang out, so I'm reposting here (hopefully clarified):
I'm trying to optimize my team's lineup and wanted to get a better handle on how OOTP treats defensive range. The manual states "Range is a measure of how well a defensive player can reach a ball in play." I'm wondering if anyone knows whether this is a measure of a player's range strictly within his positional zone, or the player's range on the field in general? Or in other words, is a player with a high defensive range able to reach/impact balls in neighbouring positional zones?
For example, could I get away with playing a 20 range CF in between two 90+ corner outfielders, under the premise that the LF is going to be able to get most of the flies to left-center and the RF is going to reach most of the balls going to right-center, and hence the CF's poor range will be mitigated? Or does it not work that way, and in fact each player's defensive range is strictly applicable to their positional zone, such that (a) the LF will vacuum up everything in left, (b) the RF will track down all the flyouts to right, but (c) the lumbering CF is not going to get to a lot of balls in left-center and right-center?
(Similarly, if I have a 100 SS, does it follow that he's going to nab a lot of grounders in the 5.5 hole and I can go ahead and use a 50-range 3B with a bit more pop in his bat instead of a lighter-hitting 70-range 3B -- his extra range is more-or-less made "redundant" by the slick-fielding shortstop?)
Thanks!
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I think you're underestimating what a 20 range CF would do (also, there are different settings for the scales, so please specify which scale [i.e. out of 100] you're using when asking questions). I understand that you're just making an example with an extreme, but no, I would never advise that you put a 20 range CF out there, even if you had Roberto Clemente clones playing in the corners.
When it comes down to it, the fielding stats available to us really don't allow for us to answer this question; consequently (lack of statistical means to determine = lack of functionality?), I believe the answer to your question is the latter of your suggested answers.
In the end, how much does it really matter what the answer is? An OF with 50 range is going to cover the same exact radius regardless of the answer. I mean, there are going to be balls hit in right-center that no RF could ever possibly get to, but that a proficient CF can.
And as it pertains to the redundant aspect, the SS isn't going to be fielding the balls to the left of the the 3B, or even be fielding the balls within the 3Bs range (better angle for the 3B to make the play). So while I tend to trade glove for a better bat with my 3B, there's still an acceptable limit of range that you need as a minimum.
Ultimately, what I am trying to say is that Markus is probably the only one that can supply you with the answer you desire, but in the meantime, I would focus on getting myself a stud defensive CFer, SS, 2B, and let the corners be the ones suffering a bit (if necessary). Range is a funny thing. It's certainly my #1 priority in evaluating a player's defensive ability, with error a close 2nd. I don't care as much about arm as most others, whether that's right or wrong I couldn't tell you.. C, 3B, SS, and RF really the only places I make sure my dudes don't have a noodle (anything yellow or better OK IMO).
Edit ... Disclaimer: I am just beginning to dig into OOTP15 now (coming from familiarity mostly with 13, however I do own and have used 14 some, although not extensively), so there may well be new/added fielding features that I am yet to discover.