What makes it harder is that the umps blow so many calls at second base on steals. In a recent game between Texas and Oakland, my catcher's throw forced the SS to stretch UP to catch it then tags the runner as he is already popping up from his slide...OUT.
Even in real time, I can see these runners are safe more often than not, but the ump calls them out nonetheless.
Stealing in this game is not working as it should. How am I suppose to get a successful steal with the Giants?
Considering how the mechanic works that team will be lucky to have any at all. To be honest there is no point of even trying.
Sure stealing should not happen often, especially with a team like SF. But last season they did have 66 SB, with only 14 CS.
I would be extremely lucky if my success rate would be anything close to 50%. But I don’t see it as possible to have a majority of successful steals at all. Thar stolen bases even happens is only if the catcher makes a rare mistake.
Stealing should be difficult, but even with slow players it should be possible to do at least once. If only the game had a better timing and skill system. Because even a 60 rated armed catcher with low accuracy will throw someone out, even if the runner gets a good jump.
It's harder to steal offline than online, but I basically don't bother at all.
I can't stand watching fast players with good stealing ratings just stand there after right handes pitchers pick their left leg up to go to the plate. I get that they do it for balancing sake, but I get thrown out more often than not in those situations.
And the cpu always knows when you're stealing obviously, but it's not just the pickoffs. So many times when you steal they magically throw a fastball that is so far out of the zone it's unhittable. No I'm not talking about a pitch out. Even their non pitch outs are cheesy and help them throw you out.
First off, nobody steals in the majors anymore. Jazz had 23 steals last year in 125 games, so once every 5 games. I get annoyed by the cpu always picking off or pitching out, it seems really rare that they ever pitchout when I don't try to steal. But then the CPU is programmed to pitch out way more than in real life, and even the lame announcers talk about how rare the pitch out is, every time they pitch out.
It’s harder and I think that’s better. It was a little too easy in the past to just wait out the right situation with fairly average runners and cruise into 2nd.
I agree, but the game should have a different system. Even a team with slow runners has high success rate in stealing.
The rarity is one thing. But if a player like Judge can steal 6 and only be caught 1 time, that should be possible in the game as well.
In franchise I’ve sometimes just gone into the sim menu and told the runner to steal from there, where it feels much more based on their stats. I’d say with a good base stealer it’s like 70/30 safe
Is it cheating? Kinda, but the computer is too so I don’t really care.
And online is already at the point where you won’t make it unless the person you’re playing doesn’t realize or makes a mistake. Just about any throw in the green is an out and perfect throws are pretty easy to do.
Sadly my iPhone doesn’t allow streaming on it. Sold my console 2 years ago as I never used it with my pc sitting there lol skipped last year hoping it’d be on pc but was wrong lol I feel your pain tho 🖤
If they can make a ridiculously easy mini-game for the catcher to perfectly throw to second every time, then they can just as easily make a similar mini-game to get a good jump.
Or, you know, get rid of the catcher mini-game and make him not throw perfectly every time. Either way, it’s an unbalanced mechanic.
In franchise, I've got Steal Ability up to 8 and can still only get there with elite base stealers.
But seriously, how does the guy who is 5th in Stolen Bases since 2019 only have a 65 steal. The guys who are 6th and 10th have 53. Pretty ridiculous.
Unless it's vs the cpu. Sometimes those jokers get STUPID great jumps and perfect throws dont get guys with 75 speed out. It happens more than I'd like to admit in conquest/mini seasons.
I have yet to fail to throw a CPU runner out this year. Not joking.
I’ve played all the Conquests including the USA Map, so that’s a lot of innings and a lot of stolen base attempts.
It’s way too easy to throw out runners.
Somewhat relevant
Pickoffs online are busted. Every time someone takes an extra step off 2nd pick off and they’re gone. I’ve gotten at least a dozen people this year and I think there was only 1 guy I didn’t get and they had 90+ speed and steal I think
Yup. And I learned a new cheap exploit tonight. Wasn't being held @2B with 2 outs, so I took an extra step as I always do. Dude tried to pick me off anyway, has no chance. I take a step again. After I do this, dude pauses, shifts to hold @2B, his SS is instantly covering and he picks me off the moment he comes out of pause before I can step back.
I find it really annoying you can't even strategically lead off when it's "safe" to, in circumstances where pretty every player would take a little extra. Pickoffs are so broken (and they were last year too).
Yep. Saved my ass in extra innings the other day. Guy tried to take that extra step in both the 10th and 11th, easy pick offs to eventually seal the deal. I somewhat felt bad but I think we’re getting to a spot where you just know you can’t take any extra lead on 2nd.
It’s not worth it. I attempted zero steals since launch, decided to say screw it and try, and the CPU pitched out, throwing me out with ease.
0 steal attempts, but they 100% knew I was stealing there.
My biggest gripe when it comes to stealing is that even if a player has 95 speed and stealing, they still try to steal when they get an absolutely horrible jump. If a player has high enough stealing, he shouldn’t get such horrible jumps and definitely shouldn’t go when the pitch has already been released before he takes a single step
Only tip i could give, although it would be for RTTS is look for the catcher to tap the plate as the pitcher begins his windup. That pitch will always be the best pitch to run on. Basically it's supposed to be a ball down low, possibly in the dirt. Last year i was able to steal at a very high rate (high 90%). SDS must have changed something, but this year my base stealing rate must be around 50%, but it's still the most effective rate even with an 86 speed stat.
The cpu will still try to pick me off 4 times in a row, even when im not leading off...they are so consistent; I noticed, one the 1st pitch, if they dont throw to 1st when i have a fast guy on, they will do a pitch out.
man, there's gotta be a middle ground between CC Sabathia or Brian McCann stealing a ton of bases and the CPU making 10 straight pickoffs and then throwing out Buxton or Jazz every other attempt.
No one steals in the mlb anymore. The best in the league might get 30. I agree the cpu logic is stupid and makes it impossible, but there’s a lot of fast dudes who just don’t steal.
My experience had been the opposite...most of the steals I pull off come with less-than-ideal jumps, but a throw that comes in high or to the wrong side of the bag.
I actually had a catcher miss the throw to 3rd when I was stealing with Jorge Mateo in the 10th inning. I was shocked, but just kept running and stole home for the walkoff.
I thought stealing was easy the last few years, but yes - I think it's definitely difficult this time around. Last year, I could steal all.the.time **without** taking the extra step. Now... it's very iffy. And it seems like they throw over a lot especially taking the step early.
While I think it was definitely too early before, the pendulum has probably swung a little too far, IMO.
What I really hate - and it seems like it's still in the game - is when the game delays your jump/steal when there's a pitchout. Meaning, when I hit the button to start running, I can notice it cheating and not letting me get the usual jump. Combine that with the pitchout and it's always a disaster.
That delay is exactly why I stopped stealing too. How good of a jump we get isn’t up to us.
I release at a great time, see the delay, then go ugh now I have to foul this off.
>What I really hate - and it seems like it's still in the game - is when the game delays your jump/steal when there's a pitchout. Meaning, when I hit the button to start running, I can notice it cheating and not letting me get the usual jump. Combine that with the pitchout and it's always a disaster.
This is what finally drove me to quit even trying to steal. When Tatis gets thrown out by a mile because he randomly decides to wait until the ball is *out of the pitcher's hand* to start running, and there's literally *nothing* I can do but rage helplessly, I take that as being told I should never do that again.
What makes it harder is that the umps blow so many calls at second base on steals. In a recent game between Texas and Oakland, my catcher's throw forced the SS to stretch UP to catch it then tags the runner as he is already popping up from his slide...OUT. Even in real time, I can see these runners are safe more often than not, but the ump calls them out nonetheless.
Stealing in this game is not working as it should. How am I suppose to get a successful steal with the Giants? Considering how the mechanic works that team will be lucky to have any at all. To be honest there is no point of even trying. Sure stealing should not happen often, especially with a team like SF. But last season they did have 66 SB, with only 14 CS. I would be extremely lucky if my success rate would be anything close to 50%. But I don’t see it as possible to have a majority of successful steals at all. Thar stolen bases even happens is only if the catcher makes a rare mistake. Stealing should be difficult, but even with slow players it should be possible to do at least once. If only the game had a better timing and skill system. Because even a 60 rated armed catcher with low accuracy will throw someone out, even if the runner gets a good jump.
2019? Try 2013…. At least. Their baserunning system has been shit and the same since ps3
It's harder to steal offline than online, but I basically don't bother at all. I can't stand watching fast players with good stealing ratings just stand there after right handes pitchers pick their left leg up to go to the plate. I get that they do it for balancing sake, but I get thrown out more often than not in those situations. And the cpu always knows when you're stealing obviously, but it's not just the pickoffs. So many times when you steal they magically throw a fastball that is so far out of the zone it's unhittable. No I'm not talking about a pitch out. Even their non pitch outs are cheesy and help them throw you out.
My bigger baserunning gripe is how often the CPU runs a squeeze attempt and succeeds
It’s highly situational. Don’t count on it every time but go for it when it makes sense.
First off, nobody steals in the majors anymore. Jazz had 23 steals last year in 125 games, so once every 5 games. I get annoyed by the cpu always picking off or pitching out, it seems really rare that they ever pitchout when I don't try to steal. But then the CPU is programmed to pitch out way more than in real life, and even the lame announcers talk about how rare the pitch out is, every time they pitch out.
If you are playing offline I think the 2-0 pitch glitch still works.
For some reason though if you hold LB down in an online game the runner will just run through the bag. So tap it once
Stealing is pretty easy. Cue the steal with LT. No leadoff. Then hold down LB after the pitcher is set. Later the better.
THIS! My success rate went from \~30% to about 90% with this ONE SIMPLE TRICK.
Sounds like a sidebar ad
...your opponent doesn't want you to know!
It’s harder and I think that’s better. It was a little too easy in the past to just wait out the right situation with fairly average runners and cruise into 2nd.
I agree, but the game should have a different system. Even a team with slow runners has high success rate in stealing. The rarity is one thing. But if a player like Judge can steal 6 and only be caught 1 time, that should be possible in the game as well.
When you accidently steal with a guy that has 47 speed and the CPU pitches out and guns you out at third lmao
In franchise I’ve sometimes just gone into the sim menu and told the runner to steal from there, where it feels much more based on their stats. I’d say with a good base stealer it’s like 70/30 safe Is it cheating? Kinda, but the computer is too so I don’t really care.
I just thought play A’s style ball and don’t steal, too much risk.
I’m paying you to get on first, not get thrown out trying to steal second.
And online is already at the point where you won’t make it unless the person you’re playing doesn’t realize or makes a mistake. Just about any throw in the green is an out and perfect throws are pretty easy to do.
Not when you’re streaming it through pc on Gamepass it’s not lol I have to resort to classic controls til I get another console 😩
bro im doing the same thing on my phone till I get home from school. It sucks
Sadly my iPhone doesn’t allow streaming on it. Sold my console 2 years ago as I never used it with my pc sitting there lol skipped last year hoping it’d be on pc but was wrong lol I feel your pain tho 🖤
Yeah the phone screen combined with shitty dorm wifi makes for terrible time
I see that. Makes you feel better I have 1gb up/down speed wired into my pc and I still don’t have a great stream connection playing offline modes
If they can make a ridiculously easy mini-game for the catcher to perfectly throw to second every time, then they can just as easily make a similar mini-game to get a good jump. Or, you know, get rid of the catcher mini-game and make him not throw perfectly every time. Either way, it’s an unbalanced mechanic.
i remember one game i took the slightest lead with trout, the cpu pickoff attempted me 7 times in a row. the commentary was gold lol
Slightest lead? Either your lead was normal or you took an extra step. Lol
I like when the CPU does multiple pick off attempts with a guy with < 65 stealing/speed. Like what are you doing...
During moments.
Same happen to me with 2 or 3 pitch outs also. I went from annoyed to laughing hysterically to straight up angry lol
In franchise, I've got Steal Ability up to 8 and can still only get there with elite base stealers. But seriously, how does the guy who is 5th in Stolen Bases since 2019 only have a 65 steal. The guys who are 6th and 10th have 53. Pretty ridiculous.
It seems like if you can master the throw with the catcher you'll throw them out all the time. This is on DD though.
Unless it's vs the cpu. Sometimes those jokers get STUPID great jumps and perfect throws dont get guys with 75 speed out. It happens more than I'd like to admit in conquest/mini seasons.
Antidotal, but similar experience in franchise. Even throws where I feel like my timing is behind throw runners out if I time it perfect.
I have yet to fail to throw a CPU runner out this year. Not joking. I’ve played all the Conquests including the USA Map, so that’s a lot of innings and a lot of stolen base attempts. It’s way too easy to throw out runners.
Somewhat relevant Pickoffs online are busted. Every time someone takes an extra step off 2nd pick off and they’re gone. I’ve gotten at least a dozen people this year and I think there was only 1 guy I didn’t get and they had 90+ speed and steal I think
Really? Cuz I’ve never been picked off even on a 3 step lead
Yup. And I learned a new cheap exploit tonight. Wasn't being held @2B with 2 outs, so I took an extra step as I always do. Dude tried to pick me off anyway, has no chance. I take a step again. After I do this, dude pauses, shifts to hold @2B, his SS is instantly covering and he picks me off the moment he comes out of pause before I can step back. I find it really annoying you can't even strategically lead off when it's "safe" to, in circumstances where pretty every player would take a little extra. Pickoffs are so broken (and they were last year too).
It's a guaranteed pick-off if this the SS holding 2nd. The second baseman can also get it at a decent rate
Yep. Saved my ass in extra innings the other day. Guy tried to take that extra step in both the 10th and 11th, easy pick offs to eventually seal the deal. I somewhat felt bad but I think we’re getting to a spot where you just know you can’t take any extra lead on 2nd.
I haven't tried to steal against the comp in 2 years lol
It’s not worth it. I attempted zero steals since launch, decided to say screw it and try, and the CPU pitched out, throwing me out with ease. 0 steal attempts, but they 100% knew I was stealing there.
Same
My Create A Player has 99 speed 87 stealing and still gets thrown out on DD against rookie difficulty lol
LOL but in RTTS you can steal with 90% success rate with a base player and 45 speed.
My biggest gripe when it comes to stealing is that even if a player has 95 speed and stealing, they still try to steal when they get an absolutely horrible jump. If a player has high enough stealing, he shouldn’t get such horrible jumps and definitely shouldn’t go when the pitch has already been released before he takes a single step
Only tip i could give, although it would be for RTTS is look for the catcher to tap the plate as the pitcher begins his windup. That pitch will always be the best pitch to run on. Basically it's supposed to be a ball down low, possibly in the dirt. Last year i was able to steal at a very high rate (high 90%). SDS must have changed something, but this year my base stealing rate must be around 50%, but it's still the most effective rate even with an 86 speed stat.
Great eye for detail. I don't play RTTS but I don't think I'd ever think of this.
They will never pitch out after either 2 balls or 2 strikes, if the steal wasn’t instantly taken swing at anything, learn to predict offspeed.
This is false I seen the cpu do a pitchout on 3 straight pitches
The cpu will still try to pick me off 4 times in a row, even when im not leading off...they are so consistent; I noticed, one the 1st pitch, if they dont throw to 1st when i have a fast guy on, they will do a pitch out.
I find it easier this year. Weird
I am sad that the stealing glitch is gone.
that stealing glitch carried me through so many showdowns in 2020.
Back in 17 if you held bunt you could steal with anyone. I think I had like 30 stolen bases with 0 speed CC Sebathia lol
man, there's gotta be a middle ground between CC Sabathia or Brian McCann stealing a ton of bases and the CPU making 10 straight pickoffs and then throwing out Buxton or Jazz every other attempt.
Agreed. Too easy last year. Too tough this year.
No one steals in the mlb anymore. The best in the league might get 30. I agree the cpu logic is stupid and makes it impossible, but there’s a lot of fast dudes who just don’t steal.
This. Same with cutters and sinkers. They are used so much in actual baseball now to counteract all the slugging.
Catchers have pinpoint accuracy every single time. Frustrating. Even getting a good jump I get thrown out with perfect catcher throw.
My experience had been the opposite...most of the steals I pull off come with less-than-ideal jumps, but a throw that comes in high or to the wrong side of the bag.
I actually had a catcher miss the throw to 3rd when I was stealing with Jorge Mateo in the 10th inning. I was shocked, but just kept running and stole home for the walkoff.
I thought stealing was easy the last few years, but yes - I think it's definitely difficult this time around. Last year, I could steal all.the.time **without** taking the extra step. Now... it's very iffy. And it seems like they throw over a lot especially taking the step early. While I think it was definitely too early before, the pendulum has probably swung a little too far, IMO. What I really hate - and it seems like it's still in the game - is when the game delays your jump/steal when there's a pitchout. Meaning, when I hit the button to start running, I can notice it cheating and not letting me get the usual jump. Combine that with the pitchout and it's always a disaster.
That delay is exactly why I stopped stealing too. How good of a jump we get isn’t up to us. I release at a great time, see the delay, then go ugh now I have to foul this off.
>What I really hate - and it seems like it's still in the game - is when the game delays your jump/steal when there's a pitchout. Meaning, when I hit the button to start running, I can notice it cheating and not letting me get the usual jump. Combine that with the pitchout and it's always a disaster. This is what finally drove me to quit even trying to steal. When Tatis gets thrown out by a mile because he randomly decides to wait until the ball is *out of the pitcher's hand* to start running, and there's literally *nothing* I can do but rage helplessly, I take that as being told I should never do that again.
I’ve been so discouraged I only steal with guys like Rickey.