Ground Ball Bonanza: A Not-So-High-Flying Guide to MLB The Show Domination
Ah, the ground ball. MLB The Show's unsung hero. You might not win hearts and minds with a scorching grounder to third, but let me tell you, it gets the job done. Double plays? Check. Infield outs that make your pitcher do a happy dance? You betcha. So, ditch the launch-angle obsession and let's get down and dirty with some ground ball mastery.
Why Ground Balls Rule (Except When They Don't)
- The Out Machine: Need to get that pesky runner off first? A well-placed ground ball can turn a double play dream into a reality faster than you can say "bases loaded."
- Friend of the Pitcher: Your pitcher's arm feeling a little tired? Ground balls mean less running around the outfield for them, translating to a happier (and potentially more effective) mound presence.
- The Art of the Unexpected: Everyone's looking for dingers these days. Become a ground ball guru and watch the defense scramble as your opponent anticipates a towering flyout.
But Wait, There's More! (Ground Ball Techniques, That Is)
- Dialing Down Your Inner Vladdy Jr.: We all love a good moonshot, but for ground balls, resist the urge to swing for the fences. Think "chop" not "launch."
- The Directional Delight: Using directional hitting? Push down on that left thumbstick as you make contact. It's like whispering sweet nothings to the baseball, telling it to stay low.
- Become a PCI Picasso: Using zone hitting? Keep that Plate Coverage Indicator (PCI) low in the zone. Think of it as painting a masterpiece...a ground ball masterpiece.
Bonus Tip: Embrace the Low and Away
Low and away pitches can be your ground ball best friend. It might feel counter-intuitive, but if you can time that outside pitch just right, you've got a recipe for a ground ball success story.
Remember, Young Padawan
Ground balls aren't always glamorous, but they're a valuable weapon in your MLB The Show arsenal. Master the art of the grounder, and watch your win total skyrocket (or should I say, ground-rocket?). Now get out there and make those double plays happen!
