Player Comparison Tool

One of the things I love the most about MLB Showdown is doing statistical analysis on my cards and finding ways to optimize roster creation.

This is possible because the engine is much more open than in video games, for example, and because it is relatively simple: an at-bat is determined by two rolls of a 20-sided die, one for the pitch and one for the swing. Therefore, we have a total of 20x20 = 400 possible outcomes of an at-bat between a given batter and a pitcher. By figuring out every possible outcome, we can calculate expected stats for that at-bat.

I designed a simple tool in Google Sheets that will do this calculation and calculate some of the basic hitting stats. I included a link to the tool at the bottom of this blog.  

The tool has three parts, each on their own sheet:

Classic Set Previews: TIER THREE PITCHERS

Now we're into the (hopefully) building blocks for the bottom of your rotation and bullpen: the tier 3 starters and relievers. Honestly, there are enough decent starters here to form an entire rotation out of and still be fine. Only the more forgiving point values (i.e. a 5 on at 16 starter like 00 David Cone is only 400 rather than 450 points) make better, Tier 2 aces a cost-effective enough option to make even the most hitter heavy managers pause at that idea.