
For those looking forward to the MLB 09 The Show and MLB 2K9 it is always interesting to evaluate the free agent signings and contemplate how big of an impact they will have. The rosters that will ship with the games lock in mid-January meaning we are nearing that point. Release day roster updates have become the norm though negating the significance of the roster lockdown dates.
Even when the Yankees are not the best team in baseball they always seem to translate as the best, or at least one of the best, in the video games. This is where team chemistry and pressure on the individuals doesn’t really translate the same way it does in real life. Expect the Yankees to be a powerhouse in the games once again after their recent signings.
CC Sabathia (7 years $161 million), AJ Burnett (5 years $82.5 million) and Mark Teixeira (8 years $180 million) have been signed in just the past couple weeks. The Yankees now have the four highest paid players in baseball in Sabathia, Teixeira, A Rod, and Jeter.
When it comes to online play, where with the exception of leagues there is no incentive to using anyone but the best starting pitcher, the Yankees will certainly be the most feared and likely overused team. There will be other good teams but it’ll be hard to match up to their lineup. Even though the Rays may have the better “team” as they did last year, there is much more room for error for someone using the Yankees than there is as the Rays. It’s something that these companies should look at in all sports games. Finding a way to translate the significance of “team” over “individuals”. It is a factor even in baseball which is primarily a battle between pitcher and hitter.
What team are you most looking forward to using in The Show or 2K9? Do you anticipate the Yankees being the strongest one after these big signings?
January 1, 2009 at 8:31 am
As usual I will use my Washington Nationals, I don't care who anyone else takes. It'll be fun to have some decent pitching this year with Scotty O and D-Cab.
January 3, 2009 at 3:06 am
I like when people use teams that aren't "popular". I used to use the Athletics but have since moved on to the Detroit Tigers. With the Tigers' young talent (Granderson especially), and bringing in Mr. Fragile, Zumaya, makes it fun…..Not to mention, in my opinion, playing in the American League you get to see some of the best stadiums. Although, I like to see SF, Shea and Minute Maid park in their virtual form.
January 1, 2009 at 8:40 am
as well they should be. GO YANKS!!! i hate the new stadium. theres too much history at the real yankee stadium. not only baseball but the greatest game ever played was played there(colts vs giants 12/28/58). i understand the they would eventually have to move but instead of moving now, renovate the real one. they did it in 1975-76 so just do it again. just like a lot of yankee fans, september 21, 08 was a very sad day for me(last game at yankee stadium). as a yankee fan, im still undecided on whether or not the yankees will be back to dominance yet because as we saw last year, a very strong team on paper(tigers)had a below average year for wat players they had and a bad team(so we thought) on paper(rays) wound up going to the world series against my other favorite team and hometown team, the phillies. so that just shows u that anything can happen b/c like u said pasta, chemistry and the fact that they play for the yankees will play into how good they are.
January 1, 2009 at 8:43 am
and i love baseball but i dont play the video games b/c i have 360 and 2k+baseball=bad game. even if they make a good game, i still wont b/c i suck at baseball video games lol.
January 1, 2009 at 9:14 am
The Cowboys are extremely overrated on Madden 09. Everyone online uses them online these days because they have a ton of speedy players and speed kills on Madden. I've seen a bunch of people use their fast DB's on offense as well. This one guy I played used TO, Scandrick, Pacman, Newman, and Felix Jones in a 5 WR set. All speed weapons. It was retarded because the CB's were running near-perfect routes and getting past their guys because of their pure speed.
January 1, 2009 at 10:09 am
Its always been a little unfair playing teams like the Yankees and Red Sox. In real life they have bad days but that doesnt usually happen in the games. You have to almost play perfect to beat them. It should be a challenge but it would be more realistic if they would struggle at times and be easier to beat.
January 1, 2009 at 11:23 am
cubs all the way. they are the most balanced and are gonna get peavy. zambrano, peavy, harden dempster and lilly. the cubs will kill the yankees anyday
January 2, 2009 at 1:26 am
The Yankees spent more in free agency on 3 dudes than some teams's whole payroll. But I'll still take the field against them winning anything. As far as gaming goes, i won't use them because i would rather beat them…
January 2, 2009 at 2:40 am
I'll use my Rays as usual
January 2, 2009 at 3:09 am
I'll be using my hometown Marlins, even though it pains me cause they keep giving away their players once they cant pay them
January 1, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I too believe the majority will be using NYY. Ill try to match up with them with my Red Sox but normally I like to play matched up with my opponent and play small ball. This will be like when the Yankees got Arod. MVP Baseball had me in a lot of Yanks Sox rivalry games.
January 2, 2009 at 4:10 am
I like to use my Pirates….yeah, they suck on real life-but they can do some damage if you use them right.
January 2, 2009 at 5:33 am
ur right ery1 will use the yanks and i wouldnt play them because they will be 2 gd…LETS GO METS!!!
January 2, 2009 at 5:46 am
fuck the yankees
January 2, 2009 at 7:07 am
I'll be using my Chicago Cubs baby.
January 2, 2009 at 9:10 am
unlike RAMIN and PASTA EVIL TWIN 2
i normally like to stick to playing with the playoff teams..at least the ones that have won at least one playoff game the previous season..
Man, that means can't use the cubs..
..but on the bright side I guess I can still use my brewers
January 2, 2009 at 9:48 am
ferris, you think the best game at Yankee stadium was a football game???? not the 70 years of baseball??? shows how much of a fan you are. believe me, im a diehard red sox fan, so i dont care much for the Yankees, but i must still know more than you. the renovations in the 70's ruined the stadium. it used to be classic with the facade and all, then it was ruined. at least the new stadium has some class again. good thing i still got my classic Fenway, that will never go away.
January 3, 2009 at 3:03 am
I believe he was referring to the best football game ever played.
January 2, 2009 at 10:49 am
have to get an 09 baseball title…we are stacked again. You will only see C.C then A.J and maybe Mariano. all games. no bullpen pitchers. Viva La Yankees!
January 2, 2009 at 1:01 am
Go Tribe
January 2, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I'll refuse to play the Yanks online in MLB 09…..you're right Pasta, EVERYONE will be using them. No one hates to lose. Someone choses the Yankees online, I'll leave the match. It's not worth it.
January 3, 2009 at 3:00 am
I will be using the Detroit Tigers….Yankees will spend all of that money and still not win a World Series….You cannot buy a ring.
January 3, 2009 at 3:09 am
What are some of the favorite baseball stadiums in video games. Now, I am referring to accuracy.
My top five:
1) Kauffman (The Show 08 got the water looking good)
2) Fenway (what person doesn't want to play at Fenway)
3) D-Backs (The huge scoreboard is awesome)
4) Co-Merica (Detroit) — Although they don't have the water fountain working after HRs)
5) Pittsburgh and Wrigley round out my top five…
January 3, 2009 at 12:27 pm
ill be using my Giants with cy young winner Tim Lincecum on the mound, as well as big unit, cain, zito, and sanchez….also adding renteria and maybe MANNY!!!!
January 3, 2009 at 3:01 am
Good luck with Renteria…He is a horrible defensive player….
January 5, 2009 at 3:05 am
i think yanks might have the best but there is still good team like bo-sox , cubs ,phils, mets , d-backs and the rays
January 5, 2009 at 3:12 am
but yanks r arguly tha best video game team in baseball ilike them but fuck them spending mah money a.j,c.c and texeria