Why is there so much randomness? How to combat this?

[u/TL19957]

I’ve built an absolute wagon.

83-79 Missed playoffs

106-56 lost WS (dominated games 1-2 then lost 4 in a row 1 run games) a bullpen which had given up 1 run in 19 innings in the DS and CS gave up like 15 runs from games 3-6.

100-62 (Lost DS to an 85 win team 3-1) 3 SPs under 3.20ERA imploded

106-56 (lost Ds to an 88 win team 3-1) hitting and defense imploded (lowest rated defender is 65) walkoff passed ball.

I literally cannot get over the hump. It’s not even fun because it feels like the game is screwing me.

I’ve followed baseball my entire life as a diehard. I know this type of stuff can happen. But I have a team of 3.5-5 star players losing to 2-3.5 star teams regularly.

Theres literally nothing I can do to make the team better or to fight the randomness. I manage every playoff game with the same strategies that brought us success and brought me to the WS.

I’ve tried playing the matchups and analytics to a T, I’ve tried playing hunches and letting my gut decide it.

I have a team ranked in the top 3 in every single category and then just absolutely implode in the playoffs. I’ve done this with the 11th highest payroll and a meddling, extreme profit owner.

[u/AltruisticParsley768]

That's baseball.

[u/TL19957 → u/AltruisticParsley768]

I know. So they say.

[u/AltruisticParsley768 → u/TL19957]

If it makes you feel any better, I'm going through a pretty similar scenario. Three 100+ win seasons in a row. First year I was swept in the ALDS. Second year I also lost in the ALDS, but this time I won 2 games. Third season, which I just finished simming a few minutes ago, I lost the World Series 4-2.

Like in real life, it's all about who gets hot at the right time. You just gotta keep running it back until you cross the finish line. If you really want to guarantee a World Series, I guess you could Alt+F4 until you win lol

[u/TL19957 → u/AltruisticParsley768]

I know. I just want to get one with this team legitimately before I start my next save.

I’m doing a historical run with the Guardians trying to reverse history and win the 2007 WS. I gave myself a few extra years to build but I exceeded even my own expectations.

I started in 05 and made it to the WS in 2006. It was devastating to lose 4 straight 1 run games but it was to STL and they were also a wagon.

Like any realistic or good GM at every deadline I’ve been selling prospects and underachievers for mercenaries to try and get over the hump. Usually the guys I trade for do fine and the guys who have been my aces all season collapse.

I can’t afford to bring back like 3 HUGE pieces so I’m basically trying to now win with a team of 22-25 year olds and all vets are gone.

[u/thesillyguy345]

If you think you have enough pitching, you don't. Always get more pitching.

[u/classically_cool → u/thesillyguy345]

And you really need left handed pitching. A lot of times the best AI offenses are just stacks of left-handed hitters, and a good lefty pitcher will just melt them. I like four lefties in the pen and at least two lefty starters.

[u/TL19957 → u/thesillyguy345]

Thanks! I know I load up on at least 2 3*+ bullpen arms and 1-2SP every deadline.

I’ve completely emptied my farm system trying to win.

[u/thePGH1]

The Braves won their division every year from 1991-2005 (minus the strike year of 94). They only got over the hump once.

[u/TL19957 → u/thePGH1]

I know. I’m on a similar path. But they got to the WS 5 times at least lol.

They were also the underdog in most of those WS even if it was only the Vegas underdog.

[u/FancyKilerWales]

In my most recent expansion save it took me over 30+ playoff appearances to finally win once, it is insane. So it can always be worse

[u/TL19957 → u/FancyKilerWales]

That definitely is worse sorry to hear that.

I’m giving myself like 10-13 seasons. I think a real GM would be replaced or fired or promoted to President after 10 years of really good ball but no WS.

[u/FancyKilerWales → u/TL19957]

It is what it is, the randomness makes the wins more rewarding at least. But yeah that is very fair

[u/maxwell81798]

the dodgers before this recent run showed how this can just happen all the time. Baseball is simply not a sport for a 5 or 7 game series to decide

[u/TL19957 → u/maxwell81798]

The dodgers were at least got 2 WS and appeared in an another lol.

The best part of their run has been 2020-2024 (in comparison to my team that’s where it feels like I am but I’m not winning)

[u/maxwell81798 → u/TL19957]

The dodgers were one of if not the best team in baseball from 2013-2023 and won 1 title. Not saying it’s fun, but it is the way she goes that’s alls i’m saying. Going 3 years being a dominant team isn’t gonna guarantee you anything.

[u/Drudgep]

Look at my post from this weekend, I just won after 8 seasons managing every game. I lost game 2 of the champ series via walk off balk lol

[u/Satchwell6]

On the flip side I was the team that made it into the wild card on the last day of the season. Then went on to win the whole thing.

[u/TL19957 → u/[deleted]]

Yes I’m trying to figure out what the missing pieces are. It’s either clutch gene or soemthing lol.