SUPER HAL FORCED BULLPEN LOGIC

The ability to force a line of logic in the Super Hal bullpen screen is a powerful feature of the game. However, you should carefully consider the implications of using this feature, and have a full understanding of how it works before attempting to use it.

First, it is important to understand that when you force a line of logic it will be used regardless of the situation. Because you are forcing it to bring in a pitcher the computer manager will not stop and consider things it normally does. For instance, the computer manager does not normally remove a pitcher who is throwing a no-hitter, however it will do so if the force option dictates this action.

The force option also requires that every BatType (LRSlr) be selected on the line of logic where it is used. The reason for this limitation is that checking BatTypes requires an extensive amount of time -- too much to be done before every at-bat.

The force option can be a very valuable tool. If you have a dominant closer it can be a tremendous asset to your team.

HOW TO FORCE A PITCHER INTO THE GAME:

When a logic line has force checked only the FIRST pitcher in the associated bullpen pecking order will be brought into the game (the other pitchers listed in the bullpen pecking order will not be forced into the game). The other pitchers are listed in the bullpen pecking order because pecking orders can be shared by multiple logic lines. We will be showing that in the examples that follow.

Since the Force Logic Line will only use the first reliever listed, it is important that you create a separate, identical or overlapping non-force logic line that covers the same situation as your force logic line just in case your forced reliever is unavailable. In other words, a Force Logic line is a one-man pecking order. If that man is unavailable HAL will check the next logic line. For example, using the 1999 Dodgers, assume you create the following force logic lines and reliever pecking orders:

Logic Lines

SCORE OUTS BatType ID Force?

Line 1: 1 to 3 24 to 26 LRSlr A-Closer Yes

Line 2: 1 to 3 24 to 26 LRSlr A-Closer No

Pecking Orders

A-Closer J.Shaw A.Mills P.Borbon O.Masaoka M.Maddux J.Arnold

Notice how the same bullpen pecking order ("A-Closer") is used by both lines of logic. In the 9th inning (outs 24-26), with a 1 to 3 run lead, J.Shaw will always be forced into the game (by Logic Line 1), if he is available. If Shaw is not available then no closer will be forced into the game.

However, should HAL decide a reliever is needed, logic line #2 will be used. Without line 2, if J.Shaw were unavailable and HAL wanted to bring in a reliever, he would find no logic line!

Essentially, with the above logic lines you are telling HAL that in the 9th inning and a 1 to 3 run lead, regardless of your starter 19s condition, you want J.Shaw in the game. If J.Shaw is unavailable, you want HAL to stick with your starter and evaluate his condition before picking a reliever. In other words, HAL will not be forced to remove your starter automatically. If HAL decides the starter should be removed, logic line 2 will be used. In that case A.Mills would be the first man out of the bullpen since Shaw is not available.

INSTRUCTIONS IF YOU HAVE 2 CLOSERS YOU WISH TO FORCE:

If you want to force two closers setup two identical lines of logic - one for each closer. Setup bullpen pecking orders for each of these lines. If the primary closer (the one who is listed in the first forced line) is not available then the secondary closer will be forced into the game. Again, using the 1999 Dodgers as an example:

Logic Lines

SCORE OUTS BatType ID Force?

Line 1: 1 to 3 24 to 26 LRSlr A-Closer Yes

Line 2: 1 to 3 24 to 26 LRSlr B-2nd Closer Yes

Line 3: 1 to 3 24 to 26 LRSlr A-Closer No

Pecking Orders

A-Closer J.Shaw A.Mills P.Borbon O.Masaoka M.Maddux J.Arnold

B-2nd Closer A.Mills J.Shaw P.Borbon O.Masaoka M.Maddux J.Arnold

In the 9th inning (outs 24-26), with a 1 to 3 run lead, J. Shaw will always be forced into the game, if he is available. If he is unavailable, logic line #2 will be used and A. Mills will be forced into the game. If both J.Shaw and A. Mills are unavailable, HAL will not force anyone into the game. However, should HAL decide a reliever is needed; logic line #3 will be used. Without line 3, if J.Shaw and A. Mills were unavailable and HAL wanted to bring in a reliever, he would find no logic line! Essentially, with the above logic lines you are telling HAL that in the 9th inning and a 1 to 3 run lead, regardless of your starter 19s condition, you want J.Shaw in the game. If J.Shaw is unavailable, you want A. Mills in the game (regardless of your starter's condition). If both J.Shaw and A. Mills are unavailable, you want HAL to stick with your starter and evaluate his condition before picking a reliever. In other words, HAL will not be forced to remove your starter automatically. If HAL decides the starter should be removed, logic line 3 will be used and P. Borbon would be the first pitcher out of the bullpen since both Shaw and Mills are unavailable.