Changes in rules, strategy and statkeeping
Year 1 - Far more sacrifice bunting, relief pitcher usage and
base-stealing (especially 3rd). Counted OBP as H+BB+HBP/AB+BB+HBP
Year 2 - Started tracking times Reached on Error, Game-Winning Runs and
Player of the Game for all players and extra base hits allowed, balks,
wild pitches, games started, games finished and opponent
average/slugging/on-base percentage/steals for pitchers. OBP changed to
H+BB+HBP+ROE/AB+BB+HBP. Began keeping track of PB and Opp SB/CS for
catchers.
Year 2 - Started tracking appearances per lineup spot
Year 3 - Subdivided extra base hits allowed into doubles/triples/homers
allowed
Year 4/5 - Switched OBP formula back - I don't recall exactly when I made
the switch
Year 4/5 - Changed "SF/MS/FM" results to allow more sac flies - previously
I had read these as resulting in a (potential) sac fly only if they come
with none out, as otherwise they would be the 2nd out and the rules stated
that the runners score only if there are less than 2 outs. I think it
was just worded badly, as I don't see the logic that these wouldn't be sac
flies if they were out#2
Year 5 - Stopped tracking appearances by lineup spot
Very early year 5 - Started correctly using catcher "I" rating, resulting
in far fewer SB attempts vs. certain catchers and for "3" speed players.
Also, I started giving "2" speeds a couple tries vs. no-"I" catchers,
since a 2 speed player will help about as much as he hurts if he tries to
run. These weren't speedsters, but they did steal a fair bit
Year 5 - Incorporated weather for the only time. Added injuries and
official pitcher fatigue rules. Switched to "alternate X chart" which
results in fewer HBP, WP and BK to add in the injury chances.
Year 6 - Used Randy Cox's pitcher fatigue rules for his cards, which also
add adjustment for pitcher HR tendencies and make adjustments for era.