How amazing would this be? Commentary by Coach Steve from Big Mouth!

I have an idea that I think would be a fun different way to play that would require completely different strategies.

SHOWDOWN MODE

Showdown Mode combines the high-pressure, challenge-based gameplay of Showdown with the strategy of a traditional baseball game.

3 INNING GAMES

Each game consists of three innings, with 9 outs per inning instead of the traditional 3.

9 OUTS PER INNING

Each team must record 9 outs before the inning ends.

INNINGS #1 and #2

One Pitcher: Each team must use one pitcher for the entire inning. That pitcher must record all 9 outs and cannot be replaced. If a pitcher gets into trouble, they must work their way out of it. No pitching changes are allowed until the inning is complete.

INNING #3

Three Pitchers: The final inning is divided into three segments. A different pitcher must be used for each set of 3 outs, requiring three pitching changes during the inning. The third inning becomes the most strategic pitching inning, allowing players to use specialized relievers and matchup advantages every 3 outs..

HOW IT AFFECTS OFFENSE

1. Baserunners, pitch counts, platoon advantages, and the batting order becomes even more important.
2. Patience matters more: Work counts, take pitches, and draw walks because you have 9 outs to work with.
3. Wear down the pitcher: Force the opposing pitcher to throw as many pitches as possible.
4. OBP becomes extremely valuable because baserunners have more opportunities to score.
5. Speed matters more: Stealing bases and aggressive baserunning become less risky with 9 outs available.
6. Sacrifice plays become viable: Giving up one out to advance a runner isn't nearly as costly.
7. Lineup depth matters: You could cycle through the lineup multiple times in one inning, making the entire batting order important.
8. Pitcher matchup matters: Platoon advantages become especially valuable because the pitcher is locked in for the entire inning.
9. Late-inning aggression: As the pitcher tires, the offense can shift from patient/strategic to aggressive and attack the weakened pitcher.

HOW IT AFFECTS PITCHING/DEFENSE

1. Stamina management: Pitchers must survive 9 outs in the first two innings, making stamina crucial.
2. Pitch efficiency: Every unnecessary pitch matters; long at-bats can quickly wear down a pitcher.
3. Pitch to contact: Getting quick outs becomes extremely valuable.
4. Damage control: Walks and baserunners are especially dangerous because one bad stretch can become a huge inning.
5. No escape: In Innings 1 and 2, pitchers must work out of their own jams.
6. Pitch sequencing: Hitters may see the same pitcher multiple times, requiring constant adjustments.
7. Pitcher selection: Choosing the right starter/reliever for each inning becomes a major strategic decision.
8. Third-inning matchups: A new pitcher every 3 outs allows aggressive platoon and matchup strategies.
9. Bullpen management: You have three pitchers available in the final inning, making bullpen depth important.
10. Defensive positioning: With 27 outs per game, smart positioning and preventing extra bases become critical.
11. Protect the big inning: Limiting walks, errors, and extra-base hits is essential because rallies can become enormous.
12. Late-inning defense: The final 3-out segments create high-pressure defensive situations where every matchup matters.

This request is small, but I wish collections weren't complete until they are actually complete. Like bats and uniforms. I want to collect them all, then have them stored away in the "No-Sell" area of my inventory (see my other post about sellable/non-sellable filters).

I wish they would add a filter for Sellable/Non-Sellable Items in the Inventory. That would make flipping cards and items much less tedious because we would only see things can we can sell. No more scrolling through all of the No-Sell jerseys, etc. over and over each time we visit our inventory.