Defensive Decisions

1. Pitch!: This button will pass the turn to the offensive manager.  If the offensive manager does not take an action, the pitcher will attempt to get the batter out.  If the offensive manger does take an action, the defensive manager will get a second opportunity to choose one of the four available defensive decisions.
2. Walk: This button will immediately intentionally walk the current batter. 
3. Defense: This button will display the Defensive Substitutions dialog box and allow the manager to make defensive substitutions
4. Hold: This toggle button makes it possible to hold a base runner on first when there is a possibility that the runner may steal.  When the button is depressed, the runner is being held.  When a runner is not held, they will be given a bonus to their steal rating and therefore holding the runner makes it harder for the runner to steal a base and harder for the runner to take an extra base.  However, when the runner is being held, the current batter will be more likely to hit a single.  An icon in the lower right-hand side of the playing field is displayed to indicate that the runner is being held.  Several general options control how holding a runner affects game play (see General Options for more details).
5. Infield In: This toggle button makes it possible to bring the infield in.   It is harder to bunt successfully, and harder to score from third on a ground ball, if the infield is in.  In addition, the batter has a better chance of hitting a single if the infield is in.   You cannot bring the infield in and hold the runner at the same time.  An icon in the lower right-hand side of the playing field is displayed to indicate that the infield is in.  Several general options control how bringing the infield in affects game play (see General Options for more details).
6. Exit: This button will allow the manager to end the game.  If you exit a game, it will not be saved.  In addition, if you are playing a scheduled game the stats that were accumulated so far during the game will not be saved.

Pitching changes can be made by selecting a different pitcher from the Current Pitcher drop-down list box.  You can only make a pitching change if the current pitcher has faces at least one batter.  Starting pitchers are listed first, followed by relief pitchers, and the pitchers are sorted alphabetically within each group.  Only available pitchers will be displayed in this list.  If you select a new pitcher when the DH rule is not in effect, you will be asked if you want to put the pitcher in the 9th spot in the lineup.  If you want to make a double switch, select no, and then click on the lineup spot you want to put the pitcher in and select your new pitcher from the drop-down list box.

Alternatively, managers can click on the Load From Profile button located just below the Current Pitcher drop-down list box and the computer manager will suggest a pitcher based on the Team Profile for the current team (see Team Profiles for more information).

To make a lineup change, just click on the player or position you want to change, and then and select the new player or position from the drop-down list box.  If you make changes that lead to an invalid lineup, the errors in the lineup will be displayed below the lineup table.  You must correct all errors before you can click on the OK button to dismiss the dialog box.

If you want to restore the lineup to what it was when the dialog box was first displayed, click on the Reset button.

The Matchups button displays the Matchups dialog box, which is designed to provide you with the information you need to make the best managerial  decisions.  Please see Matchups for more information about how to take full advantage of the Matchups dialog box.