World Series Baseball 2K2 by PooponyourDog
dogattacksface@aol.com
8-17-0
Version 1.0

Warnings:
As with all of the other FAQS on this site, you can't copy this FAQ, 
plagiarize it, or post it on a site without my permission. This FAQ is 
copyrighted by me, Allen Lica, so don't rip it off.

World Series Baseball 2K2 is the sequel to the amazingly terrible WSB2K1. 
Last years version was a port of the Japanese arcade game, but marketed as a 
straight baseball simulation, like High Heat Baseball. World Series Baseball 
2K2 is a sim, with loads of bugs that might turn away some people. For the 
people who aren't, I have wrote this FAQ just for you. In this FAQ, I will 
list the top players in each position and their strengths, pitching 
strategies, and game bugs that can give you a serious advantage. I will also 
add team strengths and weaknesses, but not in this version. So here goes:

Top players
---------------
Starting Pitchers:

Pedro Martinez: The WSB2K2 cover boy is probably the best player in the game. 
He has 4 excellent pitches, a dominating fastball, the best changeup in 
baseball, a killer curve and a devious slider. all four of these pitches can 
make a hitter look goofy. His fastball and changeup ratings are maxed out, 
and the slider and curve ratings are just about full also. Martinez plays for 
the Boston Red Sox, just in case you didn't know that. Martinez is very 
capable of pitching well into games, so don't worry about him fatiguing too 
much. Pedro has pinpoint control, even when his stamina is lacking. 
Basically, Martinez is the cream of the crop. 

Fastball-100
Changeup-100
Slider-99
Curve-99

Randy "Big Unit" Johnson: The Big Unit is a left handers nightmare. His 6"11 
frame makes his awesome slider unhittable by lefties. It starts at the head, 
and can break down to the ankles. Randy Johnson also has a maxed out fastball 
that can dominate any hitter. Johnson other two pitches, a curveball and a 
sinker, can also be used to punch out hitters.

Fastball-100
Slider-99
Curve-95
Sinker-98

Greg Maddux: A control master. You won't walk very many batters with Maddux. 
It would be SURPRISING if Maddux had 20 BB's after a season, he's that good. 
He doesn't have overpowering stuff, but he knows how to pitch. That doesn't 
help you in this game unless YOU know how to pitch though. Maddux doesn't 
have one great pitch, but a repertoire of four great pitches.

Fastball-80
Changeup-90
Slider-90
Curver-90

Kevin Brown: A workhorse starter. Kevin Brown is capable of pitching a 
complete game every time he steps out on the mound. He is a good strike out 
pitcher, with above average control. Beware though, don't try to pitch back 
to back CG's with Brown, because fatigue could light him up, as with every 
other pitcher. Brown has a nice sinker that is great low and in against right 
handed hitters.

Fastball-95
Slider-90
Sinker-95
Splitter-80

Curt Schilling: Another live arm guy. Schilling can go the distance most of 
the time, and with the stuff he's got, not to many people can replace him on 
the mound. Curt has an awesome splitter, that should be his main strikeout 
pitch. 

Fastball-85
Slider-85
Sinker-75
Splitter-95

Closers:

Mariano Rivera: Probably the biggest reason why the Yankees have won three 
straight fall classics. When Rivera takes the mound in the ninth, you can 
kiss your victory hopes good-bye. Rivera will dominate you with 3 pitches, a 
great fastball, the best slider in baseball, and a pretty good sinker. Only 
use Rivera for one inning, because he tires easily.

Fastball-99
Slider-100
Sinker-85

Rob Nen: You're typical fireballer closer. Nen is the best closer in the N.L 
when on top of his game. He has a very average slider, so I would suggest 
using it sparingly. Instead, use blazing fastballs and a great changeup to 
baffle hitters.

Fastball-100
Slider-65
Changeup-99

Kazuhiro Sasaki: The Japanese closer who has lead the dominate Mariners 
bullpen this year. He has two wonderful pitches, a fastball and a devastating 
forkball. His curveball should be used only after throwing a couple fastballs 
in a row.

Fastball-95
Curve-75
Forkball-99

Armando Benitez: Wow, this guy can throw. His fastball has often been clocked 
in triple digits. But he isn't a one-trick pony. He also has a pretty good 
slider and a splitter. 

Fastball-100
Slider-90
Splitter-85

1st basemen:

Todd Helton: He is one of the few guys who had a good chance to hit .400 in a 
season. He came up short last year, but he is good enough to make another try 
on that record in the game. He has great power, good speed, and is a gold 
glove caliber fielder.

Jason Giambi: Last years A.L MVP puts fear into the hearts of most pitchers. 
He has 50 homer power, and is an RBI machine. His speed leaves something to 
be desired, so don't go trying to break the steals record with him. He is so 
good, he can carry a team through a playoff race.

Carlos Delgado: Can you say "Triple Crown." Delgado was on great pace to do 
it last year, but couldn't be the first guy since Carl Yastremski to do it. 
Delgado has huge power, a huge batting cursor, and is a pretty decent fielder.

2nd basemen:

Jeff Kent: Hitting behind Barry Bonds does have its advantages. Kent is one 
of the best in the league with runners in scoring position. He is above 
average in the power department, and is an above average fielder with good 
range. He isn't as fast as most second basemen, but can still motor around 
the bases.

Robbie Alomar: Alomar is a future first ballot hall of famer. He is the best 
defensive second baseman in the history of the game, and is the best contact 
hitter of any second baseman in baseball. He is a great bunter, with 
excellent speed. His power number will probably max out at 25 homers, and 
possibly 120 RBI's.

Edgardo Alfonzo: Very solid. Alfonzo is a good fielder, and a great clutch 
hitter. He won't blaze the basepaths, but he won't look like a complete fool 
trying to steal either. He can hit for power, and his batting cursor is big 
enough for Mr. Mcgoo to see.

3rd basemen:

Chipper Jones: The best switch hitter in baseball. Larry "Chipper" Jones can 
hit in any of the first five spots in your lineup, and crank out 45 homers 
and 130 RBI's. Oh, and he is a gold glove calibur fielder too. 

Troy Glaus: You know a player is good when the only person who has more 
dingers than him is Sammy Sosa. Glaus won the A.L home run title, and has a 
great chance to do it again in his career. Glaus won't hit over .310 or so, 
but his 50 homer and 140 RBI power more than makes up for that. 

Jeff Cirillo: Cirillo gets helped out a lot by playing in the thin air at 
Coors Field in Denver. He won't put up Glaus-like numbers, but he will play a 
very good defensive 3rd base. Cirillo isn't a pushover at the plate, and is 
very capable of hitting over .300 with some good productivity.

Catchers:

Mike Piazza: Piazza is the best offensive catcher ever, but his D leaves a 
lot to be desired. His throws are often bouncers to the bag, and he isn't 
very skilled at picking balls out of the dirt. But who cares about defense 
when you can hit 40 homers and drive in 140 RBI's? 

Ivan Rodriguez: This guy can play D with the best of em'. Baserunners will 
rarely try to pick off a base against I-Rod, and when they do, they get 
toasted faster than a marshmallow. I-Rod is an excellent hitter also, with 
great power and a keen eye at the plate. Another first ballot hall of famer.

Jason Kendall: When his career is over, Kendall will be playing a different 
position. The Pirates want to save his legs, so they have been using him more 
and more in the outfield. Kendall has great speed for a catcher, and is a 
good leadoff hitter. Kendall, as a catcher, is very good behind the plate. He 
can throw guys out, and block balls at the plate. Kendall won't smash the 
ball out of the park, but he will come up with a lot of hits.

Shortstops:

Alex Rodriguez: The 252 million dollar man is worth every penny. His bat is 
capable of winning him a triple crown, and his defense will be a featured on 
highlight films for years to come. A-Rod's batting cursor is as big as the 
state of Texas, where his Rangers get pummeled on a nightly basis. A-Rod 
would probably be the first person most people would choose in a fantasy 
draft, he's that darn good.

Nomar Garciaparra: Nomar is the best shortstop in the A.L East, and that's 
saying something with Derek Jeter playing for the hated Yankees. Garciaparra 
will hit in the high .360's to possibly .400. Yeah, .400. Nomar's rating in 
this game makes him a HUGE offensive force. 

Derek Jeter: The poster boy for the Yankees dynasty of the 90's, Jeter will 
give you awesome defense, a strong bat, and a guy in the clubhouse who ladies 
swoon over. Jeter isn't the best slugger at the position, but he has been 
known to come up with some clutch dingers. 

Left Fielders:

Barry Bonds: If you don't know about Barry Bonds recent home run escapade, 
then you aren't a baseball fan. Bonds is the biggest slugger in the game, and 
is a pretty good defensive player. He is one of few 40-40 guys in baseball, 
and is a bat that will be pitched around more than pitches against.

Gary Sheffield: His bat and his wallet are both very big. "Shef" can knock 
the ball around in any park, has decent speed, and can cover some ground out 
in left. Gary Sheffield's batting cursor is one of the biggest in the game.

Luis Gonzalez: "Gonzo" can hit the ball a LONG way. He has 60 home run power, 
and can lead the league in RBI's any year he wants. He has been seen scaling 
walls to rob home run balls, and his arm is stronger than most fielders.

Center Fielders:

Ken Griffey Jr.: The most popular baseball player in the 90's is still 
putting up big numbers in the new millennium. His defense is top notch, and 
he is very quick on the basepaths. He can hit the long ball with the best of 
em'.

Bernie Williams: Bernie is always getting on base. His bat will give you some 
good numbers, and his defense will save you plenty of runs. Bernie Williams 
is a run scoring machine, so you can count on being an offensive force with 
him on your team. 

Andruw Jones: When Andruw isn't hanging out at the Gold Club, he is 
patrolling center field for the Braves. His defense is awesome, with a cannon 
for an arm. Andruw is always getting on base for Chipper Jones, and can slam 
the ball for about 30-40 homers.

Right Fielders:

Vladimir Guerrero: The only thing keeping Vlad Guerrero from being a 
mega-star is playing in Montreal in front of 8,000 people. He has the best 
arm in baseball, and he is one of only 3 players to hit 30 home runs, drive 
in 100 plus RBI's and hit over .300 in his first 3 seasons. The only other 
players to do so are all in Cooperstown. Enough said.

Manny Ramirez: Possibly the most intimidating hitter in baseball. Manny is 
not a good defensive player, and should be a DH every day. What he lacks in 
defense, he makes up for in mammoth offense. He can hit tape measure home 
runs, and is an RBI threat any time he is up with runners on base.

Sammy Sosa: Slammin Sammy plays in homer friendly Wrigley Field, where he 
loves nothing more than to thrill the crowd with his amazing power. People 
don't park their cars on Waveland Avenue, because Sosa regularly hits homers 
out of Wrigley and onto the famed street. The only knock with Sosa is that he 
is so aggressive, he K's alot. But if you are a good player, that won't 
happen. Sammy is a phenom, and should win the N.L MVP this year if the 
Cubbies make it to the playoffs.

Based on the rankings in this game, this would be the ideal team for you to 
have:

SP: Pedro(of course)
CL: Mariano Rivera
1B: Todd Helton
2B: Jeff Kent
SS: A-Rod
3B: Chipper Jones
LF: Barry Bonds
CF: Ken Griffey Jr.
RF: Vladimir Guerrero

Pitching strategies
-------------------------

Pitching in WSB2K2 can be very tough, especially on the All Star difficulty. 
Even the worst teams can smack around the best pitchers. That is why I have 
made this easy to use guide on how to get by without getting your ass handed 
to you. Remember, these strategies won't completely shut down a team, but 
they WILL give you an advantage over the computer, and the online player who 
keeps knocking you around. 

Placing your infielders:

First thing, I highly suggest that you move your infielders to "Infield Back" 
for every batter. The balls come off the bat very fast in this game, and 
having your infielders back will help you field the ball a lot easier. Even 
with a runner on base and less than 2 outs, you don't need to move your 
infielders to double play depth. The infielders will cover the bases quickly, 
so you don't even need to worry about not having your infielders in place.

When you're Hot, you're Hot!

World Series Baseball 2K2 features hot and cold zones, which represent where 
certain hitters can and can't hit the ball. You want to stay away from the 
hot zones, especially against big hitters like McGwire and Bonds. But that 
doesn't mean that you should always pitch in the cold zones. If you do that, 
the computer will know where your pitches are going to be. Every third pitch 
to a hitter should be your pitchers best pitch, around a zone where you 
haven't thrown to yet. I have struck out many a batter with a pitch in a hot 
zone, because they weren't expecting it. The cold zones are very useful when 
you are trying to strike out a guy. If a batter has multiple cold zones in 
the same area, go right after them. For example, Daryle Ward of the Astros 
has the top 3 zones as cold zones. So, I usually throw my best pitches right 
up at those cold zones, then mix him up on a 2 count pitch with something in 
his hot zone. In World Series Baseball 2K2, pitching is more strategy than 
force and power. 

Using the right pitches at the right time

For most hitters, you should try to throw a first pitch strike. If you have 
thrown a fastball to a hitter to lead him off three times in a row, then you 
should definitely mix it up. Don't throw a first pitch fastball to every 
hitter, or else someone will eventually slam one. I suggest mixing up the 
first pitch you throw. But it should always be in a cold zone. The fastball 
is very smart to use after throwing a lot of junk pitches (curves, knuckle 
balls, splitters). Fastballs are great when you want to challenge a hitter 
high and tight, or get him to chase him with a heater down and away. After 
the batter has seen plenty of fastballs, throwing a changeup can really 
confuse the batter. It looks the same as a fastball, but doesn't have as much 
speed on it. Throwing a first pitch changeup isn't very wise, unless you are 
Pedro. Curveballs can make any hitter look like a foolish minor leaguer. The 
hook is a great strike out pitch, especially if you got him to 2 strikes with 
plenty of smoke. When you line up your pitching cursor for a curveball, 
remember that the ball won't hit that mark, because of the break of the ball. 
So if you want to throw a curve up high, aim the cursor out of the pitching 
box. Use the curve to get hitters to chase the ball out of the zone. This 
pitch is a killer for online players, who tend to swing at everything. 
Sliders can be a smart pitch, if you know how to use them. Only throw sliders 
if you have decent stamina, and if they are around the corners.   Most 
hitters have cold zones in the top and bottom corners. Aim the pitching 
cursor a little outside the box, and the slider will break into the strike 
zone. A pitcher with a good slider will be able to rack up strike outs 
against bat hitters. Then junk pitches (Screw, Knuckle, Splitter, Sinker) can 
be used to kill online players. The combination of a pitch with big movement 
and the bits of lag can help you rack up strike outs. The computer players 
hit all of the "secondary" pitches pretty well, unless you use them 
sparingly. Use a lot of fastballs and changeups, then mess with the batters 
by throwing a knuckle ball or something.

Creating the next Cy Young

The create a player mode in WSB2K2 isn't very good. You can't determine 
whether your pitcher is a reliever, a starter, or a "lights out" closer. But 
if that doesn't turn you off to this mode, then you just might like the 
create a player mode. The game gives a lot of points to distribute between 
your pitches, and you can also adjust how good your pitcher hits. I put my 
pitchers hitting points down to zero, and use the surplus to bolster my 
pitching arsenal. You can have four 99 point pitches, which is what I prefer. 
I would have a maxed out fastball and changeup, and probably a curveball. 
Then you can decide which of the remaining pitches you want to be great. The 
knuckle ball is pretty useless against the computer hitters, the location of 
the screwball is a mystery whenever you throw it, and the sinker is only good 
if you are a good ground ball fielder. I would use the points to have a great 
splitter. This pitch, when thrown by a lefty, can be mayhem against left 
handed batters. Creating a lefty is a good idea, because that would force a 
lot of teams to take out some powerful right handed bats. The big knock on 
WSB2K2 is that it seems that the created pitchers pitch one game, then there 
stamina never builds back up. I haven't had this problem, but a lot of people 
have. If this happens to you, then just find a real player you like, and just 
try to dominate with them.

Game Bugs
---------------

This game is full of bugs that a lot of hardcore baseball fans just hate. 
None of them are big enough to ruin a season for you, like crashed saves and 
huge gameplay bugs, but they are annoying none the less. There is a weird bug 
that allows you to steal around the bases and score. You just need to attempt 
to steal second while the pitcher still has the ball. The pitcher will throw 
it to second, but it will get past the 2nd baseman, and into center field. 
Nobody goes to get the ball though! All of the fielders just freeze, and you 
could crab walk around the bases if you wanted to. If you are a stickler for 
realism, you could just stay at first, but this bug shouldn't have gotten by 
the play testers. Another bug allows you to score any time you get a runner 
on base. All you need to do is get into a rundown, and get the fielder to 
chase you back to the bag you occupied. Then, when you go into the slide 
animation, advance to the next base. The fielder holds the ball, until you 
get to the next base. Repeat the steps to score. If you do this after you get 
a base hit, and don't stop at first, you get credit for a home run. If you 
are already on base and do this, you get stolen base credit. This problem is 
more of an A.I glitch than a bug. Another bug lets you increase the size of 
your batting cursor. Just hold the R trigger button, then as soon as the 
pitcher releases the ball, you will see your batting cursor, now REALLY BIG. 
The cursor appears late, but it is a great help for mediocre players. Have 
you ever wanted to change the result of computer played games? Well, now you 
can eliminate computer pitched shutouts! Go to your schedule screen, then 
press "X" to get to the list of games and start times. Simulate games played 
by the computer by pressing A, and if a team throws a shutout, press A again 
and the score will change! It will keep changing until BOTH teams score at 
least one run.

Well, that's my World Series Baseball 2K2 FAQ, for right now. There will be 
some updates, so keep an eye out for those.

