Sometimes you'll see the red flash that indicates you're getting ready to throw a meatball before you've completed the first gesture at other times, the game will think you're throwing one pitch when you're trying to throw another. The problem is that the game is extremely demanding when it comes to throwing a pitch properly, but how it determines what is and isn't a good pitch doesn't seem to be as precise. If you're really off with your timing or stick movement, you'll throw a meatball, and if you throw a meatball, chances are pretty good that you're giving up a home run. Certainly, pitchers miss their spots in real life, but very seldom are they punished like in 2K8. If you time it all right, the pitch goes where you want it to, but if you're just a bit off, the ball will end up several inches from its intended target-a big problem if you're trying to paint the corners. For example, to throw a curveball, you would move the stick diagonally to the lower left and then make a counterclockwise motion. Then you release the stick when the ring has contracted into the release zone to throw the pitch. This determines the effectiveness of the pitch. To throw a pitch, you pull the right analog stick in the direction shown in the pitch's diagram and then wait for the expanding ring to flash.

The most notable change to how 2K8 plays when compared to 2K7 is the new pitching mechanic.

The new pitching mechanic is flawed, but it's a step in the right direction. There are also new bugs and poor design choices that come with every new feature, making MLB 2K8 as frustrating as it is enjoyable. There's a new pitching mechanic, fielding has been revamped, and you can now put together your own team using in-game baseball cards. 2K Sports deserves credit for trying to deliver more than a roster update with MLB 2K8.

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