We really want to make hitting more streamlined for players. Beginner mode allows people who have never played The Show — or have struggled with it — to learn the fundamentals of hitting. It’s meant to teach you the basics of Plate Discipline, Pitch Recognition and Timing.

This mode uses adaptive A.I. that only advances as you do. If you take longer to get the hang of hitting in The Show, you won’t be forced to advance. The A.I. will only advance once you’ve passed a certain threshold at each level.

In regards to the Push/Pull hitting Trajectories Engine, MLB.com gives us spray chart data for all current MLB players. This data is then imported into a program, which tells us what type of hitter the player should be in game. All hitters in the game fall under one of five hitter types: Push, Pull, Balanced, Extreme Push or Extreme Pull. Both A.I. and human players will now hit more balls to their preferred side based on this attribute. Generated players in franchise and Road to the Show modes are given a random hitter type. However, it’s a weighted random number so you won’t see a ton of guys in the draft from year-to-year who are labeled as extreme push hitters etc…

Furthermore, the timing window across all difficulty settings has been increased to allow everyone more time to react to the ball. While this change will lead to more offense, it’s relative to each difficulty setting. For example: if you hit .220 on All-Star last year, and you play the exact same way this year, you will probably hit in the .260 range.

We’ve detailed what was in the video, now here’s some info about what wasn’t in the video: There are a total of 16 batting views, and you can even create your own. Every batting view in the game has been re-created to increase pitch recognition. You will see more variability between gold glove type fielders and those players who aren’t known for their fielding prowess. Lastly, there are now less ground rule doubles in the game, and wind will now have less of an effect on the ball.

Let us know in the comments which enhancements to The Show you’re most looking forward to testing out!

It may only be the first week of January, but to us at San Diego Studios that means we are just two months away from bringing you the latest installment of the number-one selling and rated Major League Baseball video game franchise, MLB 13 The Show. We’ve been hard at work improving the best baseball video game on the market and we want all of you to check out our first trailer.

We can’t wait to show you more in the upcoming months. But, before we do, don’t forget to vote for one of these seven ballplayers to be on the cover of MLB 13 The Show next week by clicking here.

If you can’t get enough of The Show, you can visit theshownation.com, facebook.com/mlbtheshow, or @mlbtheshow on Twitter for more baseball coverage.

Here’s a look at some of the video highlights from the game courtesy of MLB 12 The Show:

In a season that has already seen five no-hitters, it should come as no surprise that pitching dominated most of the game. The AL got out to a 1-0 lead thanks to the power of former National Leaguer Prince Fielder, which stood until the bottom of the sixth when fellow Home Run Derby contestant Carlos Gonzalez delivered a big two run homer that put the NL up by one. Then a double by Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler, and a big RBI knock from Angels rookie sensation Mike Trout in the seventh tied the game up. But in the top of the eighth, a clutch hit by Giants catcher Buster Posey drove in the go ahead run. From there the NL bullpen held fast for a hard fought 3-2 victory, just enough to win the battle of baseball’s best. MVP honors went to Buster Posey, 2-3 with the game winning hit and RBI. Pitching obviously took center stage this year as the two staffs kept some of the game’s most dangerous hitters at bay. With such high quality hurlers, we could be looking at the start of a new golden era of pitching.

As top the top rated sports game for the past four years, MLB 12 The Show is the most authentic baseball game available. Find out tomorrow night if our prediction was right. The 83rd Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be televised nationally on FOX at 8:00pm EST.

For those of you who might be heading out to Kansas City, don’t forget to stop by MLB All-Star FanFest (July 6-10) at the Kansas City Convention Center (Bartle Hall), and swing by the PlayStation booth where you can check MLB 12 The Show’s Home Run Derby Online, which is available on PSN starting today!

Now, what is Home Run Derby Online you ask? Well, it’s an entirely new way to compete with other players on PlayStation Network. You can play against one or seven other users online (2-8 players simultaneously) for a chance to be crowned the Home Run Derby champion and earn extra XP. Users can enter into a “Random Match” against the community or “Play with Friends.” All players will see and be able to swing at pitches at the same time and watch each hit, which is represented by multi-colored hit ribbons that stretch from home plate to wherever the ball lands. The on-screen, in-game, real-time leaderboard lets you know who the leader is and where you stand so you’re always aware of how you’re doing against the competition. So, while you’re watching your favorite sluggers compete in the State Farm Home Run Derby tonight (8:00pm EST on ESPN), you can duke it with your friends in your own virtual HR Derby from the comfort of your own home. Pretty cool, right?

Lastly, don’t forget to compete in the latest Challenge of the Week. This week pits two All-Star starters against one another… New York Mets ace vs. the New York Yankees second baseman. Prize this week a signed limited edition David Freese MLB 12 The Show game cover. Good luck!

For more on MLB 12 The Show, visit www.TheShowNation.com.

The grass is cut, the infield’s been manicured, and the lines are chalked. That’s right, the boys of summer are back and it’s time to PLAY BALL as the 2012 Major League Baseball season will get underway tonight when the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Miami Marlins at their brand-new ballpark. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty excited to see what the defending World Series champions do against a revamped and rejuvenated Marlins club that is chock-full of new talent. And Miami’s new stadium will be showcased on a national stage for the very first time. For those who haven’t seen it yet, we gave fans a sneak peek at the new ballpark in South Beach earlier this year, courtesy of MLB 12 The Show, here’s a link to the video.

Simulating your favorite team with The Show is always a great way to get into the MLB spirit so to up the excitement level a bit more and to celebrate Major League Baseball’s season opener, so check out our new MLB 12 The Show Opening Day trailer above!

I’m also happy to report that The Show is still enjoying great feedback from the media. Just recently SportsIllustrated.com posted glowing reviews for MLB 12 on PS3 and PS Vita, as did the Associated Press. And don’t forget about MLB.TV on PlayStation Network, where you can watch all the Major League action with the new 2012 MLB.TV application for PS3. Just like last season, the MLB.TV app allows you to catch all of your favorite out-of-market teams (home and away broadcasts) live or archived streamed straight to your TV in brilliant high-quality HD, as well as an array of interactive features designed to take advantage of PS3′s technical prowess.  Head over to the “My Channels” icon under the TV/Video Services category of the XMB to download the free app and sign up for a subscription through MLB.TV.

Challenge of the Week for October 10 (#32) is the last prize related Challenge of the year. We come with a prediction for the World Series match-up. The Brewers hard throwing right-hander (1.20 WHIP, 201 K’s) matches up against the Tigers first baseman, who puts up consistent power numbers (30HR’s, 105 RBI’s).

Climb the leaderboard and get as many hits as you can to win your choice of signed ball from an MLB star- Hamels, Reyes, Upton, McCann, Matsui, Span.

Week #32 begins on Monday, October 10th at 5:30 am PDT and ends Monday, October 16th at 4:30 am PDT.

To play, simply select the Challenge of the Week option in the main menu.

This is the last week to compete for the October monthly prize period – $2000, cold hard cash.

Each user can only win each type of prize ONCE. Complete Leaderboards for Weekly, Monthly and Grand Prizing, along with the official rules can be found at the home of MLB The Show at www.TheShowNation.com.

Stay tuned to the comments section of the weekly Challenge of the Week blog, as we will be giving away some free voucher codes for Challenge of the Week!

Challenge of the Week for October 3 (#31) shows off the Divisional Playoffs. The D’backs young center fielder (20 HR’s, .751 OPS) matches up against the Brewers starter 2 man in the rotation (207 K’s, 1.22 WHIP).

Climb the leaderboard and get as many hits as you can to win a $250 MLB.com gift card.

Week #31 begins on Monday October 3rd at 5:30am PDT and ends October 10th at 4:30am PDT.

To play, simply select the Challenge of the Week option in the main menu.

This week continues the final monthly prize period (October) – $2000, cold hard cash. Every 4 weeks a monthly prize will be awarded to the player with the most Challenge of the Week points. Only 2 weeks left!

Each user can only win each type of prize ONCE. Complete Leaderboards for Weekly, Monthly and Grand Prizing, along with the official rules can be found at the home of MLB The Show at www.TheShowNation.com.

Stay tuned to the comments section of the weekly Challenge of the Week blog, as we will be giving away some free voucher codes for Challenge of the Week!

Challenge of the Week for September 26 is dedicated to the race for the #1 Draft Pick. Both the Astros and Twins are out of the playoff race, but are very much in the hunt for the #1 draft pick in 2012. It’s a consolation prize, but a prize nonetheless. The Astros power hitting Left Fielder faces one of the Twins best right handed pitchers.

Climb the leaderboard and get as many hits as you can to win your choice of signed jersey, from one of six MLB stars: Cabrera, Kershaw, Sabathis, Soriano, Ellsbury, Mauer.

Week #30 begins on Monday September 26th at 5:30am PDT and ends Monday October 3rd at 4:30am PDT.

To play, simply select the Challenge of the Week option in the main menu.

This week continues the final monthly prize period (October) – $2000, cold hard cash. Every 4 weeks a monthly prize will be awarded to the player with the most Challenge of the Week points.

Each user can only win each type of prize ONCE. Complete Leaderboards for Weekly, Monthly and Grand Prizing, along with the official rules can be found at the home of MLB The Show at www.TheShowNation.com.

Stay tuned to the comments section of the weekly Challenge of the Week blog, as we will be giving away some free voucher codes for Challenge of the Week!

Challenge of the Week for September 19 (#29) celebrates the red hot AL West divisional race. The Rangers veteran designated hitter (batting .334) faces the Angels strong starter (1.01 WHIP).

Climb the leaderboard and get as many hits as you can to win a $250 MLB.com gift card.

Week #29 begins on Monday September 19nd at 5:30am PDT and ends September 26th at 4:30am PDT.

To play, simply select the Challenge of the Week option in the main menu.

This week kicks off the final monthly prize period (October) – $2000, cold hard cash. Every 4 weeks a monthly prize will be awarded to the player with the most Challenge of the Week points.

Each user can only win each type of prize ONCE. Complete Leaderboards for Weekly, Monthly and Grand Prizing, along with the official rules can be found at the home of MLB The Show at www.TheShowNation.com.

Stay tuned to the comments section of the weekly Challenge of the Week blog, as we will be giving away some free voucher codes for Challenge of the Week!

Challenge of the Week #28 celebrates the AL Wild Card race as the RedSox young center fielder matches up against the Rays hard throwing righty, with over 200 strikeouts this year.

Climb the leaderboard and get as many hits as you can to win your choice of signed ball from an MLB star- Hamels, Reyes, Upton, McCann, Matsui, Span.

Week #28 begins on Monday September 12th at 5:30am PDT and ends Monday September 19nd at 4:30am PDT.

To play, simply select the Challenge of the Week option in the main menu.

This week continues the August monthly prize period – $2000, cold hard cash. Every 4 weeks a monthly prize will be awarded to the player with the most Challenge of the Week points. Weekly scores will also be added from May 30th until September 18th 4:30am PST for a chance to win Grand Prize #2, a Trip for two to a 2011 World Series Game!

Each user can only win each type of prize ONCE. so keep an eye on the winners list and complete Weekly, Monthly and Grand Prizing Leaderboards. The official rules and Leaderboards can be found at the home of MLB The Show at TheShowNation.com.

Stay tuned to the comments section of the weekly Challenge of the Week blog, as we will be giving away some free voucher codes for Challenge of the Week!

Week #27 begins on Monday, September 5th at 5:30am Pacific Time and ends Monday September 12th at 4:30am Pacific Time.

To play, simply select the Challenge of the Week option in the main menu.

This week kicks off a new August monthly prize period – $2000, cold hard cash. Every 4 weeks a monthly prize will be awarded to the player with the most Challenge of the Week points. Weekly scores will also be added from May 30th until September 19th 4:30am PST for a chance to win Grand Prize #2, a Trip for Two to a 2011 World Series Game!

Each user can only win each type of prize ONCE, so keep an eye on the winners list and complete Weekly, Monthly and Grand Prizing Leaderboards. The official rules and Leaderboards can be found at the home of MLB The Show at TheShowNation.com.

Stay tuned to the comments section of the weekly Challenge of the Week blog, as we will be giving away some free voucher codes for Challenge of the Week!