mlb 09: the show is solid

I readily admit to neither knowing anything about nor having any interest in sports simulation games (other than horse games of course, like Equestriad 2001 or Gallop Racer). The boyfriend however, despite his recent total obsession with Japanese RPGs, used to be a Madden NFL fan but quit the series after realizing that he couldn't use his trusty control scheme in Madden 09. Anyway, baseball is really his sport of choice so it was an easy decision to pick up MLB 09: The Show as our very first PS3 game, since The Show is a Sony exclusive and generally thought to be the superior baseball game franchise out there. From what I've seen this game appears to be a pretty darn close real-life simulator - listening to the game at the same time as an actual baseball game on TV is rather confusing, not to mention the amazing graphics (it's definitely time for an HD TV upgrade at the house of emdroid). Plus it features my fave Dustin Pedroia all over it! One of its best features though is real-time updating of statistics and team rosters, all the way down to the Minor Leagues and farm teams. Unfortunately I don't think it has banned Manny Ramirez for the next 50 games...