I really don't think there is rubber band AI. If I remember correctly. players do adjust throughout the game to how you pitch them and to the caliber of pitcher they are facing. So later in games you have three things happening; 1. a tired pitcher 2. players who are three times through and 3. significantly worse bullpen pitchers. If you don't adjust to it, obviously you're going to struggle in late innings. At least I hope those factors come into play. Based on the trade AI...I'm no longer so sure.