The trouble with specialists

[jlt53]

Tonight in the first game of the finals, there was an example of why RP specialists don't seem to be all that worthwhile to me.
Here are a couple of innings:
*** TOP OF INNING 8 ***
SUBSTITUTE P - Dixie Howell (role: Setup)
SUBSTITUTE PH- Ken Williams
0 K.Williams 3-9 Ground Out (2B) b-0 F9
SUBSTITUTE PH- Phil Bradley
1 P.Bradley 1-6 Strike Out b-0 F9
2 S.Collins 4-11 Fly Out (LF) b-0 fly(LF)x F9
*** BOTTOM OF INNING 8 ***
SUBSTITUTE C - Ron Hassey
SUBSTITUTE 3B- Graig Nettles
SUBSTITUTE LF- Ken Williams
SUBSTITUTE CF- Pete Hill
SUBSTITUTE RF- Phil Bradley
0 D.Bush 6-11 1 Base Error - 1B b-1 gb(1B)x F9
0 1 J.Gordon 4-6 Fly Out (CF) b-0 F9
1 1 W.Brown 5-6 Strike Out b-0 F9
2 1 R.Knight 4-3 Fly Out (RF) b-0 fly(RF)x F9
*** TOP OF INNING 9 ***
0 T.Phillips 3-7 Strike Out b-0 F9
1 P.Hill 4-3 1 Base Error - 1B b-1 gb(1B)x F9
1 1 Z.Versalles 2-6 Single (LF) 1-2 b-1 F9
1 12 R.Alomar 1-5 Strike Out b-0 F9
2 12 G.Nettles 4-10 2 Base Error - CF 2-H 1-3 b-2 fly(CF)x F9
2 23 B.Leonard Int Walk b-1 F9
2 123 K.Williams 2-6 Pop Out (2B) b-0 F9

So, in the 9th, I have Howell trying to protect a two-run lead. He gets two outs, the tying runners are on. The other team has, in succession, Nettles, Leonard, and Williams, all who are strongly slanted against rightys. Nettles and Williams had just entered the game the previous inning, so I'm thinking they wouldn't likely have another good PH available.
In any event, Howell pitches against those guys and finally gets out of the inning with a win. But I have Kenny Rogers, rested, and marked closer against LH (also LH specialist), sitting out in the bullpen. It is the perfect spot for him and he never sees the mound. Is there any setting I can use that would get my lefty specialist into the game in such an obvious lefty specialist spot?

[Valen]

As the computer logic gets applied I wonder if having him marked lefty specialist and lefty closer may not conflict. If lefty specialist is defined as a lefty who pitches selectively to LH hitters in the 6,7,8th inning that role may preclude him pitching in the 9th.

Not speaking based on knowing anything. Just guessing what computer logic would have prevented HAL from seeing Rogers as a lefty closer in that situation.

[ShakeyBoomer]

What pinch hitters against LH pitching did your opponent have on his bench? That potential match-up might have been worse in HAL's opinion then Howell vs. Nettles et al...

[jlt53]

Willy Miranda and Ping Bodie were the only position players still on the bench. I like Rogers against either one of them over Nettles against Howell.
Also, if Nettles was pulled for a PH, no one would be left to play third (which, as we all know, doesn't necessarily stop Hal.)

[coyote303]

You might try adding another pitcher to your roster, especially if you have the minimum number. I believe HAL is programmed to avoid running out of pitchers. Just a guess.

[jlt53]

Howell was the only reliever that had been used in the game. I have a five-man bullpen on that team and everyone was rested, including Kenny.