Leaving Closer Blank

[bleacher_creature]

I know this has been discussed before, but I can't find it.

I'm playing a 1969 league, where I want to use Jim Rooker as set up both ways, so he piles up innings when needed. Obviously there is no need to get Koosman, Seaver, or even Odom out of a game in any hurry, so Rooker will also spot in place of Tiant (who has high BPHRs, so can't pitch in band boxes).

Will HAL leave him in often enough to close out the game if I leave closer blank?

Hope this makes enough sense. Thanks.

edit: the other pen pitchers are comprised of cheap specialists: hard and reverse, L and R.

[worrierking]

My experience with leaving closer blank has been in the 200X games and generally speaking I can vouch for it under the right circumstances. Typically when I have a hoss R2 with a low closer rating I would set him as setup both ways, leave clsoer blank and let Hal make the decisions. Usually he will leave your R2 guy in to close until he fatigues and then he will look elsewhere. I used this successfully many times with KRod. He'll get about 175 innings, 25 saves or so and the other guys will scavenge 3 or 4 each.

Never tried it in 69 or ATG

[bleacher_creature]

Thanks Worrier. One thing I wondered about is whether he would go insane without any C2s or higher. In other words - he brings in a C0, who gives up a walk or a hit, is therefore tired. He freaks out and looks for the next guy, and the next guy. You could chew up 2-4 pitchers if I'm right.

Depends on the pitchers I guess.

Here is an important thing to know about using stud as set up AND closer: If a C4 has been in the game for 4 outs, THEN IT BECOMES A CLOSER SITUATION (9th inn or later and the tying run is on base or at bat).

Example: Your R2/C4 stud starts the 9th in a 2-1 game, already having pitched part of the 7th and the 8th. He's in a "closer situation". He gives up a walk or a hit, and bingo - he's tired (@ = SINGLE**).

[worrierking]

Bleacher, I didn't really mention it, but you have to have at least two other guys with closer ratings to make it work in the 200x games. They don't have to be C6 or anything, but you need some guys available. They can be cheapie specialists.