Old user with questions

[PossibleJohn]

1. I'm in a Base Team Theme League. My starting rotation is Randy Johnson, John Patterson, Small, Chacon and Wang. I'm going to maximize Johnson's and Patterson's starts. And in those stretches where Chacon doesn't start for 7 or 8 games, I'd like to see HAL use Chacon as a reliever. But ONLY during those stretches--i.e., I don't want HAL to use him as a reliever on the day before I have him starting (as per my settings in Per-Game Starters). Any insight as to how I go about telling HAL to manage this way? Do I leave my Rotation blank? And then spot start everyone in their slots and HAL will manage accordingly to fit Chacon in to relieve here and there--without making Chacon tired for a start?

2. I have Gordon and Rivera. I want Gordon to pitch 6th and 7th inning if at all possible, Rivera to pitch 8th and 9th innings. My understanding is that I should then NOT set Gordon to setup and Rivera to close in my Manager Strategy--i.e., if I set my manager strategy as laid out here, Gordon will most often enter in the 8th, Rivera in the 9th, which is what I don't want to happen. Can anyone confirm or deny?

I really appreciate any insight.

[LMBombers]

1. Use the per game starters, without setting a rotation, and HAL will use your S/R in relief when not scheduled to start.

2. Set Gordon as set up man for both L&R hitters. The set up man gets the most innings of any reliever.

[PossibleJohn]

Thanks, LM.

If I want to maximize Rivera's innings, do I avoid setting him as closer?

PJ

[LMBombers]

To maximize Rivera's innings you would want to put him as set up and closer for both L&R hitters. Gordon will most likely close when Rivera is tired in this scenario.

[T.Richardson]

If you leave you rotation blank chacon may very well be used in relief the game before or after he starts. The ill effects of this is very debateable and many think it is very little. I have not used this strategy myself so I have not formed an opinion but it scares me.

[T.Richardson]

It will take a lot of juggling chacon in and out of your rotation to prevent it.

[PossibleJohn]

Scares me, too. I think I'll go with setting a 5-man rotation, relying on my other relievers to pull some weight. I'd rather hedge the gamble and have a healthy Chacon every time. And I'll set Rivera as set-up and closer; his card is good enough for sure. Thanks for the feedback everyone.

PJ