Question: Pitching & HAL...

[TRW]

After last nights draft, I found that my pitching staff had the following breakdown: (5 SP), (4 SP/RP), & 1 RP. I plan to use the 4 SP/RP in the starting rotation. I assume that HAL will use the SP as relievers. Is this assumption correct? Would the SP be effective as RP since they're not rated as relievers?

[sschu]

If I have the picture correct, HAL will not use the SP only guys as RPs unless there are no other choices. Ocasionally HAL uses S only guys in relief during xtra inings games or other unusual situations.

Not sure why you are adopting this stratgey, typically RP only players cost less per OPS as they are used for fewer innings and cannot start.

Frankly there are several non traditional approaches to pitching (SP/RP combos), not sure how much unique value they offer, but I am sure it works for some. A classic approach using a $10SP, 2 mid priced SP and a $2M SP plus 4 RPs (CL, SU, Long/mid, Mopper) seems to provide the best consistent return on the $$. Platooning cheapies or value mid priced guys based upon park/opponent are methods to gain an advantage.

Best of luck, sschu

[TRW]

sschu,

I'm not sure we're on the same page. (I probably should have mentioned that this is a $200mill league).

Say the pitching staff looked like this:

1-P Alexander S8/R5
2-S Koufax S9/R3
3-C Young S9/R5
4-C Matthewson S8/R5
5-C Osteen S8
6-B Feller S9
7-J Lonborg S7
8-D Ellis S7
9-B Welch S7
10-G Gossage R2

Since there is a $200mill cap, there won't be any low priced players on the roster. In all probability Alexander, Koufax, Young & Matthewson are going to be starting. That leaves all the pure starters w/no relief ratings & Gossage. I'm assuming HAL uses Osteen, Feller, Lonborg, Ellis & Welch as relievers even though they're not rated as such. I was just wondering how effective they would be as relievers on a regular basis since they're not rated as RP's.

[mighty moose]

HAL will use Gossage for most of the relief work. The pure starters will get used, but not in the way you are expecting. As sschu said, it will only use the pure starters when Gossage is marked as "tired" which is after 2 consecutive days of use. It will use them as an exception rather than the norm. And someone correct me here, wouldn't they come in instantly fatigued ?? - The fact that they have no relief rating means that if they are called into the game, you can expect them to basically be out of their element and suck as relievers. - If I were you, I would set the studs to go long (conservative relief settings) and set Gossage to be both SETUP and CLOSER.

I'd also consider dumping the pure starters for the best RP or SP/RP available.

- MM

:o