Bullpen roles

RP's are now limited to 2 roles. After Setup, which role is the most important one for your best non-closer RP to occupy? Behind and Late?

I think so. Either that or middle. Hal has this propensity to put in your .5 reliever when you get behind by even one run unless you inhibit thst choice. I would make sure middle and behind and late were covered with decent guys.

Ok. Thanks. How about this for roles:

Closer - Close and Setup
Best RP- Setup/Behind and Late
2nd Best RP - Behind and Late/Middle.

Or should the 2 Best RP be listed first in the cue at Middle?

I think you have covered all of the bases pretty well. I would have your closer not come in before the 8th but you probably know that. I think I would prefer the closer--assuming he is a good C6--be first in the queue at closer and set-up like you have it.

I prefer my best reliever at 1st setup and 1st mid

I have thought about this a little more. I have Lugo and he wasnt getting into the game enough. He's an R2/C3
As long you have an R2 as your best reliever. I I think Palmtana's inclination was correct: best reliever at set-up and behind and late. Why? Because if the game is close your best reliever is coming from the 7th-9th, with the exception of closing situation. You're up and it's close and your best reliever is pitching in the 7th-9th until he gets pulled because he drops below F8 (either because of fatigue or lack of closing rating) and if you're behind and the game is close he keeps it close from the 7th-9th. That makes sense to me.

Thanks for the input freeman. How do you feel about Steve's idea above of having your best reliever at setup and middle? Would he get more innings that way? They may not be the "important" innings though. Maybe Steve can explain his rationale.

I'll try. Seem like using best R in the "behind and late" spot will net you some come from behind victories. I prefer to win the games I'm "supposed" to win, that is, games where I have a lead. Just personal preference

I can see that point Steve. Here is the definition of the middle man:

Middle Man: Inning: 1-6; Leading or trailing by 1-4 runs or tied

If your starter is pulled in the 3rd or 4th inning then your best RP would be a good guy to come in, instead of a scrub, to keep you in the game. What to do!?

The middle man role will get that pitcher some length. We all seem to agree on that.

The debate seems to be what to do with the second role, setup or behind and late. I choose setup for the reason mentioned above