Bullpen Remedies and Suggestions?

I think starters are priced fairly.

S6* gets around 250 innings, depending on settings.
S6 gets a bit more than 200.
S5 gets a bit more than 150.

If starters are about 1000 innings (give or take) and relievers are about 450 (give or take), then in my opinion, the starters are priced pretty well, F0 settings notwithstanding.

I think requiring complete adherence to “realism” ruins the fun part of the game (ie, running out with six $1 mil starters and five $5 mil relievers). Exploiting the “usual” balance is where some creativity can take place.

But there should be reasonable common ground.

I’m becoming more and more convinced that the best resolution for the reasonable but still some room for creativity combination is found in the 12-24 manager $60 mil cap leagues.

Maybe this whole thing is a cap problem and not a player pricing and usage problem.

I used to get about 1,150 IP out of 3 SP & 2 RP, leaving only about 300 innings to cover with your average to below average pitchers. Now you get about 1,000 max out of the same combination. Originally, I didn't like the changes but I think it is more realistic and challenges you to be more diverse handling your staff. Two things I've noticed: a lot $ spent on pitching,
the money is spent mostly on SP. I think you need to spend more on RP, needing four quality relievers instead of 2 and specialists. The below average RPs get crushed this year.

FWIW, here’s a take on Super Starters.

$32 mil spent on pitching. 1450 innings. Assuming you don’t assign particular importance to innings, you’re looking at $0.02 mil or so spent per inning.

That equates to:

$5 mil for an average S6*
$4 mil for S6
$3 mil for S5

If you’re spending up for Verlander and setting him to F0 for 325 innings, know that an ideal pitcher for that situation should cost no more than $6.50 (0.02 x 325). Is Verlander then still considered a Super Starter at 150% of the ideal price?

I've been spending far to much on starting pitching. Then backing it up with a top closer. However, I've noticed that many vets and team that have more success are using 2 "decent" starters and then 2 or 3 guys under $1M. Then fill bullpen with quality middle relief. Makes some sense as relievers have better cards.This puts a premium on the R2 & R3 relievers.

Bad bullpen has been a weakness and I'm thinking to switching to this strategy. Would reduce the amount spent on pitching that could into better defense.

Has anyone had success with this?

My theory of spending more on relievers is not working in one of my teams. Got the bullpen I wanted mostly out of the autodraft and currently have allowed 15 HRs in 43.3 innings. Guess I didn't spend enough or as wisely as I should have, back to the drawing board. One thing I have learned you really need enough starting pitching to get 1 or 2 7 inning starts a series otherwise it gets ugly fast.