[Kevin]

I've found that it's best to carry 11 pitchers at all times as it gives you enough relievers to mop up an early blowout without tiring your entire pen for the next day. I don't differentiate much between closers and Middle guys. Many years, I won't have a closer at all on the active roster, and other years I'll have three closers, but use two of them in set up or middle roles.

By having 11 pitchers, you also need to have a couple of utility guys on your bench that play three positions to have the necessary depth in case of injuries and fatigue. These guys are best developed by teaching them other positions at A ball when they're 21 or younger as it doesn't seem to hinder their hitting development too much that way.