[Curtis]

Originally Posted by fintach

Playing them deep is intended to help avoid extra-base hits at the expense of giving up more singles. Perhaps late in a tight game with a fast runner on third.

{Or with the bases empty, to hold batters to first base?}

Traditionally they are brought into the game in the 7th inning or later, to help preserve a small lead (or to give a veteran some rest). It's probably better to let them hit once than leave a stone glove in a position to hurt you.

{My defensive replacements are only modest improvements on the starters. Even at third base, which I described as a 'black hole' above, the replacement is below average, and no one coming up through the minors is any better. Maybe next year.}

You might play those in to watch for the bunt for a hit. Depending on which line you are expecting for it.

{Okay. How do I know which line to expect a bunt to go down? Small sample size, but most bunts seem to be fielded by either the catcher or pitcher.}

The impression I have is that holding a runner makes them less likely to steal (or at least steal successfully). Anything beyond that, I would be speculating. Come to think of it, considering the sample size (90 games of one season) pretty much anything I say here is speculation.

{Good point, but I think you're right about it cutting down on attempts. I have generally good Hold Runner ratings, but my starting catcher has only a fair arm, and my opponents attempt way fewer than I do.}

In general, a long reliever isn't brought in later than the fifth or sixth inning, unless he is expected to throw for several innings. However, in real life, they might be used in other situations if the bullpen is a bit depleted or if they haven't pitched an a while and the manager wants to keep them sharp. I don't know about the actual game effects here, but I use my long relievers this way in the game because it makes sense to me.

Okay. Thank you for your insight, fintach. I think I'm getting a better picture here.