Quote:
Originally Posted by waltwa
but in the early 70's and 80's there were 4 man rotations
|
The White Sox were running a 4 man rotation back in the 1990's. So it is not unheard of. Although, I don't think anyone does this today in reality modern baseball does run a 4 man rotation for at least part of the season.
What I mean is the 5 man rotation is effectively 4 man when there are off days. The fifth guy gets skipped. The 5th starter is really only there for weeks with no off days. Strict order start highest rested somewhat simulates this, that is if your number 5 is the worst pitcher in your rotation according to the AI which could be different from current stats or who you think the worst pitcher is. Effectively MLB clubs run a 4 man rotation when they can and a 5 man when they have to play 7 or more days in a row.
To show a case in point, many Astros fans were disappointed that top prospect Jordan Lyles was sent down to the minors. The local paper pointed out because the 5th guy is skipped in off days, he would have only gotten 2 or 3 starts in April while he will get more in the minors. There is also the arbitration issue. So they might see Lyles called up in May when the number 5 guy is used more as the schedule will have fewer off days.
In reality, every team says they have a 5 man rotation but the rotation is not a strict order setup. It is a flexible system where often number 5 is more long relief and spot starter when the schedule permits He gets work every 5 days when off days are not present on the schedule. The closest thing to this the AI does is strict order start highest rested. Although sometimes it seems to me that it makes strange decisions on who to start. Like it might go from 5 to 3 when 5 is skipped rather 1. I have noticed after injuries the pitches in the last 5 days show something different than you would expect if number 5 was skipped and they went back to number 1 instead 3 have pitches 5 days ago while 1 has pitches yesterday and the rotation counter is set on number 4. The game starts per season work out about right though.