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thehef · 04-04-2014, 05:45 PM

The number of pitchers vs position-players could vary depending on era (or settings) you have. For example, if you are playing, say, pre 80's era and you have strong, high-stamina starting pitchers but maybe only one or two reliable relievers, you could consider going with just 9 - or even 8 pitchers. But if you are going with more-modern settings, then you'll probably want an 11 or 12-man staff.

Along those same lines, you'd want to take into account your playoff schedule. If you're going with cookie-cutter OOTP playoff scheduling, then you'll probably be able to go with a three-man rotation. However, if you are editing playoff schedules to match, say, pre-60's World Series (where some series - depending upon geography - had no off days), or the first few years of the five-game LCS' (where there sometimes were no off days), you'll likely need a four-man rotation... So this could affect how many pitchers you'll need - and which ones.

Other things to consider:
1) If both your starting catcher and his backup or not very good hitters, you might want to consider having a third catcher on your roster so you are covered, for example, to be able to pinch-hit for the starter late in a game, and then also pinch-hit for the backup in extra-innings.

2) Tying into both the pitching staff and the catcher scenario above, you are more-likely to have room for the 3rd catcher if you have a smaller pitching staff and/OR a reserve fielder who is able to handle multiple positions. If, for example, you are lucky enough to have a guy or two on your bench who can handle all 3 OF positions, an IF position or two, runs well, and hits ok, then you can add that extra catcher or perhaps a guy who does nothing well but runs like the wind (always nice to have a few pinch-running options).

3) Back to the pitching staff: Check out the hitters on the opponent. If, for example, they have several really good-hitting left-handed hitters, you'll want to make sure you have a few left-handed options in your bullpen. You may even want to adjust your starting rotation for this (this is what the KC Royals did in their 4 LCS matchups with the Yankees from 76 thru 80 - especially the first few years when they used Larry Gura and - to a lesser degree - Andy Hassler as two of their main starters despite them either not being a regular member of the rotation and/or not being among the more effective starters during the regular season).

4) The flip side of #3: If the other team's strength is, for example, left-handed pitching, make sure you have some options for right-handed bats off the bench (and perhaps in your starting lineup, if your LH hitters don't hit lefties so well). And also consider who will be taking the field after you pinch-hit for these lefty hitters.

5) If you are playing with the DH, then this might give you more flexibility because, obviously, you won't have to pinch-hit for your pitchers, meaning - theoretically - you would need to pinch-hit less and would need fewer pitchers... This would open up possibilities for the 3rd catcher, an extra pinch-runner, a couple of good-glove guys, etc.

6) In the unlikely event that you have a pitcher who can hit and/or run, you could certainly take those factors into account when determining the back end of your pitching staff.

Just some things to think about.

04-04-2014, 05:45 PM	#4
thehef Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,345	The number of pitchers vs position-players could vary depending on era (or settings) you have. For example, if you are playing, say, pre 80's era and you have strong, high-stamina starting pitchers but maybe only one or two reliable relievers, you could consider going with just 9 - or even 8 pitchers. But if you are going with more-modern settings, then you'll probably want an 11 or 12-man staff. Along those same lines, you'd want to take into account your playoff schedule. If you're going with cookie-cutter OOTP playoff scheduling, then you'll probably be able to go with a three-man rotation. However, if you are editing playoff schedules to match, say, pre-60's World Series (where some series - depending upon geography - had no off days), or the first few years of the five-game LCS' (where there sometimes were no off days), you'll likely need a four-man rotation... So this could affect how many pitchers you'll need - and which ones. Other things to consider: 1) If both your starting catcher and his backup or not very good hitters, you might want to consider having a third catcher on your roster so you are covered, for example, to be able to pinch-hit for the starter late in a game, and then also pinch-hit for the backup in extra-innings. 2) Tying into both the pitching staff and the catcher scenario above, you are more-likely to have room for the 3rd catcher if you have a smaller pitching staff and/OR a reserve fielder who is able to handle multiple positions. If, for example, you are lucky enough to have a guy or two on your bench who can handle all 3 OF positions, an IF position or two, runs well, and hits ok, then you can add that extra catcher or perhaps a guy who does nothing well but runs like the wind (always nice to have a few pinch-running options). 3) Back to the pitching staff: Check out the hitters on the opponent. If, for example, they have several really good-hitting left-handed hitters, you'll want to make sure you have a few left-handed options in your bullpen. You may even want to adjust your starting rotation for this (this is what the KC Royals did in their 4 LCS matchups with the Yankees from 76 thru 80 - especially the first few years when they used Larry Gura and - to a lesser degree - Andy Hassler as two of their main starters despite them either not being a regular member of the rotation and/or not being among the more effective starters during the regular season). 4) The flip side of #3: If the other team's strength is, for example, left-handed pitching, make sure you have some options for right-handed bats off the bench (and perhaps in your starting lineup, if your LH hitters don't hit lefties so well). And also consider who will be taking the field after you pinch-hit for these lefty hitters. 5) If you are playing with the DH, then this might give you more flexibility because, obviously, you won't have to pinch-hit for your pitchers, meaning - theoretically - you would need to pinch-hit less and would need fewer pitchers... This would open up possibilities for the 3rd catcher, an extra pinch-runner, a couple of good-glove guys, etc. 6) In the unlikely event that you have a pitcher who can hit and/or run, you could certainly take those factors into account when determining the back end of your pitching staff. Just some things to think about.