[Pelican]

A couple of other thoughts. I have learned (the hard way) that the AI Managers will not necessarily gear up the SP in the rotation and rest position players, anticipating the playoffs. [Of course what I am about to say does not apply, where a team is fighting for a Wild Card slot through the final games of the regular season. But that does not sound like the OP's situation.] For example, starting my #1 SP in a meaningless game on the last day of the regular season, thus depriving him of a start in the first playoff game, three days later. Playing all the tired regulars in the last few meaningless regular season games, after playoff position was assured.

I have learned to intervene, late in the regular season, to set the playoff rotation (which is four or even just three SP, depending on off days in your playoff schedule) and rest the regulars. Also, to prevent key RP from throwing too many pitches in the last few games of the regular season. I want everybody fresh, bullpen rested, and one or maybe two SP repackaged for long relief in the playoffs.

The World Series this year was a perfect example of this "all hands on deck" approach with SP in relief - for both teams. Managers can improvise in the post-season, and pitch guys longer, especially in the World Series, because "they have the entire Winter to rest". Fine, but that approach works best if they are all rested and ready, going into the playoffs. I don't want anybody on my playoff team to be showing one iota of fatigue, going into the postseason. And totally fine if they all are exhausted as they hoist the trophy.

Beyond that, there are two diametrically-opposed schools of thought on managing in the playoffs. The first, traditional, school is "dance with the date that brung ya", or use the exact same approach that got you to the postseason. Fine, makes sense. The second school of thought is that the playoffs are totally different, more pressure, better opponents, no tomorrow, experience helps - and what got you there may not work well. This is what both LA and Toronto embraced in the World Series. For better or worse; although I would argue it was the right approach for each team, and made for a riveting experience for the rest of us.