Quote:
Originally Posted by AstroDeke
For me a stopper should be inserted in the game when opposing team is making a rally and threatening to tie or take the lead in a game and you want to hold the lead. Typically, this would be done in 5th, 6th or possible the 7th innings as you would usually have setup guys for the 7th and 8th. But with a 13-pitcher limit, you're kind of hampered by the understanding that you may have some tired relievers.
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That's not how I (or the game) view a stopper. If you're bullpen has a closer, two setup men, and one or more stoppers, you're talking about an elite unit. As "elite" is a comparative term, what you describe cannot be the norm. The Padres are set up like this. The Phillies and Dodgers probably have the next-best units and lack the personnel.
To me, a Stopper is your best reliever, an elite luxury weapon you trust to get the biggest outs in a game. This role usually only exists on teams that have a good closer in place.
In OOTP parlance, the Stopper just about only enters in the 7th or 8th inning, and he often throws two innings. Among OOTP reliever roles, only the Mop Up man throws more innings.
(hot tip, if you can put a good, high-stamina reliever on mop up duty, you'll be rewarded. Don't use the role if you can only dedicate a bad reliever to it...it'll cost you wins.)