What size roster should I use for 162 games and no days off

[LoneRhino]

I'm thinking of doing a schedule of 162 games with no days off and even a few double headers. If I do this I would have larger rosters. I'm thinking about using 30 but I don't really have anything other than a gut feeling for this number. The game would be played in a 1980's environment so there would be less relievers used compared to today's game.

[JudgeGio]

Set your Pitcher Stamina setting to Very High, and make sure the Starting Pitcher Stamina and Relief Pitcher Stamina statistical modifier settings are well above 1.000.
For each team's Graphical Depth Chart I would set a backup player for each position player; replacing each starter "If Tired" or maybe every sixth or seventh game. Even with these settings I would probably have a roster of about 32.

[OutS|der]

If you set position player fatigue to low you should be able get away with a lot more games out of your players, baring any injuries.
Pitching would likely be your downfall. Likely need at least 16+. Will need 3 catchers though

[Brad K]

Interesting question. Might be a time to use a six man rotation!

I wouldn't touch the stamina settings at all. I mean, trying to see what happens with players with real capabilities is the point, isn't it?

I'd go with a six man rotation start highest rested, six RPs, six OFs, Six 2b 3b SS, one 1B with an OF/IF who can cover the position hopefully two, and a pair of Cs. That's 27..

[Le Grande Orange]

162 games over 162 days? That's nothing.

The 1929 Texas League schedule had teams playing 164 games over 152 days, with no scheduled off days, and an active roster size of 18 (although clubs did have an expanded active roster during the first 30 days and last ~20 days of the regular season).

[Brad K]

Originally Posted by Le Grande Orange

162 games over 162 days? That's nothing.

The 1929 Texas League schedule had teams playing 164 games over 152 days, with no scheduled off days, and an active roster size of 18 (although clubs did have an expanded active roster during the first 30 days and last ~20 days of the regular season).

Did the players have their stamina and fatigue adjusted?

[LoneRhino]

Originally Posted by Brad K

Did the players have their stamina and fatigue adjusted?

All of the pitchers were washed up by 25.

[LoneRhino]

I'm thinking a 5 man rotation with a spot starter on every team. 3 catchers would be a must. The era I'm playing in probably used around 2 relievers per game. maybe 5 starters, 1 or 2 spot starter/ relievers, and 7 or 8 relievers for 14 pitchers total. 3 catchers, 7 or 8 infielders, 6 or 7 outfielders would mean 16 position players for 30 total. Adding another 2 would probably be a good idea. 32 seems like a good number.

[AESP_pres]

Originally Posted by LoneRhino

All of the pitchers were washed up by 25.

Without checking the career of the guys who pitched in the league that season I have a feeling that like it happened in the 19th century their career were very short... pitching game after game until their arm gave up.

[Le Grande Orange]

Originally Posted by LoneRhino

All of the pitchers were washed up by 25.

Pitching was just different back then. The starter/reliever split didn't really exist, and most pitchers both started games and pitched in relief.

For example, pitcher Payne with Wichita Falls appeared in 55 games, throwing 28 complete games, finished 18 games, had 3 saves, a 28-12 record, and 299 innings pitched, and a 3.51 ERA. Pitcher Owens with Shreveport also appeared in 55 games, throwing 22 complete games, finished 15 games, a 19-16 record, 319 innings pitched, and also had a 3.51 ERA.

[Reed]

I can’t answer without knowing you fatigue setting. Are injuries on or off. If on what is the setting.
Depending on those settings my answer would range from 27-34.

[Brad K]

Originally Posted by LoneRhino

I'm thinking a 5 man rotation with a spot starter on every team. 3 catchers would be a must. The era I'm playing in probably used around 2 relievers per game. maybe 5 starters, 1 or 2 spot starter/ relievers, and 7 or 8 relievers for 14 pitchers total. 3 catchers, 7 or 8 infielders, 6 or 7 outfielders would mean 16 position players for 30 total. Adding another 2 would probably be a good idea. 32 seems like a good number.

It seems the point of a no days off schedule is to create some stress for the teams. Sometimes they'll have a tired pitcher left in longer than desired, sometimes not be able to get an opposite side pinch hitting matchup, sometimes having to start a player out of position.

But if you have 32 players how is there any stress? I'd say there is less than a normal schedule with a 25 player roster.

My suggestion of 27 gives you a backup for every position with no player required to be back up for two positions except the 1B backup. I can appreciate the concern over catchers but I don't see any point to having a player who is there for a remote "what if" situation who takes up a roster spot for 30 PAs a season.

I think 32 players will make for a boring game because there is likely to be an easy solution for any problem.