Pitching Question

[Sabres2000]

I am wondering whats best

Do i go 5 SP 6 RP and 1 CL or 6 Sp 5 RP and 1 CL... is there much of a difference between that extra starting pitcher? Or the idea of having 4 pitchers and 7 RP

[Number4]

5 SP are standard, because after a normal outing to the best of his capabilities, a pitcher needs 4 rest days.
You could go by with 4 SP and 3 rest days, but you would have to cut the pitchers outings short or they'll start their next games tired.
This means that even if your pitcher is going strong, you'll have to pull him and give the game to a middle reliever - while a pitcher pitching as hard as he can, will on a good outing often last until the setup or closer.

However, it cuts out the #5 SP, which is usually the worst one. I'd say the baseline for SPs with 4 rest days are 100 pitches, with 3 80, so in terms of innings more or less the same amount. But your bullpen will be more tired with the 4 SPs - the 5th starter throws way more pitches than your worst reliever.
I'd say only use 4 starters if you are confident in your bullpen in quality and stamina. Or if you add an extra reliever, sacrificing a position player. Especially DH teams don't need more than 3 bench players, every more is an luxus - backup catcher, utility infielder and 4th outfielder.

6 SP is nonsense to me - your starters are not going to be more rested than with 5 starters, except after a rare mammoth effort, and you're just giving innings from the #1 to #5 starters to the #6 starter, which will be worse.

[slugger922cubs]

Originally Posted by Sabres2000

I am wondering whats best

Do i go 5 SP 6 RP and 1 CL or 6 Sp 5 RP and 1 CL... is there much of a difference between that extra starting pitcher? Or the idea of having 4 pitchers and 7 RP

Nice thing about OOTP is you can do a lot of playing around with pitching staffs. I play in an online league with a very atypical set-up. In that league I run a 4-man rotation with 72 pitch limits. I typically get 5 solid innings out every starter and have a strict rotation. Then i go for a very modern bullpen set up i set my top 3 or 4 relievers to set up 6+ and maybe my favored reliever to set up 8+. Often my better relievers come in earlier when id like them too instead of waiting to get to the ninth when they maybe less important. Its not ideal but it allows be to get buy with only 2 really good SP and minimize having a weak back of the rotation. I know every 4th day i have a fresh starter and even though i get less innings over the coarse of the season I get my best few pitchers into more games (2 of 4 instead of 2 of 5). In return the deeper bullpen gives my team flexibility to play match ups or let a reliever go a few innings. My pitchers always seem to be rested and regularly used.

Anyway long response to say play with it. Try things out see what works best for how you want to manage. Youll find things that work and some that clearly dont.