is something different about RPs?

chriskelly · 06-09-2018, 03:56 PM

I have an unproven feeling that RP success is a little different in 19. In the past, here was my priority list:
1. Very high stuff rating
2. 2 dominant pitches
3. not an extreme flyball pitcher.
4. Acceptable movement and control (at least 40)

I cared less about having more than 2 pitches, velocity, types of pitches, or more "rounded" numbers ( like better than avg s/m/c).

My experience thus far in 19 is that RPs perform best when they have at least 3 decent pitches, and better control. They can do without movement if they are not FB pitchers.

My unscientific method to prove was to sim a year, look at all RPs over 50 IP, look at their ratings, number of pitches, vs their WHIP, BABIP, BB%, WAR, rWAR and inherited runners scored %.

the results.....really inconclusive. I did find very little pitchers with only 2 pitches that were successful. I also found inherited runners scored to be misleading, since most closers enter w/ nobody on base.

Anyway, I'm not sure where to go! I am caring more about control and having a 3rd pitch. Just wanted to share to get other opinions.

chriskelly · 06-09-2018, 05:01 PM

well, I ran it another way, and contradicted myself. I ran a season and sorted by FIP, if you like that stat. 6 of the 20 best RPs had only 2 pitches, 1 other had a weak 3rd pitch. About half are also FP or Extreme FB pitchers, which blows my other theory.

back to the drawing board!!

jimmysthebestcop · 06-12-2018, 04:39 AM

I like RP with 3 pitches and some stamina to be my middle and long relief. While the low stamina, 2 pitch, high stuff guys are closers, setup or stoppers.

That has been working for me. They are theoretically the high leverage guys so you want their stuff to blow away batters.

But those long and middle guys might go 2-3+ innings in multiple situations over the year. So my philosophy makes sense they have slightly more stamina and 3+ pitches even if they are all average or so.

Kinda along same lines but I find if I am simming large amounts of time 12 pitchers my manager bungles fatigue way to often thru out the season. So I always go 13 pitchers and 12 batters now.

06-09-2018, 03:56 PM	#1
chriskelly All Star Reserve Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 753	is something different about RPs? I have an unproven feeling that RP success is a little different in 19. In the past, here was my priority list: 1. Very high stuff rating 2. 2 dominant pitches 3. not an extreme flyball pitcher. 4. Acceptable movement and control (at least 40) I cared less about having more than 2 pitches, velocity, types of pitches, or more "rounded" numbers ( like better than avg s/m/c). My experience thus far in 19 is that RPs perform best when they have at least 3 decent pitches, and better control. They can do without movement if they are not FB pitchers. My unscientific method to prove was to sim a year, look at all RPs over 50 IP, look at their ratings, number of pitches, vs their WHIP, BABIP, BB%, WAR, rWAR and inherited runners scored %. the results.....really inconclusive. I did find very little pitchers with only 2 pitches that were successful. I also found inherited runners scored to be misleading, since most closers enter w/ nobody on base. Anyway, I'm not sure where to go! I am caring more about control and having a 3rd pitch. Just wanted to share to get other opinions.

06-09-2018, 05:01 PM	#2
chriskelly All Star Reserve Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 753	well, I ran it another way, and contradicted myself. I ran a season and sorted by FIP, if you like that stat. 6 of the 20 best RPs had only 2 pitches, 1 other had a weak 3rd pitch. About half are also FP or Extreme FB pitchers, which blows my other theory. back to the drawing board!!

06-12-2018, 04:39 AM	#3
jimmysthebestcop Banned Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 1,727 Infractions: 0/2 (5)	I like RP with 3 pitches and some stamina to be my middle and long relief. While the low stamina, 2 pitch, high stuff guys are closers, setup or stoppers. That has been working for me. They are theoretically the high leverage guys so you want their stuff to blow away batters. But those long and middle guys might go 2-3+ innings in multiple situations over the year. So my philosophy makes sense they have slightly more stamina and 3+ pitches even if they are all average or so. Kinda along same lines but I find if I am simming large amounts of time 12 pitchers my manager bungles fatigue way to often thru out the season. So I always go 13 pitchers and 12 batters now.