bullpen game (in place of 5th starter)

koohead · 01-03-2023, 01:13 PM

Anyone have experience with implementing a "bullpen game" concept in place of using a 5th starter? I just had one of my SP's go down the last week of Spring Training and really am not thrilled with my options in Triple A (I have a Rule 5 pick from last season that I could insert but I would like to see him get a few starts in Triple A to start the year). So was considering the whole bullpen game concept every 5th start but not sure how the AI handles not having a pitcher in the #5 Starter slot or if there were any suggestions from you all on how I can set it up.
by the way, should mention that I sim all my games, hence the ask.

BIG17EASY · 01-03-2023, 01:25 PM

I've never done it, but I think it could be accomplished by setting the pitch count for the guy who starts the bullpen game, then making sure the rest of your bullpen is rested enough to cover the remainder of the game. The issue I'd be worried about is that your pen will likely be fairly tired for the next game and if your starter gets knocked around in that game, you've got to cover a lot of innings with a tired bullpen. I'd probably want to have a reliable long man or two in my pen to make this work for an extended period of time (i.e. more than a couple turns through the rotation).

koohead · 01-03-2023, 05:59 PM

I considered the pitch count route, but that would mean I would have to stop my sim on that game and set a pitch count for all of the RPs, then take it off after the game. Seems to be a pain.

Bobfather · 01-03-2023, 06:07 PM

Doesn't the rule 5 pick need to stay in the majors all year?

MathBandit · 01-03-2023, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koohead

I considered the pitch count route, but that would mean I would have to stop my sim on that game and set a pitch count for all of the RPs, then take it off after the game. Seems to be a pain.

You would only really need it on the 'starter' BP arm. The rest will be used as regular relievers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobfather

Doesn't the rule 5 pick need to stay in the majors all year?

I assume that's why it's a R5 pick from the prior year.

Pelican · 01-03-2023, 08:46 PM

OOTP lets you designate a RP as an “Opener”. I would do that, under the Pitching tab, set a pitch count, and then insert him in the rotation as the fifth guy. If you assign roles to the other guys in the bullpen, the AI should turn first to your long relievers, unless they are tired. I think there are some choices in the team strategy tab that would apply, as well.

But beware, the usual result of a bullpen game is a loss and a tired bullpen. Puts the burden on your #1 starter to go deep into the next game.

Forgive me, not a fan of “openers”, even in your dire circumstances.

koohead · 01-03-2023, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobfather

Doesn't the rule 5 pick need to stay in the majors all year?

Correct...he was a Rule 5 pick last season and I stashed him in the bullpen all year. He faired well, but I want to see him start 10-12 games at Triple A before throwing him into the rotation.

koohead · 01-03-2023, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pelican

OOTP lets you designate a RP as an “Opener”. I would do that, under the Pitching tab, set a pitch count, and then insert him in the rotation as the fifth guy. If you assign roles to the other guys in the bullpen, the AI should turn first to your long relievers, unless they are tired. I think there are some choices in the team strategy tab that would apply, as well.

But beware, the usual result of a bullpen game is a loss and a tired bullpen. Puts the burden on your #1 starter to go deep into the next game.

Forgive me, not a fan of “openers”, even in your dire circumstances.

I too try to stay away from the whole opener/follower stuff, at least in the majors. I do allow it to happen in the minors if the Bench coach suggests it.
I ended up doing exactly what you suggested...I set a guy to be an opener and slotted him into the rotation. he actually faired well, but the followers did not, and I did not like not having that opener available as a MR for other games. I am currently leaving that spot in the rotation empty...to disasterous results. I think it is time to give up on the experiment and just shove someone into that rotation spot on a very short leash.

BaseballGOAT · 01-04-2023, 12:03 AM

Closest I've come is used a 35 stamina, but 3 good and one ok pitches in my rotation. I've found he's good for 4 to 5 innings depending on how clean he's getting through the lineup.

Pelican · 01-04-2023, 09:20 AM

Most MLB teams seem to have a SP or two stashed at AAA for these kinds of emergencies. However, to bring up that SP on a temporary basis, he cannot be out of options, or in a position to refuse a minor league assignment. Plus he needs to be rested. Rotation positions don’t always align. The guy you want to bring up may have pitched yesterday, and you need him tomorrow. I try to maintain flexibility with a few guys I could bring up to start and then send back down. Same with RP when the whole bullpen seems to be tired and needs some “relief”, so to speak.

captaincoop17 · 01-04-2023, 11:52 AM

You can place your desired starter for the "bullpen" game into your rotation with a batters faced maximum (similar to a pitch count and right below it in the strategy). It'll then pull him and go to the bullpen for the rest of the game. I would recommend trying to set it up before an off day so the pen can regain their stamina after it.

Bobfather · 01-04-2023, 02:47 PM

Any chance of a trade or signing a free agent? To full 4thh/5th starter roll?

koohead · 01-04-2023, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobfather

Any chance of a trade or signing a free agent? To full 4thh/5th starter roll?

There are some FA's out there that I could plop in...though not much better than what I have in Triple A. I called up a 28 year old journeyman to fill the spot for now. he's out of options, but I don't really care if I lose him to waivers (low chance of that happening imo).

Deft · 01-10-2023, 03:44 PM

On a tangent to this idea, has anyone ever turned their entire rotation to followers? I would be interested how the follower vs. starter roles affect players arbitration and free agent demands.

MathBandit · 01-10-2023, 04:06 PM

I've wanted to do it for years now, but last time I tried (in OOTP21, maybe?) it led to constant AI misuse of the pen and then using the next starter as a late-game reliever leading to injuries and no pitchers ready to go.

It would be nice if they could implement it well (or if it has been since) as that's imo by far the correct way to run a pitching staff.

koohead · 01-10-2023, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deft

On a tangent to this idea, has anyone ever turned their entire rotation to followers? I would be interested how the follower vs. starter roles affect players arbitration and free agent demands.

My only experience with this was an SP that I used exclusively has a follower for 3 years. When he hit the FA market, he was getting SP type offers. Probably my fault for leaving him as a SP. Don't know if changing his position to RP would have made a difference.

damientheomen3 · 01-10-2023, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deft

On a tangent to this idea, has anyone ever turned their entire rotation to followers? I would be interested how the follower vs. starter roles affect players arbitration and free agent demands.

I don't remember the exact specifics, but like 10 OOTPs ago some people would have a ton of success in the game running a staff of just relievers. It didn't really become a widespread thing for people to do in the game to my knowledge but I know some people did, and they made some changes to the game (also don't remember what) to make that a less viable option the following year.

01-03-2023, 05:59 PM	#3
koohead Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 3,211	I considered the pitch count route, but that would mean I would have to stop my sim on that game and set a pitch count for all of the RPs, then take it off after the game. Seems to be a pain. __________________ GM - New Jersey Bears of the NPBL;

01-03-2023, 06:07 PM	#4
Bobfather All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Boston Ma. Posts: 1,669	Doesn't the rule 5 pick need to stay in the majors all year? __________________ I play out every game—one pitch mode.

01-03-2023, 08:46 PM	#6
Pelican Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 3,000	OOTP lets you designate a RP as an “Opener”. I would do that, under the Pitching tab, set a pitch count, and then insert him in the rotation as the fifth guy. If you assign roles to the other guys in the bullpen, the AI should turn first to your long relievers, unless they are tired. I think there are some choices in the team strategy tab that would apply, as well. But beware, the usual result of a bullpen game is a loss and a tired bullpen. Puts the burden on your #1 starter to go deep into the next game. Forgive me, not a fan of “openers”, even in your dire circumstances. __________________ Pelican OOTP 2020-? ”Hard to believe, Harry.”

01-04-2023, 09:20 AM	#10
Pelican Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 3,000	Most MLB teams seem to have a SP or two stashed at AAA for these kinds of emergencies. However, to bring up that SP on a temporary basis, he cannot be out of options, or in a position to refuse a minor league assignment. Plus he needs to be rested. Rotation positions don’t always align. The guy you want to bring up may have pitched yesterday, and you need him tomorrow. I try to maintain flexibility with a few guys I could bring up to start and then send back down. Same with RP when the whole bullpen seems to be tired and needs some “relief”, so to speak. __________________ Pelican OOTP 2020-? ”Hard to believe, Harry.” Last edited by Pelican; 01-04-2023 at 03:15 PM.

01-04-2023, 11:52 AM	#11
captaincoop17 All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 869	You can place your desired starter for the "bullpen" game into your rotation with a batters faced maximum (similar to a pitch count and right below it in the strategy). It'll then pull him and go to the bullpen for the rest of the game. I would recommend trying to set it up before an off day so the pen can regain their stamina after it. __________________

01-03-2023, 01:13 PM	#1
koohead Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 3,211	bullpen game (in place of 5th starter) Anyone have experience with implementing a "bullpen game" concept in place of using a 5th starter? I just had one of my SP's go down the last week of Spring Training and really am not thrilled with my options in Triple A (I have a Rule 5 pick from last season that I could insert but I would like to see him get a few starts in Triple A to start the year). So was considering the whole bullpen game concept every 5th start but not sure how the AI handles not having a pitcher in the #5 Starter slot or if there were any suggestions from you all on how I can set it up. by the way, should mention that I sim all my games, hence the ask. __________________ GM - New Jersey Bears of the NPBL;

01-03-2023, 01:25 PM	#2
BIG17EASY Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,291	I've never done it, but I think it could be accomplished by setting the pitch count for the guy who starts the bullpen game, then making sure the rest of your bullpen is rested enough to cover the remainder of the game. The issue I'd be worried about is that your pen will likely be fairly tired for the next game and if your starter gets knocked around in that game, you've got to cover a lot of innings with a tired bullpen. I'd probably want to have a reliable long man or two in my pen to make this work for an extended period of time (i.e. more than a couple turns through the rotation).

01-04-2023, 12:03 AM	#9
BaseballGOAT Banned Join Date: Dec 2020 Posts: 1,373 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Closest I've come is used a 35 stamina, but 3 good and one ok pitches in my rotation. I've found he's good for 4 to 5 innings depending on how clean he's getting through the lineup.

01-04-2023, 02:47 PM	#12
Bobfather All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Boston Ma. Posts: 1,669	Any chance of a trade or signing a free agent? To full 4thh/5th starter roll? __________________ I play out every game—one pitch mode.

01-10-2023, 03:44 PM	#14
Deft All Star Starter Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,111	On a tangent to this idea, has anyone ever turned their entire rotation to followers? I would be interested how the follower vs. starter roles affect players arbitration and free agent demands. __________________ ATHL Louisville Jockeys (2001-present) 2002, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2020 World Champions Uniform Template 1.2

01-10-2023, 04:06 PM	#15
MathBandit All Star Starter Join Date: Feb 2021 Posts: 1,445	I've wanted to do it for years now, but last time I tried (in OOTP21, maybe?) it led to constant AI misuse of the pen and then using the next starter as a late-game reliever leading to injuries and no pitchers ready to go. It would be nice if they could implement it well (or if it has been since) as that's imo by far the correct way to run a pitching staff.