I remember a few years ago there was a thread on this board explaining how using 3 good middle relievers can be equivalent to a top-tier starting pitcher. Does anybody else do this, and if so, what middle relievers do you think are good pickups for this strategy?
I'm thinking about doing something like that this year. I'm looking hard at Broxton and Betancourt. Best case scenario: they both take over closing duties, and I have 2 top closers for next to nothing. Worst case? I get 160IP, at least 160K, a 2-3ERA, and a WHIP close to 1...
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Well, they can be, if you pick he right three (always easier after the season's over than before it) and if you use 3 roster spots instead of just the 1.
Using MRs is generally a good idea to help ratios and periphs but I wouldn't think of them as substituting for getting an ace starter.
0-3 to 4-3. Worst choke in the history of baseball. Enough said.
don't think of it as using them to replace a big-time starter, think of them as likely better options than a middling starter who makes you nervous every time you see a ^ coming up for him. when you consider that in 2007 russ springer's positive impact in ERA (2.18 in 66 IP) was essentially the same as brad penny's (3.03 in 208 IP) and his positive impact on WHIP (0.91) was basically the same as chris young's (1.10 in 173 IP) then it makes sense to find a slot for these kinds of guys in roto. most are going to offer little help in counting stats, though, and previously effective MR flop and new ones come out of nowhere all the time (springer's career ERA/WHIP is 4.70/1.38)
mbuser wrote:don't think of it as using them to replace a big-time starter, think of them as likely better options than a middling starter who makes you nervous every time you see a ^ coming up for him. when you consider that in 2007 russ springer's positive impact in ERA (2.18 in 66 IP) was essentially the same as brad penny's (3.03 in 208 IP) and his positive impact on WHIP (0.91) was basically the same as chris young's (1.10 in 173 IP) then it makes sense to find a slot for these kinds of guys in roto. most are going to offer little help in counting stats, though, and previously effective MR flop and new ones come out of nowhere all the time (springer's career ERA/WHIP is 4.70/1.38)
Along the lines of what Buser says here, this MR strategy is more effective in a roto league with an innings limit. A pitcher with 60 IP/60 Ks/3.50 ERA/1.25 WHIP is more valuable than a pitcher with 150 IP/120 Ks/4.00 ERA/1.30 WHIP...
Not only did I use the strategy last year - I won with it. Not saying I won BECAUSE of it - because in fairness I had Santana, Hamels, Kazmir, Hill and James Shields as my SP - but it certainly didn't hurt.
Not only did I use the strategy last year - I won with it. Not saying I won BECAUSE of it - because in fairness I had Santana, Hamels, Kazmir, Hill and James Shields as my SP - but it certainly didn't hurt.
I'd win with that rotation too!
I don't know if I buy this strategy. These guys give you virtually no chance for a W.
I guess it's good if the closer on said team stinks and has a decent shot at losing his job, and you can pick these guys up late in the draft, but that's the only time I'd go for it.
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I don't think this is a bad strategy but to fully benefit from it you have to be willing to give up 3 roster spots to MR. They arent going to help you much in W's and in order for it to really help you, those MR need to be on your team for a while once again sucking up roster spots. Every year i think about playing with this strategy though, i must admit.
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by The Indestructible » Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:16 pm 
