Deciding which closers to start?

[chipper]

I am in one league where we only have SP and RP spots. I have 4 Closers, but only 2 spots to use them in. It's a fairly small league with a lot of bench spots. Saves are pretty valuable in the scoring, so I keep all 4 guys and just rotate them through.

My question is, what's the best way to decide which ones to start in a given day?

I've been going by which teams would seem to have the best chance to win, but have been getting burned with leaving at least one save on the bench pretty much every day.
Would it be a better idea to start the guys where the matchup looks the closest? (ie) The game will be decided one way or another by a small enough margin to grant a save.

Weird question I know, just thought I'd get the Cafe's opinion.

Thanks

[NZ Eff]

Always start the guys whose team has the best chance of winning. Despite comments to the contrary there is a strong correlation between winning team % and save ops. for a closer.

[bigh0rt]

Always start the guys whose team has the best chance of winning. Despite comments to the contrary there is a strong correlation between winning team % and save ops. for a closer.

I don't think I've ever read this. Link?

[BJSFAN123]

I also have 4 closers and only 2 RP spots, I usually just stick with my 2 best unless the matchup for another closer looks like it's going to be a real close game. For example, I started Gagne today since it was Gallardo vs Zambrano and I figured it would likely be a close game.

[ndkarp]

I always look for more low-scoring games between 2 quality pitchers; teams like Detroit and Yankees that will likely win a lot of games don't tend to get a lot of save chances because of the great hitting and erratic pitching.

[Another Blown Save]

I'd just start the best 2 closers all the time.
If you have time on your hands, I suppose you can look through the game-logs and bench a guy if he pitches 3 days in a row.

[chipper]

I also have 4 closers and only 2 RP spots, I usually just stick with my 2 best unless the matchup for another closer looks like it's going to be a real close game. For example, I started Gagne today since it was Gallardo vs Zambrano and I figured it would likely be a close game.

I guess that's kind of my question.

Go with the guy who's team looks like they should win (requirement for a save)
Or go with the guy who's matchup looks the closest (3 run game also requirement for a save)


As far as just going with the best closer, it's tough because 3 of the guys are Lyon, Gagne, and Soria. I think Soria is the best pitcher, but the Royals can go weeks where they only win a game or two, even though they are better than other years. So there really is no distinct "better" option out of my guys.

[foeplay]

I have 7 closers on my team with 5 spots (two of my Holds guys became closers :( ), most of the time I just sit the guys that are facing power offenses or have pitched multiple days in a row.

[The Artful Dodger]

I'd tip the closers that give me the best combination of the probability of getting a save because of playing on a "quality" team, the probability of a closer's team frequently getting into games decided by 3 runs or less (i.e. K-Rod), and most of all, the closer that provides the best stats across the board. I normally have only 4 closers at most in my leagues and with 4 spots, I really don't have to worry about having to sit them unless I have 3 or more starters going that day.

[bigh0rt]

If you're a gambler, the lines posted on the games are often strong indicators of teams winning particular matchups, as well as predicting how close the game may be.