Do You Have a "throwaway pitcher"

[mikedee]

Basically a spot in your rotation that you change up everyday with a probable?

[ROC AllStars]

It depends on two things: league format and your roster.

One of my leagues is a H2H league that counts IP, W, and K, all stat categories that are enhanced by making extra starts. If I'm in a tight race late in the week, occasionally I will pick up a throwaway in a good matchup to try to put me over the top in those categories. An obvious drawback to this is that the throwaway pitcher could come out very horribly and ruin a lead in WHIP/OBA, etc.

The second thing to think about is the quality of your existing rotation. In that same H2H league last year I had a pretty weak rotation, and thus I was constantly seeking help off the WW. But this year my SPs are very strong, and as such, I'm not making those spot starts.

I hope that is helpful. I've played with and without them. One strategy might be that if you have an open spot you're not sure what to do with, make a few spot starts, and if you find someone who is consistently performing, consider taking him on as a permant add (i.e. look for this year's Cliff Lee).

Good luck!

[TomBrooklyn]

(i.e. look for this year's Cliff Lee).

What should you do if you have Cliff Lee this year like I do?

[Torr]

I usually keep a spot to rotate in starters as needed, and when I don't need them I could rotate in an extra reliever (especially if you have a general "P" slot) or perhaps a batter with a good matchup/doubleheader.

[oneyeman]

i normally keep a core of pitchers that score good points week in/week out.. and keep a spot or two that i can pick up good match ups (double starts,playin weak teams,has been hot)and then sometime while doing this process i find a pitcher that i can hold on too and add to my core.. doesn't allways work with the match-ups But ..i normally do good

[tmlfan4ever]

Basically a spot in your rotation that you change up everyday with a probable?

If you're playing in a "vanilla" 12 team yahoo style roto league I think it is a must. You can get as aggressive or conservative as you want, but I think looking for good matchups and hot pitchers is one of the most fun/rewarding aspects of fantasy baseball. Keep your eyes open for good matchups against bad offenses (SF, SD, OAK, etc.) or matchups in good pitchers ballparks (Petco, etc.)