The opener
- Thread starter msstate7
- Start date
BeanieAntics
Arbitration Eligible
I don't know what the numbers say about this strategy, but I actually kind of love it.
From an offensive point of view you want to put your best hitters at the top of the lineup to get them the most ABs. A way to counter that is to put your best reliever in to start to have him face hose guys. Then have your starter come in and only have to face those guys possibly twice and get the most innings out of the starter. Interesting strategy.
msstate7
Well-known member
What's the consensus with arbitration on wins and losses?
True. That said if you are using your closer the odds of this happening on a regular basis isn't that high. And I suspect you would only use this strategy on your backend guys.
Probably high since they still value homers and rbi for hitters.
jpx7
Very Flirtatious, but Doubts What Love Is.
Even more intriguing if you deploy a guy like Hader for two innings to start, then bring in the “starter” and hope they can effectively carry you through the sixth or seventh.
Southcack77
Well-known member
Having trouble understanding how this is smarter, but whatever.
You are guaranteeing you burn relievers. They are not an unlimited resource.
It’s really overthinking it.
You are guaranteeing you burn relievers. They are not an unlimited resource.
It’s really overthinking it.
msstate7
Well-known member
Maybe you only use it vs certain teams. Say teams that have a high scoring % in the 1st
BeanieAntics
Arbitration Eligible
We are basically guaranteed to burn relievers anyway. Guys almost never throw complete games anymore. Last year Max Scherzer and Ervin Santana had 5 a piece. Nobody else in the league had more than 2.
nsacpi
Expects Yuge Games
It seems to me there might be some benefit to having a lefty AND righty starter as an option each game. It makes it more difficult for the opposing manager to set up his lineup to get the platoon advantage. As part of that you have a reliever start the game, and then bring in the starter who has the best matchups against the lineup.
There are obviously limitations to pursuing this strategy every game. But for some games, it might be available.
jgriff3029
Active member
If you use your closer to start the game, who is going to close the game?
jpx7
Very Flirtatious, but Doubts What Love Is.
The best relief pitcher that hasn’t yet pitched?
jgriff3029
Active member
Sorry, Sarcasm still doesn't translate to the internet. My comment was tongue in cheek to the people who argue that your closer pitches the 9th regardless of whether or not it is the most important spot. Maybe on day someone will invent a universal sarcasm font. lol
nsacpi
Expects Yuge Games
the title of the thread provides the answer...you use your opener to open and your closer to close...that's what yogi would say
jpx7
Very Flirtatious, but Doubts What Love Is.
Familiarity breeds recognition, but I should’ve assumed sarcasm from such a vacant tautology.