This comes up from time to time. Interested in the thoughts of others.

I can find "value" in almost any player. I look at a guy and ask myself "Could I use him on playoff roster?" Just as a "specialty" player. He may not even get in one of the three games before I'm eliminated but he'd be there if I ever get to the fourth. The types:

Speed/baserunning-for a pinch running opportunity
Power/eye-with a 50ish split from one side for the late power bat
Glove/Range-defensive replacement anywhere he qualifies

I don't really put any numbers on them because they just have to be more important in the playoffs than the 10th-12th pitchers on my staff or the 60s across the board utility guy that rested my COF/CIF during the season.

Pitchers are little tougher because they're either BL-quality or they aren't. But I'll occassionally carry one of those 5-10 pitch every other game guys. I can't really carry a 40 inning pitcher during the season but you can find the occassional 80+ control/splits/2 pitches guy. He's nice to have in the playoffs.

Thoughts?

Is Carlton Wolf "BL quality"?

Nope. I don't care what his stats are this season. I'd pee my pants in excitement if he was starting a playoff game against me.

Don't forget the AAA NL DH that is difficult to carry during the season, but useful as a PH in post-season or even at DH in the WS.

Yeah, I guess that would fall under "specialty" player since he's really only going to PH in the playoffs.

Quote: Originally posted by MikeT23 on 2/12/2010Nope.  I don't care what his stats are this season.  I'd pee my pants in excitement if he was starting a playoff game against me.

So a guy with a sub-4.00 ERA isn't BL quality?

I'd also think I owned a major advantage in playoff matchup, but that's hardly the issue. Because he's not even average - he's well below average. And yet, he's useful...in his home park...for a major league franchise.

Which to me, makes your answer ridiculous. Sure, he isn't BL quality in all but 4 of the ballparks...but in Burlington, Tacoma, OKC....this guy is viable.

Well, any pitcher is viable in pitcher's park with a good defense. Which is what makes your contention ridiculous. You can find 40 discarded FA who are better and will produce better results under the same conditions.

Are you just looking to argue? Because, if so, run along. I'm not in the mood.

Not sure there will be much discussion since you covered about everything in that first post.

Maybe not. I guess I was just wondering if I missed any or if people evaluated "BL potential" in the same manner.

tec and I always disagree about my minors in MG. He says I have nothing yet I keep calling them up and winning 15-20 more games a season than him. I'm assuming he would rather have a bench full of 60 across the board guys than guys who can only hit ies for power and play back-up COF/CIF.

No doubt this fits within your "defensive replacement anywhere" category, but I want a 3rd catcher in the playoffs. That gives me two opportunities in a close game to pinch run for my typically slow-footed 1&2 catchers.

Never thought about a 3rd catcher. I do like to drop a pitcher come playoff and add a position player though.

I usually drop 2 pitchers. Sometimes 3. I occassionally carry a rocket arm catcher who couldn't hit a beach ball with a paddle if I think he'll be a good addition in the playoffs.