I think Bilfert's point was that he wanted Elton to come in via a double switch, so another hitter and not Elton would bat in the 9th.

I interested in watching how this develops.... I think you're going to have innings to burn, but perhaps you can squeeze a few spot starts out of him later in the season.

I don't think I'm smart enough to figure out a way to get Sparky to reliably use him as a two-inning closer. He will either get passed over a lot in the 8th, pulled for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the 8th/top of the 9th if he does pitch the 8th or, most frustrating of all, get yanked for a mopup with 2 outs in the 9th.

But I love to use Elton Chamberlain and Ferdie Schupp as shutdown long relievers. Sometimes I use them together, set them each for 40 TPC/50 MPC (or more), set the pull at "1" or "2" and set the starter to only 60 or 70 pitches. They're over $12 MM combined, but worth it. One of my teams won a WS with Chamberlain and Schupp doing the mid/late inning honors, and Chamberlain also pitching in as a spot starter.

Quote: Originally posted by redwingscup on 5/13/2010I interested in watching how this develops.... I think you're going to have innings to burn, but perhaps you can squeeze a few spot starts out of him later in the season.

I am hoping for that as well. This is a draft league where players are unique so my pitching is not elite from top to bottom by any stretch. I am also hoping to use him as a Starter in the Playoffs should I be fortunate enough to get 30+ wins out of Charlie Ferguson

You just have to win 100+ games.

I had Elmer Steele '08 (125 IP/162) as my closer in a high-cap progressive league. He was set to come into the game in the 7th (though I don't think he ever did) and had a PC of something like 35/50. He was even allowed to come into non-save situations.

My team won 130 games. Elmer pitched in 67 games and threw 98.3 innings. He was 61/64 in save chances. He probably would have pitched more but my team didn't play a lot of close games.

Sparky will use him more if you make him the only setup A guy. If you make him available in the 8th he'll be the guy pitching the 8th and 9th every time he is not fatigued.

Quote: Originally Posted By Trentonjoe on 5/14/2010Sparky will use him more if you make him the only setup A guy. If you make him available in the 8th he'll be the guy pitching the 8th and 9th every time he is not fatigued

Even though I am in that league too, I'll agree with TJ. Make him your only Set Up A guy, have no closer, and set his pull rating on 1, and PH rating to 0. All your other relievers are long A... Elton is the guy who gets put in in important late inning situations, and stays in for his PC.

Are you guys saying that Set Up A is only used when winning or tied? I am not looking to maximize his appearances, I am looking for quality appearances. I don't want him coming in when losing by a couple runs (which I think will happen alot in this league.

Im using him on several teams right now in the same way. Setup A with pull of 1 and everyone else at Long B.. Im also using y Tyler in a progressive in a similar way and he is 14-4 with a sub 3 era. I think its a good idea and if you look at 3 50 inning guys its going to run you 5-5.5 mil or so and ur only paying 6.15 for a shutdown pitcher that can come in during key moments in every game.. not a bad price to pay and its definitely something ill continue to test with my next 5 or 6 teams.

Theres really no way to distinguish key moments from losing by 3 or 4 with your setup pitchers... thats something you'll have to risk when using him this way. You could try using him as a closer to maximize his quality appearences, but you wont maximize his appearences.. but that might not be a bad thing if you are using him as a spot starter. Either way will be effective, just depends on how you want to use him!

Then have someone else in set up B role.. Sparky will use the SETUP A when winning or close, and setup B when losing by more.

im interested in trying a guy like '00 Pedro, or '95 Maddux and only drafting 100 other IP or so for my bullpen.. you could draft 28 mil for your starters and spend 12-14 mil on one of those guys plus a few extra IP and only spend 42-44 mil total on pitching for an OL with tons of quality innings. You could draft some studs with that formula.. im excited to give it a try.

Consider appearance fatigue... realistically, if you want pitchers to pitch at 100%,they can appear about 80 games.

You'd be better served getting 2 130 IP guys for the role, so that they can switch on and off when tired.

Game 7 (AWAY: Comiskey Park (I))

With the score tied 2-2 Elton enters the game in the 8th inning with 2 outs. Sparky does NOT double switch with Elton due up 2nd in the top of the 9th. Elton gets one out and is then Pinch hit for in the bottom of the 9th (UGH). I end up winning in 12. I am pretty disappointed he was not double switched and lifted after only 1/3 of an inning.

APPEARANCES: 2
SAVES: 1
BLOWN SAVES: 0
WINS: 0
LOSSES: 0
IP: 2.1
ERA: 0.00

BOXSCORE

Game 8 (AWAY: Comiskey Park (I))

Up 2-0 in the 6th, Sparky brings in Set Up A Johnny Niggeling. Johnny pitches the 7th and Elton does not come in to start the 8th. After Niggeling gets the first two batters, Elton comes in to get last batter. Sparky does NOT double switch with Elton as he is up 6th in the top of the 9th. After giving up a single in the 8th he gets out of the inning. It the bottom of the Ninth Elton gives up a walk and a single before getting the final out and a save.

APPEARANCES: 3
SAVES: 2
BLOWN SAVES: 0
WINS: 0
LOSSES: 0
IP: 3.2
ERA: 0.00
WHIP: 1.36
OAV: .267

BOXSCORE