New Managers
Bobby Nixon: Modern, Draft, AIM, DH or Non-DH, WBFs ON,
HIGHLIGHTS:
Pitching:
You need to bench your starters/rotation. Otherwise any and all pitchers will be used in relief.
Closers: By grade - Regular closers, adjusted grades of 13-16, super closers adjusted grades of 17 or higher (grade plus control adjustments). Adjusted grades are the relieving grade (or starting if the pitcher didn't have a relieving grade) plus one grade point for a Z rating, two for a H and one for a G (all with no runners on; with runners on, the bonus is (generally) another grade point). Struggling closers pulled if advantage.
Regular closers: 2 innings if QR is 2 or less and RR 10+. Superclosers one inning but spotted for 1+.
Quick hook: Starters pulled at the 27 batter limit (and 7 innings or more) or 33 batter limit.
Typical modern era draft style: E.g, starters go 6-7, setup relievers for an inning each, and super closer for the ninth. If your roster isn't made for such a strategy, Poppa might not be a good choice. Lefty specialists used. Pulls starters in safe lead (7+ runs) or lower if itchy relievers need work.
Itchy relievers given one batter late outings in blowout type games.
Offense:
Steals and H&R influenced by steal success. H&R against Z pitchers, double play prone batters, or low walk average hitters (all batters must have 2+ HR rating). Will selectively bunt with good contact hitters (low SO per AB) and "good" SH per AB. Both standards are used along with other factors. Generally conservative with PHing. Stays with starting eight except in obvious situations. Favors players who play the position of the batter over others.
Standard add-ons: Stars taken out in lopsided games w/PH, PR or defensive subs; uses better defensive players when ahead late (1-5 runs). Important: Resting star players with better defensive numbers will usually NOT be used to sub defensively. So, a Bonds on the bench will not come into the game defensively for a weaker OF. Favors use of innocuous players in routs as subs. Itchy players get used before non-itchy as well.
Casey Clarke: Modern, Draft, AIM
CASEY CLARKE: Modern Draft League AIM
Pitching:
Starters are NOT saved. You must bench them yourself. Closers by grade but high grade relievers will be used from the 6th inning onward in close games. Clarke is very aggressive in using the highest grade relievers in close situations (-1/+3) from the middle onward. So, he's not concerned about saving his best closer until late; he'll use them early (i.e., 6th inning on)
Designed with workable batters OFF. Again, OFF - so he ignores actual innings pitched and concentrates solely on grades.
Heavy emphasis on platoon advantages, quick hook, based on very deep bullpen. Will pinch run late to steal a base to pad lead. Subs defensively with better players (8th onward with 1-5 run lead), will also PR with better defensive players. Conservative blowout sub patterns (only 8th onward). Very little small ball other than stealing. Rarely bunts, hit and run selectively. Tends to play for big innings and not scratch out runs.
Steals and H&R based on steal chances. Limits on steals 100%, so total steal attemps used as well as steal chance in running.
Clarke was designed for a heavy offense-oriented league.
Jack Donovan: AIM, Draft, Modern, DH/non-DH (better with non-DH but can be used for both)
JACK DONOVAN: Draft League Manager
Pitching:
Starters/Bullpen: Any pitcher with one or more relief appearances AND more relief stints than starts will be used in relief. All others are considered STARTERS only.
Closers/Superclosers: Rated by SAVES and not grade. Supercloser types (a Rivera, a Gagne) are one inning types with 25 or more saves. Closers have between 12 and 19 saves. Not sure what he will do with relievers with between 20 and 24 saves (?). Will use closers for multiple innings if RR is 14 or higher for the 7th, 10 or higher for the 8th. So, not a LaRussa one-inning type closer strategy.
Will use setup relievers is supercloser can't go multiple innings.
Hook: Generally modern, i.e, quick with use of setup guys, long/superclosers. Best guess: load him and see how he does.
Offense:
Has an interesting H&R strategy that might be useful. Conservative base stealing; greatly influenced by steal success. Not much bunting except late or with low power hitters. Steals: steal rating considered greatly; base stealers given 50% bonus on steal numbers late (8th inning onward or 6th onward and two outs).
Note: Has some very player specific strategies for star players - e.g., those who are taken out in lopsided games or those who will stay in close games at all times and not PH for. So, be careful when using him.
Includes the usual: subs defensively w/better players (7th onward up 1-3 runs), blowout sub strategies (but see above), PRs to steal a base late to pad lead.
Kerby Hart: Modern, Draft, AIM, DH or Non-DH
KERBY HART
Pitching:
Starters are NOT saved. You must bench them yourself. Superclosers (e.g., a Rivera type BUT one inning only) are relievers with either 30 or more saves or a relieving grade of 19 or higher. Relievers meeting those two criteria will be used as superclosers. And only for one ining. If not rested or available supercloser is available, closers will be used; these are relievers with 12-19 saves.
Most of the other roles for relievers - such as mop up pitchers or long relievers or setup relievers, are player specific for the most part. So, again, be judicious trying him out.
Modern hook.
Offense:
Some unique stuff with Hart. He'll pinch hit for the catcher EVERY time from the seventh inning and later if a replacement is available and the score is +/- four runs and the PHer has a higher average.
Considers greatly steal rating when giving the green light. Low success, won't go. Based on league limits with steals.
Otherwise, pretty ordinary with small ball and pinch hitting.
Best suggestion, test him with your club.
Lou Woods: Modern Draft, AIM, DH or non-DH
Manager: Lou Woods
Pitching Overview:
Starter/Bullpen: Any pitcher with one or more relief appearances is considered as a potential reliever. So, you must bench any pitcher that you do NOT wish to be used in relief.
Closers by grade w/supercloser types having effective grades (grade+control adjustments+platoon advantages (if any)) of 17 or higher. One inning supercloser types used generally but will spot them in the 8th in a threat situation. Closers have adjusted grades (grade+controls adjustments) of between 13 and 16.
Typical modern hook - very quick especially with high QS (starting durability) starters.
Uses setup relievers if supercloser available; otherwise will use closer in the 8th and generally not use a setup guy for the 7th. Again, built for solid starting staff with relatively deep bullpen (especially for team's with multiple high grade relievers (17+)).
Offense and Other:
Very ordinary. Relies more on big innings as team was a solid one. Has all the bells and whistles including blowout sub, use of itchy players and relievers, et cetera. Steal rating is heavily considered when deciding when to steal (low success guys won't go). But is designed with 100% limits on steals.
NICK DAVIDSON: Modern, Draft, AIM, DH or Non-DH
Originally a custom manager. Modern draft league with some unique strategies.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Starters: None are benched. All pitchers will be used in relief. You must bench all starters before the game starts. Otherwise, they will be used..
Overall: Davidson has a very quick hook and is best with teams with deep and rich bullpens.
Superclosers/Closers by Grade:
Superclosers with adjusted grades (grade+control
ratings) of 17 or higher. Other closers have adjusted grades of 13-16. Generally one inning for superclosers;
multiple inning for other closers if low relieving durability (2 or 1).
Setup relievers heavily used; platoon advantages emphasized. Quick modern hook;
low inning starters (150 and under) are pulled at the 28 batters faced.
Starters pulled with
Stud relief strategies (e.g., 18+ grade coming in late) heavily used.
Itchy relievers given one batter appearances late to remove itchiness.
Ordinary draft league strategy: Starter for 6, setup relievers for two, closer for one.
Offense:
Steals - 100% limits. Based on steal chance and numbers. Steal chance is critical. Also, H&R influenced by steal chance. Big sluggers (.530 slg and above) never H&R. Z pitchers, low walk batters, generally lead to more H&R. Batters have to have 2+ HR rating. Nice strategies pinchhitting with platoon disadvantages, especially with DH. Aggressive bunting with ANYONE, especially down throughout the game. Davidson likes to get that first run and will sacrifice even with high power hitters.
Early blowout sub strategies with players removed in the 6-9. Better defensive players brought in late with 1-5 run leads. Star players on bench usually sit unless close late. Itchy players preferred in lopsided games to get some PT. Will PR to steal second or third or with better, faster defensive players late when ahead.
Walter Blair: Modern, Draft, AIM, DH or Non-DH, WBFs ON
A Custom Manager with some specific strategies/programming; but should be okay to try. Manager is nearly identical to Buck Miller IV with exception of the use of multiple inning closers (2 inning).
PITCHING
Starters: NOT benched; you must bench them with f-file or use LM bench rotation option
Saves: By Grade, closers have adjusted grade (grade plus control ratings) of 13-16, superclosers are those with control ratings of 17 and higher. Two inning closers used if applicable for both types (RR must be high).
Setup relievers used IF supercloser available. Not setup guys used if normal closer.
Based on the Buck Miller IV manager with slight adjustments to better fit a specific roster. Quick modern hook with starters both in save situations and also "safe" games (e.g., 6-7+ run leads). Will use itchy relievers late to remove their itchy status (e.g, face one batter and replaced with another itchy reliever, et cetera).
OFFENSE
Steals influenced greatly by steal success/chance. Same with H&R. Limited bunting except late with critical run on base. Steals based on 100% limits. Greatly considers platoon ratings when PHing. Blowout sub strategies - PR, PH, Def Sub.
As mentioned above, if you like Miller IV but want to use a closer for more than the LaRussa one-inning approach, try this one.
Big Poppa: Modern, Draft, AIM, DH or Non-DH, WBFs ON,
Custom manager as the name implies: Foundation was Miller IV with adjustments.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Pitching:
All pitchers with 30 or more starts or more starts then relief appearances is considered strictly a starter. All others will be used in relief.
Closers: By grade - Regular closers, adjusted grades of 13-16, super closers adjusted grades of 17 or higher (grade plus control adjustments). Adjusted grades are the relieving grade (or starting if the pitcher didn't have a relieving grade) plus one grade point for a Z rating, two for a H and one for a G (all with no runners on; with runners on, the bonus is (generally) another grade point). Struggling closers pulled if advantage.
Regular closers: 2 innings if QR is 2 or less and RR 10+. Superclosers one inning but spotted for 1+.
Quick hook: Starters pulled at the 27 batter limit (and 7 innings or more) or 33 batter limit.
Typical modern era draft style: E.g, starters go 6-7, setup relievers for an inning each, and super closer for the ninth. If your roster isn't made for such a strategy, Poppa might not be a good choice. Lefty specialists used. Pulls starters in safe lead (7+ runs) or lower if itchy relievers need work.
Itchy relievers given one batter late outings in blowout type games.
Offense:
Steals and H&R influenced by steal success. H&R against Z pitchers, double play prone batters, or low walk average hitters (all batters must have 2+ HR rating). Will selectively bunt with good contact hitters (low SO per AB) and "good" SH per AB. Both standards are used along with other factors. Generally conservative with PHing. Stays with starting eight except in obvious situations. Favors players who play the position of the batter over others.
Standard add-ons: Stars taken out in lopsided games w/PH, PR or defensive subs; uses better defensive players when ahead late (1-5 runs). Important: Resting star players with better defensive numbers will usually NOT be used to sub defensively. So, a Bonds on the bench will not come into the game defensively for a weaker OF. Favors use of innocuous players in routs as subs. Itchy players get used before non-itchy as well.
aCozy Cole: Modern, Draft, AIM, DH/Non-DH Leagues, Cross-Era League
Custom designed manager:
Modern draft league, DH, built for a cross era league where teams tend to be loaded with offensive might. Generally, plays for big innings but does H&R aggressively; so he tends to straddle the line from being a run manufacturer to a stand pat manager. Steals are unlimited and steal chance is heavily favored. Same with H&R, but very low standard is used (runner on third: steal chance of 2nd of 20 or more; if just one runner on, 18 or more). Team specific strategy to note: will H&R with good hitting pitcher up and shortstop at first (-1/+4 steal chance of 2nd 24 and higher).
PITCHING
Starters: All pitchers with more starts than relief appearances are considered starters ONLY. All others will be used in relief.
Saves: Closed rated/graded by actual saves with normal closers having save totals of 13-23, while superclosers are those with 24+ saves. Two inning closers can be used for normal (under 20 saves) while 24+ closers can be used from as early as the seventh if low QR (2/1) and high RR (14+) are met.
Setup relievers in save situations used IF supercloser available and he's not fully rested to pitch multiple innings. Not setup guys used if normal closer. Lefthanded relief specialists are not used.
Note: supercloser is used more aggressively here not only in save situations but close/tied games earlier. So, Cole won't limit the use of a stud closer to just basically save situations.
Middle relief strategy has some odd details: Very team/player specific. Should be okay with other rosters but take note.
Template or foundation for Cole orginally was the Buck Miller III manager with adjustments to better fit league rules and specific roster. Quick modern hook with starters both in save situations and also "safe" games (e.g., 6-7+ run leads). Will use itchy relievers late to remove their itchy status (e.g, face one batter and replaced with another itchy reliever, et cetera).
OFFENSE
Steals influenced greatly by steal success/chance. Same with H&R. Limited bunting except late with critical run on base. Steals based on 100% limits. Greatly considers platoon ratings when PHing. Blowout sub strategies - PR, PH, Def Sub. Conservative witth pinchhitting; tends to stay with starting eight. Offensively, with the exception of steals and H&R, an Earl Weaver general approach (e.g., will PH with platoon disadvantages).
Will PR to steal a base (second/third) late when ahead (or tied). Generally, 28+ steal success/chance needed (number is adjusted by lead - 28 minus offensive lead up to 3 runs).
aLuke
Roughly: +/- 7 runs or so. Less for starters and if itchy relievers need some work.
Tony Soprano.: Modern, Draft, DH/non-DH, WBFs
on (
Team/Custom modern draft league manager
---- TONY SOPRANO -----
Soprano is a custom manager designed to handle a modern draft league roster. While he has some team specific programming, he should be okay to try with different rosters. Information to note include:
Pitching:
Rotation must be saved with franchise file or with lineups. Otherwise, if not benched all pitchers will be used in relief.
Closers and/or Super-type closers are by adjusted grades. This is determined by adding the relieving grade (or starting grade if no relief grade) plus or minus any control ratings. These are Z or W and/or HR allowance letters. Super closer types (someone used like a Rivera or Urbina) must have an adjusted grade of 17 and higher. They will usually be limited to one inning outings; however if they have a relieving durability of 2 or 1 and a high RR (usually 12+), they may pitch at the start of the 8th in a save situation. Additionally, in order to start the 8th they must have 60 or more innings pitched on the season.
If a team has more than one supercloser, the fully rested reliever with the highest total will be used as the primary supercloser and the other(s) used as setup relievers. Other closers have adjusted grades of between 13 and 16 and will be used as a team's primary collection of closers (highest AGs used first) if no supercloser is available. These closers may pitch multiple innings. Setup relievers (highest grade down but lefty/righty consideration used) will be used to setup the supercloser. One batter specialists are use not only as setup relievers but in critical non-save situations late (against high platoon matched hitters).
Starters pulled with workable batters of under 7 (i.e., RR minus batters faced in game). Quick hook with safe leads (5+ runs if low IP starter; somewhat higher for higher inning starters: but it's quick) if bullpen rested. Otherwise, starter are allowed to finish up (generally).
Itchy relievers given one batter outings late (if possible) to remove status. Modern hook with multiple relievers used in most contests. Need deep bullpen. Soprano's' pitching strategies are very similar to Buck Miller IV with the above difference (i.e., superclosers grades/innings needed, et cetera).
Offense:
Small ball: steals and H&R influenced by steal chance (actual steals also plays a smaller role). Strategies based on 100% limits. All types of steal undertaken, e.g., double steals, steals of home, et cetera (although they are rare). Limited bunting except late. SO per AB and SH per AB greatly used to rate bunters. H&R aggressive; more liberal than most managers. Usually, but not exclusively, against Z pitchers; low walk average hitters (i.e., .100 and less); double play prone hitters; 3+ HR rated batters; lefthanded batters with runner being held. Miller III/IV pinchhitting and other sub strategies. E.g., will PH for DH with a platoon disadvantage; will PH ahead to add to lead late (but best defensive players stay); PH to H&R; PH to bunt in critical situation late or to squeeze; PR to steal but quite limited.
Subbing in lopsided games from 7th onward. Better defensive players late (8/9 with 1-5 lead). Prefers using itchy bench guys in lopsided games. Quick blowout subbing - generally +/- 8 runs. Likes to go to bench in lopsided/rout type games.
RUSSELL HENRY: Modern, Draft, AIM, DH or Non-DH
Originally a custom manager. Modern draft league with some team specific strategies.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Starter usage: All pitchers with 0 starts are considered relievers. All others are considered solely as starters and will not be used in relief.
Superclosers/Closers by Grade:
Superclosers with adjusted grades (grade+control
ratings) of 17 or higher. Other closers have adjusted grades of 13-16. Generally one inning for superclosers;
multiple inning for other closers if low relieving durability (2 or 1).
Setup relievers heavily used; platoon advantages emphasized. Quick modern hook;
low inning starters (150 and under) are pulled at the 28 batters faced.
Starters pulled with
No stud relief strategies (e.g., 18+ grade coming in late).
Itchy relievers given one batter appearances late to remove itchiness.
Ordinary draft league strategy: Starter for 6, setup relievers for two, closer for one.
Offense:
Steals - 100% limits. Based on steal chance and numbers. Steal chance is critical. Also, H&R influenced by steal chance. Big sluggers (.530 slg and above) never H&R. Z pitchers, low walk batters, generally lead to more H&R. Batters have to have 2+ HR rating. Nice strategies pinchhitting with platoon disadvantages,
especially with DH. Not much bunting. Bunting influenced by SO per AB and actual SH per AB. Low power guys, obviously, will bunt more.
Early blowout sub strategies with players removed in the 6-9. Better defensive players brought in late with 1-5 run leads. Star players on bench usually sit unless close late. Itchy players preferred in lopsided games to get some PT. Will PR to steal second or third or with better, faster defensive players late when ahead.
Spud
Originally a custom manager with some of the more interesting strategies of the managers available. Some team/player specific strategies; but limited.
PITCHING
Starters: Any pitcher with zero relief appearances is considered a starter. All other will be used in relief.
Saves: By grade with closers having adjusted grades (grade plus control ratings) of 13-16, superclosers are those with CURRENT EFFECTIVE GRADES of 17 and higher. So, platoon ratings and first batter effectiveness bonuses (usually 5 points) are considered. Multiple inning closers (normal and super) if relieving durability is 2 or lower OR if there's one or more outs in the eighth. Otherwise, one inning only.
However,
Quick hook, then in critical situations if
the above applies. Additionally,
Setup relievers used IF supercloser available. No setup guys used if normal closer. However, Spud will not "stick" to the typical modern style - e.g., 6 innings starter, two innings of setup guys, one inning for closer. He'll mix things up a great deal especially, as noted above, in critical situations and a 18+ pitcher needed for key outs.
NOTE: Will pull ALL starters when their workable batters is 7 or less (if bullpen is not thin).
OFFENSE
Steals influenced greatly by steal success/chance. Same with
H&R. Greatly plays the percentage. One of the interesting areas is with
bunting:
Other points:
Steals based on 100% limits. Greatly considers platoon ratings when PHing. Blowout sub strategies - PR, PH, Def Sub. He likes to leave a pitcher in to bunt in the right situations even if that pitcher will immediately be removed the next half innings. So, don't be surprised to see a pitcher lay one down and then immediately be replace the next inning. Saves the bench.
Blowout sub strategies, best defensive players in late, et cetera.
Note: