Mel Herman IV - Modern, Non-AIM, DH/non-DH

Herman IV is a modern, Draft Only, non-AIM manager who follows the modern managerial style of play.

  Herman IV is essentially Buck Miller IV but re-programmed to manage in non-AIM environment. In addition to that change, Herman IV is somewhat more conservative with roster usage especially bullpens. This will be especially noticeable in non-close games (margins of 4+/- runs).

  Herman IV DOES NOT set aside/bench starting pitchers or a team's rotation. You MUST bench your starters with your franchise files. Otherwise ALL PITCHERS will be used in relief.

  Herman IV is, as note above, nearly identical to Herman III in that he uses a quick modern hook with his starters especially in either save situations or with safe leads late. He selects closers late by adjusted grades (grade plus or minus control ratings).

  Normal closers will be those with adjusted grades of between 13 and 16. Super type closers (e.g., a Rivera) will have 17 plus grades. For the most part, he will use closers for one inning; however in critical situations (2 runners on, one or more outs, in the eighth) he will spot the closer for a inning+ of work. Additionally, if the closers have low relieving durabilities (2/1) they will also be used for multiple innings (usually a maximum of 2). Remember, RRs are important as well. Setup relievers are heavily employed, especially with platoon advantages. One batter relief specialist (e.g, average less than one inning per outing) are also used although less aggressivly than with Miller IV.

  Low inning starters will be pulled quickly to save their innings. Also, with safe leads, starters will be yanked especially if the bullpen is strong and/or itchy relievers need outings.

Note: a tough area to program is middle or long relief. If your team doesn't have a long reliever type (e.g, QR of 2/1), Herman III will try and rotate several short relief types (low grades/saves) for early-to-mid inning outings. Again, as noted above, he's a bit more conservative with this.

Offensively:

- Both steal and H&R are steal chance driven. Stealing is limited to 100% or historic totals. Bunting is quite limited to low power/average hitters early; little more aggressive late in critical situations. SO per AB and SH per AB are critical factors in bunting (other factors are also considered).

- Aggressive PHing with platoon disadvantages. Will PH to pad lead late (but not for best defensive players); for DH with platoon disadvantage; for a better H&R; to bunt late; for an announced PHer against a new pitcher with a platoon advantage.

- Aggressive subbing in blowouts; DS, PH for star players, PR for stars and subbing defensively will be seen.

- Base advancement based on advance chances (internal number provided by game plus OF/Inf arm plus speed).