Gustave Robichaux II - Modern, Draft, AIM, DH/non-DH

Gustave Robichaux II is an AIM draft manager designed to handle (mostly) modern replays/leagues. He can, however, be used for other pre-modern (ca. 1970) games but his player usage, especially with pitching, may be too aggressive for such competition. Robichaux II is programmed for leagues that have no or few limits on pitcher usage (e.g., unlimited innings or BFs). Should not be used with AIM off.

PITCHING

NOTE: Robichaux II sets aside/benches starting pitchers or a team's rotation. He will consider either a 4 or 5-man rotation if the fifth rated starter (ranked by starts, high to low) had more relief appearances than starts. If true, a 4-man rotation will be used. Otherwise, a 5-man group will be used. None of these starters will be used in relief.

- Robichaux II follows roughly along the general lines of the Buck Miller managers, that is he's designed mostly for modern draft league games where quick pitcher hooks and aggressive bullpen and player usage is usually followed. He differs from the Miller managers in that he is programmed for leagues where there are no (or few) limits on pitcher usage or where pitchers may exceed their BFs or historic innings.

- Because of this latter factor, Robichaux II is more conservative with relief usage but has a quicker hook on starters (usually ~27 batters faced depending on other factors). This is to allow a starter to rest more quickly for the next start and, because relievers have no limits, permit a bullpen to finish up a game. However, because relievers have no limits on innings (or BFs), Robichaux II is more willing to allow relievers to pitch longer, especially short role types (durability of 3).

- Additionally, he is more conservative with left/right matchups and is less likely to use very short role relievers (those - usually lefties - who averaged less than an inning an outing) for one or two batters.

- Closers are selected by grade and not actual saves. A team's top rated reliever (ranked by adjusted grade or grade plus control ratings) of 10 or higher will be considered its top closer and other relievers will be used to setup this top reliever (that top reliever will be used, if rested, for multiple innings however, i.e., not a one-inning closer).

- Starters will be pulled quickly to save their RRs (while actual innings pitched are ignored a starter's durability rating, RR and RF are considered). 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), Robichaux II like I will try and rotate several short relief types (low grades/saves) for early-to-mid inning outings.

OFFENSE

- As with the Miller managers, both steal and H&R and steal chance driven. Stealing is limited to 100% or historic totals.

- Bunting is limited (for the most part) to low power/average hitters early but is more aggressive against top flight pitchers; 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).