Gil Johnson - 1970's Manager

Designed to manage or guide 1970's decade replays, Gil Johnson follows the general
managerial style of the period.


1) A quick hook for AL pre-DH starters and NL starters with a much slower approach
to pulling starters AFTER the DH was introduced. Similarly, he will permit quality
relievers to pitch much longer with the DH in effect (e.g., 3+ innings). Relievers
in pre-DH or NL leagues will generally have much shorter outings.

a) Johnson does NOT set aside a starting rotation and, therefore, will
occasionally use a starter in relief (if they compiled relief appearances
during the year). This will usually be done late in close games or where
a team's bullpen was thinned due to fatigue or injury. However, he will
"save" or prevent one possible starter (e.g., one or more GS) from being
used in relief in order to start the next day (or game).

b) Johnson will employ both a "bullpen by committee" approach for teams with
multiple closers or no single dominant closer. With such bullpens, he will
greatly favor platoon advantages and will also be quick to summon another
closer if the current reliever is struggling. For teams with one dominant
closer, however, Johnson will usually stay with that stud reliever even
if being hit hard unless the save has been blown.

2) Johnson's offensive substitutions, meanwhile, tend to be more aggressive as you get
deeper into the game. This will include attempts to pad or add to a lead in a threat
situation. Platoon advantages or disadvantages come into great play, as well.

3) Blowout or Rout Strategies: Johnson will PH, PR or sub defensively for star players
in lopsided games. He favors, in particular, usuing "itchy" substitutes (both offensively
and defensively) and will be more aggressive in going to the bench if an "itchy" sub
is available.

4) Pinchrun Specialists: Several teams during the 70's, most noticeably the Oakland
franchise, made great use of PR specialists or players who were used predominantly,
if not exclusively, as pinchrunners. Johnson will quite aggressively use these
players - not only in critical situations late (i.e, down or tied) but also to add
to a close lead. In almost all situations, these players will only be used a
pinchrunners and will be immediately replaced defensively.