Mel Herman V - Modern Draft League Manager (non AIM)

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


MEL HERMAN IV OVERVIEW

As stated above, Herman V, like his companion managers Mel Herman III and IV, does not set aside starting pitchers. Any pitcher will be used in relief. Additionally, this version should correct any previous problems with the use (or non-use) of split- or dual-grade pitchers. Remember, however, to check the relieving durability (QR) of that pitcher. Just because they had split grades does NOT mean that Herman IV will use them in long relief. If they have a QR of 3, they are considered short role relievers and will, for the most part, not be used in relief.

Herman V is, as note above, nearly identical to Herman III and IV 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).

However, Herman V is more aggressive in using closers in save situations. While the other Herman managers make sure to have at least one other reliever available to use in addition to the closer, Herman V disregards that safeguard and will use a team's closer even if it's the last available reliever. This may be problematic if the closer blows the save and is required to finish the game, i.e, he may pitch 4-5-6+ innings and subsequently "eat up" or use his allocated innings (assuming the league has limits).

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 V will try and rotate several short relief types
(low grades/saves) for early-to-mid inning outings.

Offensively:
Both steal and H&R and steal chance driven. Stealing is limited to 100% of 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).