Bibb Holmes - Deadball Era Manager

Pitching:

Holmes uses generally a 1960s pitching approach combined with a deadball era offensive game. So, he’s much more aggressive with his hook than any “ordinary” deadball era manager. You’ll likely need a deeper staff in order to use him. If, for example, you’re only carrying 6-8 quality pitchers, Holmes will not be a wise choice.

Note: Holmes might be an interesting choice for a poor hitting 1960s or so draft league team. Lots (as compared to normal 60s play) of small ball but with a relatively quick hook.

Closers are chosen by grade with grade 14 or higher pitchers meeting the criteria. Holmes also uses “ace closers” or pitchers with 16 or higher grades. Ace closers will be used more aggressively than “normal” closers.  Starters are not saved or set aside but used in relief late in critical close situations (-2/+3 or saves late, eighth inning on). All pitchers with more starts than relief appearances is considered a starter; however, those with more relief appearances will be used more aggressively in relief late. But this, too is qualified by the grade of the pitcher. A starter with a high grade but few relief appearances will usually be used in close situations over another starter with a lesser grade.

Note:   Although Holmes uses a 60s style, he will have a slower hook for high inning starters. He’ll also be more likely to let low QS (starting durability) starters finish up. Because he’s designed for deadball era games, he still likes to leave starters finish up in safe games and save his bullpen innings for closer contests.

Small Ball/Offensive:

Holmes is more conservative than  “normal” deadball era managers with small ball strategies. He tends to hit and run more than bunt, but he will bunt more against top flight pitchers to scratch out runs, and  also, of course,  steal more. However, steal chance is NOT emphasized here as much as actual steals. So, poor success guy may be given a green light.  He will pinchrun late to steal another run (note: won’t PR for best defensive players when ahead OR star players when tied). Steal rating/success is not considered when H&R is called. Speed of the runner plus HR rating of the batter (and a few other factors) are considered instead.

Has a blowout strategy for star players including PRing, PHing and subbing defensively. Will sub late defensively for better players.