Quote:
Originally Posted by Dyzalot
How many times did Andrelton Simmons get pinch hit for last year in the 7th or later with his team leading? Or Alcides Escobar?
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Zero. And zero. But maybe their actual managers in MLB are less prone to pitch-hit late than is your manager. And maybe your roster is different than the Braves and Royals rosters last year.
What are your manager's tendencies? Is he a guy who likes to pinch hit an awful lot? Maybe that actual MLB manager actually would pinch hit for Andrelton or Alcides in these situations, if he had your roster.
What is the difference in batting ratings between your SS and the player that pinch-hit for him? What is the difference between the fielding ratings of your SS and the player who took his fielding spot?
The only way I could justify pinch-hitting for a great SS when I have a late lead is if a lot of the following are true:
a) my bullpen is weak and/or tired (and my SP if he is still in the game)
b) the opponent's bullpen is dominant
c) my PH is a great hitter
d) my replacement SS is decent with the glove
e) Andrelton is fatigued (or nearly so)
f) the pitchers I expect to use are very flyball prone
g) the park is very flyball prone
h) the opponent's lineup has a lot of LHB pull hitters with good power
i) I have 2 or 3 runners on base
j) I have 0 or 1 outs