Late Inning Bullpen Troubles

[Dynasty Legend 99]

First of all this is not a thread about comeback code or anything of the sort.

My Brewers franchise is currently sitting at 57-62 in the month of August and I am in last place in the NL Central. I have been having a lot of trouble lately keeping 1 and 2 run leads, usually if it is anything more than 2 runs.. I don't have an issue.

My Roster file is Totte's Hybridized Opening Day Roster and I am playing on P.A.D.'s Sliders on HoF
Here is my Bullpen (I have made moves but nothing purely for the purpose of molding a Bullpen for the Future)
LR Marco Estrada (Now injured for the Rest of the Season)
MR Jeremy Jeffress R ERA: 3.60
MR Rob Wooten R ERA 2.86
MR Ken Giles R ERA 1.17 (albeit 16 innings)
MR Corey Knebel R ERA 2.32
SU Jim Henderson R ERA 1.90
CP Neftali Feliz R ERA 4.08 34 SV 11BS
I seem to be getting into bad counts pitching wise late into games because I try to nibble at the beginning of each AB, Should I be going after guys?

In other words is the configuration of bullpen missing something ( I know that I am missing any lefty's)(in terms of pitcher types?) And I'm looking for more efficient strategies to employ when I'm trying to close out a 1-run game.

I also play every game on FULL COUNTS so no tips about Simming or QC, please.
It's been hard being a losing team but I need to learn how to be a better late inning team so I can hopefully pursue the playoffs next season.

Thanks guys, this post could probably go in the dynasty progress thread but I needed Gameplay advice.

Thanks Fellas, and I look forward to helping out with OSFM next season.
DL 99

[Bullit]

Re: Late Inning Bullpen Troubles

Let me ask you a couple of questions first.

What difficulty are you playing on what pitching mechanic do you use?

[countryboy]

Re: Late Inning Bullpen Troubles

I feel your pain DL 99, my bullpen has been terrible this year after being lights out in year one.

As for your makeup, outside of lefty's, I'm not sure you're really missing anything. The best advice that i can give you right now is don't nibble with your bullpen, especially your setup and closer. If they have an overpowering fastball, throw it about 80% of the time (For every 10 pitches, 8 of them should be fastball) Remember a fastball is 9 different pitches (UP/IN, UP, UP/AWAY, IN, MIDDLE, AWAY, DOWN/IN, DOWN, DOWN/AWAY). Also, you should only use the weakest pitch as a "show me" pitch. In other words, if guys seem to be timing your fastball or fouling it off, try using a show me pitch but make sure its out of the zone. You're only using this pitch to put a different thought into the hitter's mind.

Remember, bullpen guys are there because they have low stamina, so setting up hitters is not a strong suit for these guys. Find your best pitch and throw it consistently, and in the zone. You should be challenging hitters more with a bullpen guy than setting up, because typically a bullpen pitcher is only going to face a guy once.

[Jr.]

Re: Late Inning Bullpen Troubles

It looks like Feliz is the only guy struggling. Why not switch your closer?

[Trent Booty]

Re: Late Inning Bullpen Troubles

Maybe make a trade for a closer, moving Feliz to to a SU role

[SmooveMove]

Re: Late Inning Bullpen Troubles

Are you playing every game? I feel like there would be a few more ERAs north of 3.50 if it were really a problem, unless your simming games and they're getting there scoreless innings in there. The only solution I could think of besides really being extra cautious while you pitch is to trade for a strong piece on the level of a Clippard or an O'flaherty since you need lefties.

Also you should definitely give Neftali a break from closing duties. Those 11 blown saves really mean something.

[cusefan74]

Re: Late Inning Bullpen Troubles

Start going after guys and find a new closer. 11 blown saves in August. That's not good!

[Dynasty Legend 99]

Re: Late Inning Bullpen Troubles

Update:
I play on HoF difficulty all the way through and I use Meter Pitching

I moved Henderson to the Closer role and I do play every game, I was trying to give him (Feliz) the benefit of the doubt because he was an All-Star with 30 saves at the Break. I sent Feliz down to AAA as well, hopefully give him a shot to come from that 69 OVR and work towards his potential.

I made an early season trade (May) where I moved K-Rod and Brandon kintzler to Texas for Feliz and Rua.

Thanks for your guys advice, I'm gunna be posting an update soon on the status of my team as I enter september.

[Bullit]

Re: Late Inning Bullpen Troubles

Sorry it took me so long to reply came down with a stomach bug, it hasn't been pretty. I was pretty much going to say what CB did. Don't nibble with relievers. They are good for 20 pitches at the most, they are your one innings guys. Go right after you opponent. When my guys are struggling I also warm up two guys at a time. That way if a guy starts to blow it I have somebody ready I can bring in right away. I have no leeway with my bullpen. I learned the hard way that one pitch too many gets you more losses than saves.