Quote:
Originally Posted by Nutlaw
Though presumably their numbers aren't quite as good as if they were relievers. Obviously their VORP will be higher because they are pitching more, however.
|
Well, VORP is what matters as that is a measure of their overall contribution to the team. You can get 3-4x as much value starting top relievers as you can using them in relief. This is very problematic because top relievers are far more plentiful than top starting pitchers.
Here is a guy I drafted with the 74th overall pick:
League average ERA was 3.90-4.12 in those seasons (He was only 25 in the first season where he put up a 3.45 ERA). There are numerous examples of guys like this who I or the AI have drafted and used in a SP role. The AI lineup selection actually sticks guys like this in for you, so you can't even avoid cheating unless you set your own lineups.
There are a number of problems that combine to create this issue:
1. Endurance doesn't matter as much as it should.
2. Reliever production is normalized for these very high stuff/movement/control ratings.
3. Too many great relievers are generated. In reality, except for a few closers, most pitching prospects are drafted as potential starters and those who can't hang become relievers.