September Mode

[thehef]

Introduce a 'September Mode' for AI game & roster management. It'd be great if this feature was extensive and totally realistic. However, at a minimum, something like this would be a huge improvement:

For teams in September Mode...

Upon clinching a playoff spot:
-starting pitchers would go slightly fewer innings and perhaps pitch on more rest
-reserves & callups would play more innings, start more often, and of course, starting position players would rest more
-the top 2 starting pitchers would not pitch in the last 2 (or 3) games of the regular season
-the closer & top 2 (or 3?) relievers would not pitch in the last 3 games
-starting position players wouldn't play as much in last 3-5 games (would sit, pinch-hit only, or make cameos)

For teams in contention, until either clinching or being mathematically eliminated:
-the rotation would be trimmed to 3 or 4 starters (depending upon era) & the mode would be 'start highest rested'
-starting position players (those that don't platoon) would start more often, perhaps even 100% of the time, when possible

When a team is either mathematically, or realistically, eliminated (this may already be the case on Sept 1st):
-the top 2 or 3 SP's would take their regular turns in the rotation, but the other rotation spots would shuffle among callups/youngsters & the remaining 2 or 3 regular SP's
-callups/youngsters' usage out of the bullpen would increase
-position player reserves & callups would play more innings, start more often, especially top prospects

Logic could be added so players in contention for major stat titles don't sit too often...

Note that the above are just my suggested parameters for September Mode, in order to illustrate the idea. Actual parameters could certainly be different (more detailed, less detailed, or completely different)... In some shape or form, something like this would greatly add to realism, IMO.

[juanito89]

very good idea

[SmoothGentleman]

I dig this idea, definitely realistic

[professor ape]

I like this. The alterations to strategy for teams which have clinched playoff spots would have to be tempered if they still have the chance for home field advantage.

This will be particularly important when we gain the option of having byes in playoff rounds.

[flaquis010285]

I think this may be named "Late-Regular-Season Mode", due to differences between leagues (September -effectively- in MLB and Asian leagues, December-January in many Winter Leagues, for example).

[gcostas]

i love the idea too. i hope its not to late to change it. i still want to see the players assign to their proper teams during their carrers. i have second and ten footbal and cactus pro basketball and they seem to do it right. hope marcus gets it right.

[kcroyalgm]

The idea has merit, but it would be a bear to program and would never please everybody.

What about when division mathematically clinched but still vying for best record for home team advantage?

It seems to me to be way too difficult to program all the possibilities to make it effective.

[damientheomen3]

yeah, its a smart idea, it may have some holes, but definitely something to consider

[mgom27]

Also send people down meaning still has Options if like lets say the Triple-A team is in the Playoffs and if the MLB team is in the Playoff Chase won't call up all it's people on 40 or what ever number man roster in September because the Prospect could just be sitting on the Bench.

[struggles_mightily]

You'd also have to balance the desire of non-contending teams to take a look at their prospects in Major League contexts against their reluctance to start the 'service time' clock. And that may be a balance that changes from era to era, and front office to front office.

[byzeil]

I like this idea in general. It could be simplified by having another set of lineups that can be used that are for resting starters or giving prospects a chance.