Red Martin – Version 5 (AIM, 1970’s, Junior/Senior Circuit Season (DH or non-DH) manager).
Martin was created in response to numerous fan requests for a manager to specifically handle that 10-year span. As such, Martin was designed to closely mimic the managerial tendencies of that era, which included for many teams: an extreme aggressiveness with the running game (taking the extra base, stealing when behind, multiple H&R strategies, especially at home on ‘turf) and the use of star relief pitchers (long closers) early in save or tied situations. Additionally, Martin is designed to handle pitching staffs both for the pre-DH and DH Junior Circuit teams where, in the former, managers used a quicker hook while, for the latter, until later in the decade, both starters and relievers tended to pitch longer. Some of Martin’s other strategies to note are:
1) Aggressive early with the running game and against catchers with below average arms (-1 and lower). Will use the hit and run extensively, even when behind if good speed is on the base paths. However, later in games Martin will more likely play for a big inning. He will, however, aggressively pad a close lead late, often pinchhitting when ahead in a threat situation or using “pinchrun specialists” (especially for the Oakland franchises of the mid-to-late 70’s) to get into scoring position.
2) As was the general trend, Martin likes to use long closers in save situations early in games, for example from the 7th inning on. Additionally, he has a quick hook with marginal starters (QS=3 or higher) while willing to let the quality starters (QS=1 or lower) pitch late in games. His hook, as the styles changed historically, will be slower for the Junior Circuit DH games and quicker for the same league before the introduction of the DH. Additionally, during DH play, Martin will usually stay with one reliever for 2-3+ innings but, for pre-DH or non-DH games, usually will not let relievers pitch that long.
3) Benching starting pitchers. Martin will, if the pitchers were used in that capacity, bring in starting pitchers (broadly defined as: 50% or more of appearances were starts) in relief. However, this strategy is greatly limited and will be used ONLY if there is always at least one rested pitcher remaining who is able to start the next game. So, while it is not necessary – or advisable – to bench a team’s starting rotation, obviously if you’re either following historic rotations or wish to save a particular spot starter or starter with a number of relief appearances for the next game, it would be wise to bench that pitcher. Martin does not set aside a starting rotation.
4) Martin has a somewhat restrained blowout substitution strategy that entails PHing, PRing or replacing defensively key players in lopsided games. He will be more lenient with his substitution pattern in lopsided game, however, if there are “itchy” players on the bench.
5) As with some of the other managers available, Martin is reluctant to use resting or benched star players in a game unless the game is “on the line.” If the tying run is on base or is at the plate, Martin will use a star player in a pinchhitting role. Otherwise, these quality players remain on the bench unless emergencies require their insertion.
6) Pinchhitting. Players must have at least 5 PH at-bats or more in order to to pinchhit unless. Also, pitchers who did PH during the season (defined as pitchers with more offensive games than defensive ones), will occasionally be used to bat. However, this is quite limited and will usually only be done when a team’s bench has been depleted.