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I managed WSEM Big Wood in 2012-13. The first year, no one knew what they were really doing. Teams pitched their aces in pool play, they batted six guys, and it was a lot of learning on the spot. 2013 was pretty similar. As we enter the sixth year of the tournament, a lot of the strategy has evolved. I managed Big Wood to a .500 record, which equates to ‘Not Good Enough’. I stepped down and let Alex Shore take over. The rosters in 2014 were expanded to eight, Stephen Farkas also joined the team, and Shore won two titles. I still think Shore was the right man for the job, as he had a specific role for each player on the team. I was really impressed with his roster selection and how each guy fit a role. I may not have managed a team to a championship, but I am well aware that the teams that have won post 2013 have won because they have guys on the team who accept certain roles. Here is a freshman level breakdown of an eight-man roster and the roles each guy should have.
- Starting Pitcher 1: This is your ace, and you can’t win without one. Bush, C. Harley, Farkas x2, and Bush or Roeder. SWBL couldn’t get over the 3rd place hump until they added Crosley, who is an ace. This is simple. You need one, and you need to use him the right way. Shore didn’t like batting his pitchers, but I am not against it. If your ace wants to hit, keep him happy.
- Starting Pitcher 2: I’ve said it for years; you go as far as your #2 takes you. Pitchers no longer have to sit out two games if a game goes over eight innings, so you can ride two pitchers in DE play. Your #2 is going to have to win some big games if you want to compete. OCWA has the best 1-2 punch right now, and it’s not even close. Most teams do not have the luxury of having two aces, but you need to bring a #2 and treat him like your ace. Don’t use him much, and if possible, at all during pool play games. Don’t put him in the field if he’s not pitching unless you have to. Keep him fresh.
- Starting Pitcher 3: See the trend? Pitching wins. This is an extremely important roster spot. In 2014, the Dads #3, Evan Bischoff came into the championship game against TBW to help win the game. In 2016, OCWA pitched their #3, Regis Pollard in the opening game of DE play to keep Bush and Roeder fresh. Your #3 should be ready to pitch in DE, but I am not as strict when it comes to keeping him out of the field or out of the lineup. Your #3 in my opinion is the third most important roster spot on the team. Lastly, give him a game in round robin, and pitch him against your toughest round robin opponent.
- Hitter 1: I actually am higher on hitting than I used to be. I remember when the Dads won it all in 2014; they had the 13th best batting average in the tournament. They were able to get the clutch hits when they needed to, and I never really worried about hitting. With better and better pitching in this tournament, you need a stud hitter, who only focuses on hitting. Your best hitter could easily be your best pitcher, and that is fine. You should however, have a roster spot for a guy who simply hits. If he is a top fielder as well, put him in the field. Often, making a good play in the field will give a player confidence in his next at-bat.
- DE OF: I didn’t know what to call this spot, so I will call it ‘Double Elimination Outfielder’. If you’re going to make a run in this tournament, you will be playing quite a few games. It is a bad idea to change up fielders in double elimination. Unless you move an OF to pitcher, or a fielder is just having a bad day, keep the same guys in the OF together so they can mesh. Bring a stud fielder, and let them know they will be playing in the field for every inning of DE play.
- Round Robin Pitcher 2: The SP3, could also be called the RR1, so this spot is basically the #4 pitcher. Make sense? This guy will get a start in round robin play, and can be a bullpen guy in DE. How else you want to use him in DE is up to you. Maybe he is a good EH/DH or maybe he can be the other OF.
- Round Robin Pitcher 3:
The #5 pitcher on your staff. Yes, I am telling you to bring five pitchers. Give this guy the game against your worst round robin opponent. I doubt he will see any time on the mound in DE play, unless maybe there is a lopsided game and you don’t want to burn any other pitchers. Like the RR2, this guy could also double down as your other OF, or an EX/DH.
- Utility Man: The 8th man can be an important roster spot. Teams rarely bring the same roster every year, so if possible, use this spot for a young up-and-comer. Have him come to get the whole experience, and give him some playing time in round robin play. Let him know his role, and make sure he is ok with it. Make sure this guy is positive and can hype up the team. Have him coach a base during DE games. Keep him involved.
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