The new column is up at mlb.com. In one of the questions a reader asked about a strategy of sitting closers when they’re at home. He rightly ascertained that closers save about 55 percent of their games on the road. It also turns out that they win nearly all their games at home.
All of which is interesting, but not very useful in roto leagues. But he plays in a league that allows free substitution, but limits the number of days relievers can be on the roster. So, by taking an extra closer and rotating these guys in only when they’re on the road, he gains a five percent edge in saves.
It also turns out his league counts Losses, and closers lose more games than they win, and they lose most of them at home, too. Another reason to sit them when they’re at home.
This type of research and thinking is essential in games that allow free substitution. It isn’t that a five percent edge is always going to work out, but if it comes without additional cost you’d be crazy not to exploit it.