Discussion I had with a buddy of mine last night, what roles would you include in a rotation?
I would stick with 12 pitchers. Many on this board would use less because less were used in the past, but frankly I don't think that is realistic anymore because pitchers must be at or near 100% effort on most pitches, that wasnt true in years past. To make these lists comparable you should probably assume you will average about 6 IP from your starters.
I would have 6 Starting Pitchers, but not in the way you would think. I would have 4 "regular" starters and would split 1 game between the other 2 starters, those would probably be my young starters. This way you give the bullpen a game off most of the time (unless the 2nd starter of that game implodes). This avoids some of the rest issues of bullpens encounter these days. Also it gives me a slot for less innings for young starters by keeping them at 4-5 IP per "start". I would rotate these two young starters as to who pitches first in their game. If possible, the 2 starter game would also have 1 LHP and 1 RHP.
I would complete avoid the closer idea. I don't care who gets the save and would make sure that contracts are based on appearances not saves.
Of my 6 relievers I would have 2 specialists, 1 RHP and 1 LHP that I intend to just be 1-2 batters. These would be guys with huge splits, probably either very hard throwing or somehow difficult to hit by that side of the plate. These guys would make a large number of appearances, so it would help if they had a fairly rubber arm (Neris type).
I would have 1 long reliever. A guy that goes 2-3 innings about 3 times every 10-12 games or so. He would only be removed for a PH, basically he is in there until he either comes to bat or proves it just isnt his day. Preferably RHP
The other 3 would be my standard 1 IP guys, 2 RHP and 1 LHP if possible (might have to be 3 RHP just because lefties are hard to find). These guys would make 60-75 appearances just as standard relievers. These would really be the best of the relievers. As I said, I don't care who gets the save, whoever is "hot" gets the middle of the order when it comes around.
I would have 1 standard 1 IP sitting in AAA. He comes up and fills in for injuries and also I make sure to rotate guys in to keep down the wear on the arm. Probably an older player.
Every pitcher would get at least two 1 week or so rest period during the season, even if I have to send them down to AAA or DL them.to do it. Much of this will work itself out due to injuries, but if a pitcher doesnt get injured I would still try as hard as possible to give the rest period. Might have to carry them on the active roster during this period as the current rules do not allow for this type of "rest" designation.