Mel Herman IV - version 2024:  Non-AIM, Draft, Modern (generally), DH/non-DH capable 

Note: Please include this text file with distribution of the zipped file.

Mel Herman IV is an non-AIM draft manager designed generally to handle modern or post-war games. He can, however, be used for other pre-modern games but his player usage, especially with pitching, may be too aggressive for such competition. 

			INSTALLATION

Herman IV consists of the following 4 files:

   MgrMel4.dct, MgrMel4.msy, MgrMel4.mob, MgrMel4.lib

In order to use, each of the four files must be located/moved into your BBW directory or folder in order for the program to work properly. You may place the files into a season sub-directory or sub-folder in you main BBW folder. However, Herman I will only be available if that season is loaded in League Manager.

If you are using BBW 5.75 then the above four files must be placed in the folder named "MicroManagers". This is located separately from the game and is found in your documents folder. That's usually located here:

            C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\APBAGames\Baseball\MicroManagers

NOTE: Herman IV DOES NOT set aside/bench starting pitchers or a team's rotation. You MUST bench your starters with your franchise files. Otherwise ALL PITCHERS will be used in relief.

                                       MEL HERMAN IV OVERVIEW
Herman IV is essentially Buck Miller IV but re-programmed to manage in non-AIM environment. In addition to that change, Herman IV is somewhat more conservative with roster usage especially bullpens. This will be especially noticeable in  non-close games (margins of 4+/- runs).

As stated above, Herman IV, like his companion manager Mel Herman III, does not set aside starting pitchers. Any pitcher will be used in relief. Additionally, this version should correct any previous problems with the use (or non-use) of split- or dual-grade pitchers. Remember, however, to check the relieving durability (QR) of that pitcher. Just because they had split grades does NOT mean that Herman IV will use them in long relief. If they have a QR of 3, they are considered short role relievers and will, for the most part, not be used in relief.

Herman IV is, as note above, nearly identical to Herman III in that he uses a quick modern hook with his starters especially in either save situations or with safe leads late. He selects closers late by adjusted grades (grade plus or minus control ratings)).

Normal closers will be those with adjusted grades of between 13 and 16. Super type closers (e.g., a Rivera) will have 17 plus grades. For the most part, he will use closers for one inning; however in critical situations (2 runners on, one or more outs, in the eighth) he will spot the closer for a inning+ of work. Additionally, if the closers have low relieving durabilities (2/1) they will also be used for multiple innings (usually a maximum of 2). Remember, RRs are important as well. Setup relievers are heavily employed, especially with platoon advantages. One batter relief specialist (e.g, average less than one inning per outing) are also used although less aggressivly than with Miller IV.

Low inning starters will be pulled quickly to save their innings. Also, with safe leads, starters will be yanked especially if the bullpen is strong and/or itchy relievers need outings.

Note: a tough area to program is middle or long relief. If your team doesn't have a long reliever type (e.g, QR of 2/1), Herman will try and rotate several short relief types (low grades/saves) for early-to-mid inning outings.

Offensively:
Both steal and H&R and steal chance driven. Stealing is limited to 100% or historic totals. Bunting is quite limited to low power/average hitters early; little more aggressive late in critical situations. SO per AB and SH per AB are critical factors in bunting (other factors are also considered). Aggressive PHing with platoon disadvantages. Will PH to pad lead late (but not for best defensive players); for DH with platoon disadvantage; for a better H&R; to bunt late; for an announced PHer against a new pitcher with a platoon advantage.

Aggressive subbing in blowouts; DS, PH for star players, PR for stars and subbing defensively will be seen. Base advancement based on advance chances (internal number provided by game plus OF/Inf arm plus speed). 

Note: If your league is using "two" Ohtanis - a pitcher card and a hitter card - it's suggested that you zero out the offensive numbers on the pitcher's card. Otherwise Miller I may use the "card" offensively as a pinch hitter. You might then see Ohtani pitching and then being used as pinch hitter. So just leave his pitcher's stats and remove the offensive numbers. 


For additional info, visit TheDigitalSkybox.website. Questions may be posted at the forum linked at the site.

