Mel Herman III -  2025 version: Non-AIM, Draft, Modern (generally). 

Mel Herman III is an AIM draft manager designed generally to handle modern draft 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. He is NOT recommended for historic replays.


		INSTALLATION AND USAGE

Herman III consists of the following 4 files:

   MgrMel3.dct, MgrMel3.msy, MgrMel3.mob, MgrMel3.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 or 6.0 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 (the wording might be slightly different depending on which operating system/software you are using):

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

			       MEL HERMAN III: OVERVIEW
Mel Herman III is a non-AIM version of the AIM draft league manager Buck Miller III. While almost identical, Herman III is a bit more conservative with player usage, especially relievers. He tends to be less aggressive in non-close games and well as in playing left/righty platoon advantages/disadvantages.

Herman III does not set aside starting pitchers. Any 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 III 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 III uses a quick modern hook with his starters especially in either save situations or with safe leads late. He selects closers late by SAVES; but he selects other relievers mostly on grade plus acutal relief appearances (e.g., relievers with the same grade (approximately) will see the reliever with the higher relief appearances being used over the other).

Normal closers will be those with between 12 and 19 saves. Super type closers (e.g., a Rivera) will have 20 plus saves. 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 or QRs  (2/1) they will also be used for multiple innings (usually a maximum of 2).  One batter relief specialist (e.g, average less than one inning per outing) are also used but less aggressively than the AIM Miller III.

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 III will try and rotate several short relief types (low grades/saves) for early-to-mid inning outings. Again, as noted above, he's a bit more conservative with this.

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 information on this manager or other programs, visit The Digital Skybox at http://TheDigitalskybox.website
 

