Hack Gilbert: Version 11: 1960-65 AIM Replay Manager (2015 edition)


		HACK GILBERT: 1960's DECADE REPLAY MANAGER

Installation Instructions:
Hack Gilbert consists of the following four files:
	
        MgrHack.lib, MgrHack.msy, MgrHack.msy, MgrHack.dct

If you are using BBW 5.5 or earlier versions, you must copy or move each of these four files into your BBW directory or folder.

If you are using APBA 5.75 then the above four files must be placed in the folder named "MicroManagers" that is located separately from the location of the game itself. 

		OVERVIEW OF MANAGERIAL STRATEGIES/STYLE

This seventh version of Hack Gilbert is designed to manage early 60s decade seasons, approximately 1960-65, while Hack Gilbert II is better suited for the latter half of the decade. However, this version can handle teams of the latter period if they had relatively higher CGs totals compared to the league averages. A mixture of the two can be undertaken.

Recommended Settings: 
1) AIM (necessary) 
2) Game Injuries and Fatigue 
3) Enforced Batters Faced 
4) Late 20th Century Recovery Rate 

Gilbert manages in the general style that dominated the early part of the 1960s. That period of baseball, as you may know, was noted for the high offensive years especially with the record setting homerun pace set by Roger Maris and the 1960s Yankees. As such, Gilbert tends to play more for the big inning but he will engage in guerilla tactics for those teams in the period that has to scratch out runs. So, he is programed to manage both high octane offenses and also rosters that played for one runs.

Among the general strategies to note are: 
1) Many of Gilbert's pitching changes are adjusted based on the "type" of bullpen that he is managing. Broadly speaking, this is determined by the total relief appearances of the pitching staff. Teams with high totals (roughly 230 or more) tend to result in Gilbert using a quicker hook than for the other two categories (light, under 160, and moderate, between 160 and 230). Other factors, however, are included when determining which type of bullpen is being used (e.g., QR or QR of the pitcher, ERA, games starter, total innings pitched et cetera). It's important, therefore, not too carry complete rosters when conducting a replays. Including more than, roughly, 12 or so pitchers may lead to Gilbert using quicker hook than was normally employed since relief appearances for that team would be higher than actual. If, however, your additional pitchers being carried only had a handful of appearances, there shouldn't be a problem. 

2) Some of Gilbert's pitching changes, as well, are based on the quality of the opposing pitcher. Facing a dominating or star starter, for example, he will often use a quicker hook, especially offensively, then when the opposing team's pitcher is "ordinary." 

3) Gilbert will: PH, pinchrun or sub defensively for star players in routs. He tends to prefer using "itchy" players in such situations ("regulars" - i.e., plate appearances of 350 or more will NOT be used in such games). Additionally, he will remove starting pitchers early in such lopsided games. 4) Balancing Bench: Gilbert will NOT use his team's last available player at catcher, 2b or SS UNLESS the game is in the ninth onward and his team is losing. Example: Detroit has two catchers, A & B, with A starting. B will be "saved" and not used unless the Tigers are losing in the ninth or later (emergencies notwithstanding). 

5) Saving bullpens. Depending on the strength of his team's bullpen, Gilbert may permit relievers (or starters) to get hit relatively hard in order to "save" a team's bullpen. So, if a team has a critical series or game late in the season, it may be wiser to manually manage those games/teams. 

One final note: although Red Smith was designed to specifically handle the 1968 season, Gilbert can manage that pitching dominant year relatively well. If you choose to use both Smith and Gilbert for 1968, I would suggest using Smith for the bullpen "heavy" teams (like the Chicago Junior Circuit club) while selecting Gilbert to handle the "ordinary" teams. 

For additional information on this or other managers, visit The Digital Skybox (www.TheDigitalskybox.com).
