RELIEVERS—2017 LIMA targets

Ron Shandler's "LIMA Plan" is named for Jose Lima, but is an acronym: Low Investment Mound Aces. The goal is to spend only $60 on a 9-man pitching staff and overwhelm the competition with $200 of hitters. Instead of buying roles (starter; closer) an owner using this method would buy the best skill sets available, mostly at $1-5. This was a highly successful method for staffing teams in 4x4 (before strikeouts and runs and 5x5 became the norm). Now, it is one of many strategies available for the myriad of available formats.

It was not that long ago that the filters we used at BaseballHQ.com to meet the minimum LIMA criteria as a reliever were projections of: (1) a Dom of at least 6.0; (2) a Cmd ratio of at least 2.0; (3) a HR/9 no greater...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Relief Pitchers

This column covers relievers who might cost you a lot chasing saves but then fizzle out because of skills or injury risk.
Mar 8 2026 3:07am
This is the annual sleepers column, but let's be honest: There are no sleepers. There are relievers with great skills who are cheaper than they should be ... and that's what you want anyway.
Mar 1 2026 3:03am
Here are your high skills relievers projected to come at a discount and earn a profit, per LIMA grades.
Feb 22 2026 3:04am
These five pens are going to figure out roles during Spring Training. Kevin Ginkel appears to be the favorite in Arizona, but let's look at the known options from a skills perspective.
Feb 15 2026 3:07am
An early February run through closers by NFBC ADP.
Feb 6 2026 3:04am

Tools