In 2014, a dominant starting pitcher won the World Series. Madison Bumgarner had two wins, including a complete game shutout, plus a five-inning save on two-days’ rest that gave the Giants a victory over the Royals in Game 7.
The next year, Kansas City defeated the New York Mets in five games, using a markedly different strategy. Rather than ride a dominant starter, their relievers were the keys to victory.
Baseball hasn’t been the same since.
“Everybody’s trying to get their bullpen stronger,” said Diamondbacks outfielder Jarrod Dyson, who was on both Kansas City teams. “If you ask me, I think that team in Kansas City started that trend.