It’s important to remember the bounty returned to the Royals in the deal that moved Mike Montgomery from their organization.
Wade Davis and James Shields, cornerstones of future pennant and championship success, arrived from Tampa Bay in the 2012 trade, a no-contest winning decision for the Royals.
Still, a bit of longing for Montgomery on Sunday was understandable. A member of the Mariners for two seasons, Montgomery was the most effective pitcher in Seattle’s 8-5 victory over the Royals before 27,544 at Kauffman Stadium.
Both teams dipped into their bullpens, tapping pitchers who had been relievers most of the season to start.