There comes a point each spring when the buds of a bullpen revolution seem to be everywhere. One team's closer competition between two great relievers inspires a managerial pledge to "play matchups" and get both pitchers saves. Another team's "fluid" situation suggests a possible closer by committee. A surplus starter might be used in a hybrid role, pitching long relief and high-leverage like the firemen of yore. And the memories of the previous October -- when some team probably got knocked out because it held its closer back for a save situation that never came; or when some team's dominant closer undoubtedly nailed a series of five- and six-out saves to become a legend -- encourage all of us to imagine the possibilities of a less restrained bullpen ace.
The bullpen revolution has not been televised
