Last summer, and more famously in October, the Indians accelerated — if they did not usher in — a revolution in bullpen usage.
The Indians freed Andrew Miller from the label of closer, and the dubious save statistic. The Indians freed Miller from the restraints of the ninth inning, and one-inning usage. Removed from convention and tradition, Miller's talent was maximized in high-leverage situations, appearing as early in games as the fifth inning in October.
The inspired strategy helped lift a club down its No. 2 and No. 3 starting pitchers to the brink of a World Series title.
Mike Clevinger and next-level bullpen-ing for Terry Francona
