For the first time in 30 years, the Kansas City Royals are World Champions! After coming up short last year, the KC kids seemed almost destined to bring the trophy back to the city. After a 14 inning thriller to take game 1, it was obvious that the Royals were willing to do whatever it took to secure the title. They seemed like a run producing machine. Get on, get over, get in. That is the way baseball is supposed to be played. It's the way everyone learns the game. They didn't rely on the big fly, they manufactured runs and took advantage of situations. Everyone was ready to contribute when their number was called. The bench players seemed like they would be in a starting 9 on 75% of other teams. It was exciting, fundamental baseball and I loved every second of it! I found myself staying up, struggling to keep my eyes open during games 1 and 5, not wanting to miss a single pitch. Both teams definitely gave me my money's worth.
Both Edison Volquez and Matt Harvey put on great pitching performances, but it would seem that Harvey was left in a little too long. Manager Terry Collins had made the decision to yank Harvey after the 8th inning, but Harvey was able to talk him out of it. Honestly, I don't even have a problem with this decision. If a pitcher believes he has it, you let him go back. I would have still pulled him, but as a former pitcher and coach, I can see the case for leaving him in. The problem I have is leaving him in once a runner got on base. There is NO WAY he can throw another pitch after that. I don't care if he begs and screams as he's being drug off the field, that's it. Great game, but you're done. Well, obviously Terry Collins didn't ask me. He left Harvey in for another batter & the rest is history.
The final out of the Royal's 2014 World Series run was named the MVP of their 2015 run. Catcher Salvador Perez was constantly beat & batter by foul balls, but controlled the hell out of the Kansas City pitching staff. He also went 8 for 22 during the 5 games and earned every single vote for MVP.