KC Royals: 1985 vs 2015, Who Is The Real Champion?

Oct 28, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch against the New York Mets in the 9th inning in game two of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Brett Saberhagen(20-6), Charlie Leibrandt(17-9), and Danny Jackson(14-12) were the top pitchers in 1985. Saberhagen and Leibrandt both boasted ERAs under three, and  Jackson put forth a great performance in the World Series that helped his team to victory.  Also, it is worth mentioning Saberhagen was named the 1985 Cy Young Award winner and World Series MVP.

At the helm for the 2015 KC Royals there was, Ventura(13-8), Johnny Cueto(4-7), and Edison Volquez(13-9). Ventura had his share of hot headed moments during the season, with Cuero and Volquez both putting forth decent efforts. However, all of their ERAs hovered around four. Through the season these pitchers seemed inconsistent. Point 1985 KC Royals.

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Next is an essential to any post season, the bullpen. Over a span of 30 years, the roles of a bullpen have changed, so this one is a difficult one to compare.

Off the bat, the point goes to 2015. They had a much stronger bullpen throughout, between Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis, Luke Hochevar, and Danny Duffy, it is arguably the strongest bullpen in the majors. The 1985 KC Royals had Dan Quisenberry. The rest of the bullpen was just mediocre.

However, it is important to look at the era. In 1985, the closer(Quisenberry), would pitch more than an inning, and the starters pitched more. Because of that a plethora of power arms was not necessary.  But still the point goes to 2015.

Next: Bench And Final Tally