This system contrasts with the more traditional strategy of having a starting pitcher, who handles the bulk of the pitching workload (typically over 5 innings), and reliever(s) who finish up the game (i.e. 5-2-2, 5-2-1-1, among various other combinations).
[1] The strategy is an adaptation from early research theories proposed by mechanical engineering professor at Princeton University and baseball statistician Earnshaw Cook.
[2] For games not enforcing the designated hitter rule, Cook realized that he could start the game with a series of relievers and use a designated batter when the pitcher would normally bat.
After doing so, in the following half inning where his team had to pitch, he would place the next reliever.
Mexican baseball analyst Tomas Morales pointed out that San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy had used, albeit unaware, a similar version of the system in game 6 of the 2010 National League Championship Series.