It’s hard to handicap the World Series. After all, who can predict the unpredictable? Both the Giants and the Royals defied expectations and the odds to make it here as Wild Card teams – the first time that has happened since 2002.
The Royals have momentum. They’ve won 8 straight postseason games this year – something no team has ever done before. But the Giants have magic. They won the World Series in 2010 and 2012, so if you believe in patterns, then this is their year.
Kansas City has speed on the base paths in Lorenzo Cain, who hit .301 this season with 28 steals. Jarrod Dyson swiped 36 as a reserve outfielder.
But San Francisco has power pitching in the fab four of Madison Bumgarner, Ryan Vogelsong, Tim Hudson and Jake Peavy. Bum hasn’t given up a run on the road in 26 and 2/3 innings. This season has been most improbable. Who would ever believe the Giants could win the pennant without Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum throwing a pitch in the playoffs?
However, if the Royals bunt, steal and sacrifice their way to a lead after 6 innings, they will be tough to beat. Their bullpen of Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and closer Greg Holland have been lights out in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings.
The Giants will counter with the Killer P’s: Posey, Pence and the Panda. Throw in DH Michael Morse and you’ve got a lineup with some real pop.
Here’s a look at how the two teams match up, player to player:
Position by Position Comparison
My prediction: the Giants over the Royals in 5. Kansas City could surprise everyone, but that would be odd. After all, it’s an even year.
