Giants vs. Royals: 2014 World Series predictions
Here are 2014 World Series predictions from our CBSSports.com experts.
By
Eye on Baseball staff
•
2 min read
After four baseball-less days, the Giants and Royals will finally begin the 2014 World Series on Tuesday night. James Shields and Madison Bumgarner will be on the mound in Game 1 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. Here are World Series predictions from our esteemed and infallible CBSSports.com experts.
Jon Heyman -- Royals in 6
The Royals may look like they're on a magical ride, but they've gotten this far with an established formula of pitching and defense -- especially defense. In these two big parks, their glovework will play huge, giving them an advantage in a series that should be close. World Series MVP: Alex Gordon
Mike Axisa -- Royals in 6
For the first time in a long time, I honestly don't believe there's a favorite in the World Series. Both teams are obviously very good and no outcome would surprise me. These clubs are very evenly matched and both seem to have the whole "team of destiny" vibe.
But, since I have to pick, I'll go with the Royals. I love their bullpen -- it really is a six-inning game with Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland looming -- and I think their brand of controlled chaos on the bases will make them even more dangerous on the road in AT&T Park. More than anything, I'm rooting for a nice long series that is every bit as exciting as the first three rounds of the postseason. World Series MVP: Alex Gordon
Dayn Perry -- Royals in 7
There's rarely any rhyme or reason to the postseason. It's a short-run outcome in the long-run sport. That said -- and only because I'm being forced to pick someone -- I'll take the Royals, mostly because of Ned Yost's recent willingness to get the ball to his dominant trio of relievers (Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland) early in the game. I like the Giants' offense better and see the rotations as mostly a push, but I envision the Royals' defense and bullpen making the difference. KC in seven. World Series MVP: Greg Holland
Matt Snyder -- Giants in 7
As we've seen so far in this postseason, anything goes and nothing would surprise. I'm not comfortable picking against either one of these teams and I'd love to choose either one. That being said, I have to pick one, so ...
I'll take the Giants. They have better starting pitching than the Royals have seen so far and have shown enough ability to scratch across unlikely runs that they'll be able to get a few of those close, late games that the Royals have made their own. Basically, what the Royals have been doing in the AL, the Giants have done in the NL (without the speed on the bases, of course). I do think we'll finally get a full series this postseason and it's going to come down to an epic finish. Or maybe it's hope? Either way, it should be fun viewing for true baseball fans. We know that much. World Series MVP: Buster Posey
