2014 World Series preview

And, so, it's down to two.

The San Francisco Giants are seeking their 3rd World Series title in 5 years. It's too easy to ascribe the term dynasty to describe Bruce Bochy's tenure in San Francisco, considering that he had previously managed in San Diego, where he played most of his career. However, he is looking more and more like he will follow Joe Torre, who won 4 titles, and reached the World Series 6 tiimes in an 8 year stretch (1996-2003), into the Hall of Fame.

Giants ace Madison Bumgarner will start Game 1 on 5 days rest, having pitched in the clinching game of the NLCS vs. St. Louis. The bad news for Bumgarner is that he won't be able to bat, since the game is in Kansas City, and AL rules apply. James Shields opposes Bumgarner, wrapping up his 2nd season with the Kansas City Royals, who have been, for all intents and purposes, the story of the postseason.

The last time the Royals were in the World Series, they won it all in 1985 behind George Brett & Bret Saberhagen, who likely will get to throw out the first pitch tonight and/or tomorrow. This year's team is a collection of role players, much like the Giants, but for people like Mike Moustakas and Alex Gordon, this is their coming out party. The Royals have been on the cusp the last couple of years before breaking through this season. They dispatched the AL's top two seeds, Los Angeles and Baltimore, to get here. San Francisco went through Washington and St. Louis, resulting in a very fresh matchup in the Fall Classic.

One note to consider: In 1985, before the Royals won the World Series, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute won the NCAA hockey title. This past spring, another school from my home district, Union College, won the NCAA hockey tournament. A portent of things to come? Maybe, but then there's also that whole even-numbered year thing with the Giants. 2010, 2012, 2014. There will not be a sweep this time. Instead, the Series will go 7 before San Francisco raises the trophy again.

Of course, I could be wrong, and I have for most of the postseason already........