In a post season fueled by emotion, this World Series is proving to be an entertaining one. Both league's wild card teams are now Championship contenders, riding a "don't underestimate us underdogs" emotional streak that many of the heavy hitters never showed up with.
The Giants are the veterans, with several of the players having multiple world series rings on their fingers leaving them looking like Mr. T, and a big part of that has been their veteran pitchers. This was even more evident with Mad Bum on the mound this past Sunday who owns a shocking 4-0 record with a .29 era in world series games. The scorekeepers have planned a policy to etch a W in the win column in all future starts for Mad Bum as oppositions have been left helpless unless you can get to the Giants bullpen, (who've has been no slouch). That's the one area though that the royals may have the Giants outmatched, as the Royals have one of the most intimidating bullpens.
Aside from Finnegan's recent implosion, the Royals have been fantastic, but it's the only thing that seems to be real on the Royals team, as their offense is uninspiring, and their starting pitching is fairly middle of the pack. The Royals are lucky enough to be facing the weaker part of the Giant's pitching staff as Jake Peavy struggled in his last outing against the royals, and has had problems going deep in the game the last few outings. Similarly, Tim Hudson has been nothing to write home about since September.
The big question mark is going to be with rookie Yordano Ventura who has been fantastic at times in the post season. He's also the first rookie to start for a Royals team in the World Series. A big question comes with his health however. Early in the season he was hitting 100 mph regularly on the gun until he had some arm problems. Some were concerned it would limit his play time, but he slowed his velocity and managed to put together a very respectable season. Upon entering the post season however, it's seemed he's released his Royal reigns. I was at the game he started against the Angels, and he was regularly hitting 100 mph once again, hitting 102 at one point in the 5th inning! He is a real talent for sure with big time upside for his career.
However, since unleashing, he's recently had reports of arm soreness. The team has been dismissive of it's problems but I think this is a big red flag. I'm very skeptical that he'll be as effective in this game especially deep into the game. The Royals have the bullpen to relive him, but I have concerns that the damage will be done before they get a chance to use it. If the Royals can win this one, they are my pick to win the championship. If the Giants get to Ventura however, I think the Giants take the series in game 6.
Giants are my pick in 6 games. If we see a game 7, look for the Royals to be taking home a historic championship win.
By Alan Clark
