7 World Series Matchups That May Vanish Tonight

While the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics both sit on the verge of being eliminated from the 2012 Postseason, both still have at least a chance of making it to the greatest summit in all of baseball: the World Series.

Here is a rundown of the possible World Series matchups if either the Giants or A's can win tonight, and eventually make their way to the Fall Classic.

Athletics vs. Cardinals: Flying Elephants Series

Excitement Level : 1 / 5

Yes, the Cardinals and Athletics have met before in the World Series.

In fact, they traded championship wins in back-to-back years, with the A's coming out on top in 1930 and the Cards victorious in 1931.

Still there isn't much intrigue in seeing the two teams battle it out this year, other than the fact that the underdog A's would be taking on the defending World Series Champions.

But that storyline has been played out enough, no?

Giants vs. Tigers: When Worlds Collide

Excitement Level: 2 / 5

The Giants have been around since 1883. The Tigers have existed since 1894. Yet despite their longevity, the two franchises have never met in the World Series—which is odd, especially considering both clubs were strong at the same time, the 1900s and 1930s.

Regardless, the fact that this would be the first matchup between the two still doesn't generate much excitement.

Sure, Buster Posey had the National League's highest batting average, and Miguel Cabrera was the first Triple Crown winner in over 40 years, but I'm not convinced that many people outside of the San Francisco and Detroit areas really want to see this showdown.

Athletics vs. Reds: Third Generation Series

Excitement Level : 3 / 5

The Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds seem to have a knack for getting hot during the same time periods.

In the 1970s, just as the Oakland Athletics were piecing themselves together, so was Cincinnati.

Under the management of Dick Williams, the A's defeated Sparky Anderson's Reds in 1972. The Athletics went on to cement a dynasty by winning the title again in 1973 and 1974.

Yet just as the A's started to cool off, the Big Red Machine took the helm. The Reds won the Fall Classic in 1975 and 1976.

While only meeting once during this period, the teams did find themselves playing each other once again at the World Series a generation later, in 1990. That year, under the guidance of manager Lou Piniella, the Reds thwarted the possibility of another A's legacy by sweeping Tony La Russa's defending World Series Champions.

Should the A's meet the Reds again in this generation, both teams would battle to break the tiebreaker, and determine which team is historically the more dominant ballclub.

Giants vs. Athletics: Battle of the Bay II

Excitement Level: 3.5 / 5

1989 was probably one of the most famous World Series in recent memory. Not only was it the first matchup between the Athletics and the Giants since 1913, but it also centered around the San Francisco Bay, where both teams had relocated to in the 1950s and 60s.

As a consequence of both teams residing in California, the series was also the first World Series to be interrupted by an earthquake. As such, 1989 was remembered not only as "The Battle of the Bay," but also as "The Earthquake Series."

And although the A's swept the Giants in 1989, there's reason to think San Fransisco might fare better this time around. The 2010 World Series champions had the third-best batting average in the National League this season, and with Buster Posey leading the NL in the regular season with a .336 BA, Oakland pitching would certainly have their hands full.

Giants vs. Orioles: Halloween Series

Excitement Level: 4 / 5

There's a very simple reason that a San Francisco vs. Baltimore World Series would attract a lot of attention.

No, it's not because the series would be the first matchup between the two ancient franchises. And no, it's not because the games would be between two teams widely considered underdogs.

It's because both teams have orange-and-black uniforms, and they would be playing the World Series during Halloween.

This possible matchup would market itself.

Athletics vs. Nationals: The Underdog Series

Excitement Level: 4.5 / 5

While the San Francisco Giants and Baltimore Orioles might both be considered underdogs, they still are somewhat outdone by the Oakland Athletics and Washington Nationals.

As old as the Athletics franchise might be, they haven't won a World Series since 1989 and haven't appeared in one since 1990. After being swept by the Tigers in the 2006 ALCS, the A's had a string of bad years. They had losing seasons in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011.

Currently down 0-2 in the ALDS against the Tigers, an A's comeback in itself would be stunning at this point.

Then you have the Washington Nationals—the incarnation of the Expos—and a continuance in the traditionally mediocre Washington teams.

If the fans are somehow still able to enjoy a Nationals-Athletics World Series, there's no doubt it would be a classic.

Giants vs. Yankees: Rivalry Renewed

Excitement Level: 5 / 5

Believe it or not, before the New York Yankees were the team to beat in the postseason, the role was filled by the old New York Giants.

The New York Giants competed in many of the early World Series—1905, 1911, 1912, 1913 and 1917.

Things changed in the 1920s, however, when the Giants were forced to play their crosstown rivals, the Yankees, three years in a row. And while legendary manager John McGraw led the Giants to victories in 1921 and 1922, the star-studded Yankees were finally victorious in 1923.

In subsequent years, the Yankees beat the Giants in the Fall Classic numerous times—1936, 1937, 1951 and 1962 after the Giants had moved to San Francisco.

Though the Yankees have not met the Giants at the World Series in 50 years, the history is still there.

Should these two teams meet, the matchup would peak fans' interest from sea to shining sea.