Royals-Orioles: Breaking Down the Twitter Buzz Heading into 2014 ALCS

In one of the more unlikely ALCS matchups in MLB history, the Kansas City Royals and the Baltimore Orioles will vie for the right to represent the American League in the 2014 World Series.

As Game 1 approaches, here are a few social media trends that have developed throughout the week.

Everybody Is Cheering for the Royals. (Except Maryland).

When James Shields takes the mound for Game 1 on Friday, it will be the first time since 1985 that the Kansas City Royals have played in an ALCS. 

The Royals' underdog story has captured the adoration of the country. 

Don't believe me? Notice the map in the following tweet.

That is a whole lot of blue.

The Kansas City Star mentions the lopsided support. 

Why have Americans gravitated toward the Royals? 

Kansas City provided the country with its first taste of October thrills in the 2014 postseason with a wild comeback victory over the Oakland Athletics in the AL Wild Card Game.

The Royals erased a four-run lead while down to their final six outs, improbably sending the game to extra innings. They would ultimately have to come from behind again in the bottom of the 12th inning to secure their place in the ALDS.

That incredible back-and-forth affair gave Americans a glimpse at the spirit of the already fierce underdogs from the Show Me State. 

The club also possesses an electric offensive game plan.

The Royals rely on speed and on-base percentage, hoping to push the envelope with their plethora of base stealers. Manager Ned Yost puts the pedal to the metal for nine innings, resulting in plenty of exciting moments. 

The Two Offenses Are Polar Opposites.

Both offenses are successful units capable of posting crooked numbers on the scoreboard in the blink of an eye.

But those runs come in different fashion for each team.

Daniel Clark of MASNsports.com presented this stat that puts the offensive differences of each team in perspective.

The 2014 ALCS will pose the age-old question; which is more effective, power or speed?

As seen above, the O's won't run much. But they will be a threat to leave the ballpark at every spot in their lineup. This is especially true at Camden Yards, where Baltimore hitters have taken the "grand tour" 107 times in 2014.

But are the Orioles too reliant on their high home run total? The following stat shows the huge discrepancies in homers between the two teams.

Although the Royals have used the long ball so far this postseason, don't expect it to continue. This team is built to get on base and create havoc on the basepaths. 

You have probably heard the popular phrase "speed never goes in a slump" when describing quick players in baseball, but that cliche is very accurate. K.C. will put relentless pressure on the O's throughout the series, regardless of their success at the plate.

The O's may have the more potent offense, but in a playoff series the Royals' strategy may be the more effective.

Buck Showalter Is Getting the Love He Deserves. 

The postseason often comes down to managers and their ability to make important decisions on the fly.

Baltimore fans can rest easy knowing that manager Buck Showalter is at the helm. 

The O's skipper will be appearing in his first ever championship series, after taking over for a woeful Baltimore club in 2010. Showalter led the Orioles to an AL East championship in 2014 with a 96-66 record.

The Internet has given Showalter his due as the ALCS approaches.

Here is CBS Sports' Jon Heyman:

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick:

And finally Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports:

The Orioles are four wins away from the World Series, largely in part because of the work of their manager.

His in-game decision-making is what separates him as one of the best in the business. That is especially true regarding his bullpen management. 

With Yost often criticized for his managerial tactics, the difference in this evenly matched series may come down to Showalter simply being the better manager.

So who is going to the World Series?

I expect the ALCS to showcase what makes postseason baseball great.

The Royals and Orioles will present two young, hungry teams, with raucous fanbases, who are thrilled to be back in the October spotlight. 

Each team enjoys a dependable bullpen, a competitive pitching staff, an elite defense and an unyielding lineup

In such a tight series, Showalter will make all the difference.

The Royals have played well under Ned Yost, but it is hard to justify some of his decisions in late-game situations. Showalter will put his team in the best position to get the job done. Combine that with home-field advantage, and I like the Orioles to advance to their first World Series since 1983. 

Baltimore in six.