World Series 2014: Predictions for Each Potential Title Matchup

While the World Series matchup has not yet been decided, it is never too early to look ahead at what should be an exciting battle no matter what.

Regardless of what happens in the American and National League Championship Series, we are going to see an experienced team from the NL with plenty of players who have been on this stage before against an AL team full of youngsters who have very little playoff experience. This is certain to create an interesting dynamic, whoever is playing.

Still, there will be a number of extra storylines involved in each series depending on which teams make it this far. Here is a breakdown of what to expect in any situation.

Baltimore Orioles vs. St. Louis Cardinals

JOHN FROSCHAUER/Associated Press

If the Orioles do reach the World Series, it would mean they would have completed an impressive comeback after a terrible start to the ALCS against the Kansas City Royals. This would give the squad a lot of momentum heading into the next round no matter who they played.

Just as importantly, first baseman Chris Davis would likely return after serving a 25-game suspension. He is eligible to return in Game 6 of the ALCS, but Buck Showalter decided not to put him on the roster, as explained by Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News:

It made sense to play without him against the Royals to avoid being short-handed, but this would not be an issue going forward. If he does play, he would certainly be a valuable piece of the lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals. 

For all his struggles this season, Davis hit 17 home runs against right-handed pitchers during the regular season. Considering the Cardinals rotation features no lefties, Davis would be a major threat in the order and someone who can make a difference in any game with one swing.

Baltimore would simply have too many big bats in the lineup who know how to come through when needed, and they would be able to pull out a win.

Prediction: Orioles win in 6

Baltimore Orioles vs. San Francisco Giants

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As much momentum as the Orioles would have from a comeback win in the ALCS, you can lose that energy with one game. Assuming things set up right, the San Francisco Giants would love to have their ace Madison Bumgarner on the mound for Game 1 of the World Series, and he has been dominant lately with a 0.76 ERA in three postseason starts.

Jon Morosi of Fox Sports 1 gave his thoughts on the starter:

The Giants would be able to shut down the Orioles right away and slow any good feelings the team had.

Still, the interesting thing in this series would be the battle of the bullpens. The Giants ranked fifth in the majors this season with a 3.01 bullpen ERA, while the Orioles were right behind them in sixth place at 3.10.

San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said after Game 1 of the NLCS that the players in his bullpen "really give me a sense of comfort." According to Barry M. Bloom of MLB.com, he noted the difference being the players only caring about winning:

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There are a lot of other times when we moved guys in the order or changed guys' roles in the bullpen, skipped a guy in the rotation. You know, they have been very unselfish about the moves we had to make. They just thought about winning. That's the only way I think a team can have success, is guys set aside their own agenda and do what's best for the club.

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Meanwhile, Showalter is known for his ability to get the most out of a bullpen, often breaking the general rules of when to use which guys. It would be interesting to see how each manger utilizes his players in the late innings, especially when things are close.

However, the biggest difference is that the Giants have the starters capable of putting up zeros before the bullpen comes into play. The Orioles have some talent, but they have not stepped up in the postseason and could struggle in this matchup.

Prediction: Giants win in 5

Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

While making predictions before the current round, ESPN's Mark Simon noted an interesting stat about this potential matchup:

Neither team was expected to make it even this far in the playoffs, so a World Series run would basically be playing with house money. Both teams can be loose and just have fun like they have been doing throughout October.

Of course, no team in recent memory seems to be playing with more energy than the Royals. ESPN's Britt McHenry was one of many with these thoughts after Game 1 of the ALCS:

Every time you are ready to count out this team, someone finds a way to make something happen. Kansas City had little power during the regular season, but the squad continues to hit big home runs in the playoffs. The pitching has also come through when needed.

The Giants have made some big plays over the past few weeks, but they also have been lucky to get away with some missed opportunities.

In the end, this would be a great series, but the home-field advantage and that extra energy would be enough to put the Royals over the top.

Prediction: Royals win in 7

Kansas City Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

This would be quite an event for fans in Missouri as these interstate rivals would create a lot of excitement at every single game. This would be a rematch of the 1985 World Series, which led to some interesting developments, courtesy of Sports Illustrated:

Fortunately, there will be plenty for the rest of the country to root for, namely the battle between the underdog Royals against a Cardinals team that seemingly cannot stop winning in the playoffs. If St. Louis wins the NLCS, it would be the fifth World Series appearance in 11 years. It would not be surprising to see casual fans turn to Kansas City in this potential matchup.

Still, the biggest story in this series would be the health of Yadier Molina, who strained his oblique in Game 2 against the Giants. His status going forward is not yet known, but Joan Niesen of Sports Illustrated noted the Cardinals' chances of winning a title are slimmer without him. She discussed his effort behind the plate as a major part of his value:

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Now in his 11th year in St. Louis, Molina is the longest-tenured Cardinal, but he still remains a major contributor. Consider his reputation behind the plate; that alone keeps runners glued to their bases, too timid to test Molina's arm. In 2014, he threw out a major-league-best 48 percent of runners attempting to steal.

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Comparatively, A.J. Pierzynski threw out just 14 percent of would-be base stealers, while Tony Cruz was still below league average at 25 percent. 

With the way the Royals can steal bases (led the majors with 153 this season), manager Ned Yost can send his players all day long and find ways to manufacture runs. This could be the difference in an otherwise close series.

Prediction: Royals win in 6

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