MLB Playoffs 2014: Analyzing Key Players Who Will Decide Outcome of World Series

When October began, a World Series consisting of the Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants seemed like a completely far-fetched idea. However, thanks to great all-around team efforts, both of these clubs soared though the playoffs with relative ease and now stand in each other's way of being declared world champions.

Throughout the playoffs, we've seen a multitude of players from both teams play crucial roles in generating wins; however, there are a few members of each roster who will most definitely play a pivotal part in the outcome of the World Series—for better or for worse.

As we await the season's final series, let's break down two players from each team whom we should keep a keen eye on when the Giants and Royals take baseball's grandest stage.

Kansas City Royals

Mike Moustakas

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The Royals third baseman proved to be one of the team's most clutch players both on the field and at the plate throughout the month of October. A combination of solid at-bats and highlight-reel defense makes him a pivotal component to Kansas City's World Series success.

While Moustakas' bat cooled off a bit during the last two games against the Baltimore Orioles, he was a long-ball machine in previous games. In a five-game span, he sent four balls out of the park. His ability to go deep complements an offense built around manufacturing runs by playing small ball.

Defensively, Moustakas has been magnificent. His leaping grab over the dugout in Game 3 of the ALCS was a thing of beauty. Take a look back at the play, via For The Win:

That was only one small example of what's he's done to this point, and we can expect to see much of the same in the World Series.

Wade Davis

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Davis has been incredibly clutch since the onset of the 2014 season, but he also continuously improved throughout the year. He's playing his best so far in October, as his command over his pitches is near flawless, and that's resulted in some very gaudy numbers.

The reliever appeared in all eight Kansas City contests during the playoffs, and that resulted in 9.1 innings pitched while giving up five hits and one run with two walks and 10 strikeouts for a 0.96 ERA. Davis is a one-inning guy, but he has the knack to go a bit longer if need be.

Here's a look at Davis' impressive stuff, via MLB:

The Giants have a tendency to get to starting pitchers early in a game. This gives the team plenty of momentum, as they ride their hot bats to decisive wins. Davis has the unique ability to prevent this by shutting down the side and cooling those bats quickly.

San Francisco Giants

Madison Bumgarner

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Bumgarner is slated to pitch Game 1 of the World Series, and he has a tall task ahead. The Royals are riding plenty of momentum having yet to lose a playoff game in 2014, and the southpaw could deliver a crushing blow with another stellar performance.

The NLCS MVP has made four playoff starts, earning a 2-1 record and accumulating some impressive numbers along the way. He's pitched 31.2 innings, allowing 19 hits and five earned runs while walking five and striking out 28 on his way to a 1.42 ERA.

Quite possibly even more interesting is the fact he's no slouch at the plate. Here's a look at his regular-season numbers, via MLB Fan Cave:

Bumgarner has all of the tools to cool off the surging Royals and give the Giants the upper hand following Game 1 of the World Series.

Pablo Sandoval

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Sandoval may as well take on the moniker of Mr. October. He continues to be San Francisco's most efficient starting hitter, accumulating a .326 batting average despite his 43 at-bats being the third most on the team.

In 10 playoff games, Sandoval has recorded at least one hit in nine. His ability to get on base allows this Giants team to manufacture runs, as his 14 appearances on the bags resulted in six runs. ESPN Stats & Info tweeted the third baseman's knack of collecting multi-hit games:

Ace of MLB Stats tweeted yet another impressive statistic:

Keeping up this trend help the Giants offense get to Royals starting pitchers and wear out their bullpen early.