Opinion

Pitchers for both the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals will have their hands full against opposing lineups in the World Series. Hitters from each team have been very good at creating tough at-bats while playing small ball and effectively manufacturing runs.

Every starter, reliever and closer will have a crucial role in the Fall Classic; however, some pitchers will be significant components to their team's success or failure. These players will be deciding factors in the outcome of the World Series.

There is no such thing as "clutch," despite what the cliches and eyeball tests say. 

Baseball teams and players throughout time have been slapped with that label, but data tells us there really is no penchant for timely hitting in high-leverage situations. There is only opportunity, and the results are sometimes good, more often bad for hitters.

In a season defined by standout performances from their biggest stars, the characteristically steady managing of Bruce Bochy and, most recently, one of the great heroic blasts in postseason history, it's not easy to pick a definitive unsung hero of the 201

It looked like we were on our way to a Game 6 in the National League Championship Series when the St. Louis Cardinals took a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the eighth inning Thursday. In reality, we were on our way to a dramatic walk-off home run and a World Series date between the Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants.

The St. Louis Cardinals didn't lose the National League Championship Series because of Mike Matheny. But the manager didn't exactly do the greatest job of preventing his club from losing—or even of putting it in position to beat the World Series-bound San Francisco Giants.

If we've learned anything about Major League Baseball in October, it's to expect the unexpected. After all, neither the Kansas City Royals nor the San Francisco Giants were really considered juggernauts during the regular season, but that's exactly how they played in the postseason.

Madison Bumgarner cannot be stopped—will not be stopped. 

Big Country did what Big Country does Thursday night, pouring six bottles of beer in and around his mouth to celebrate the San Francisco Giants' 6-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals and subsequent advancement to the World Series.

Red October has come to a crashing end. St. Louis fell short of reaching the World Series and a chance at the 12th title in franchise history. 

The Cardinals remain the model franchise of Major League Baseball, and 2014 should not be written off as a bust. The Cardinals captured their second straight division championship and advanced to their fourth consecutive league championship series. 

The American League and National League Championship Series have presented diametrically opposed series.  Whereas the Cinderella Kansas City Royals have looked like Goliaths in romping to eight consecutive postseason victories, the San Francisco Giants have a chance to become the league's preeminent franchise with their third championship in five seasons.

While two teams are still competing in the MLB postseason, the vast majority of the league has moved on to the offseason.  Hot stove season is imminent, with several big free-agent names set to shape the complexion of the league next season.