2014 World Series Prediction

Have blown my last three World Series picks, but here's to trying to break my streak.

The 2014 World Series Champion will be...

Here's why:

Both league championship series were quick dominations by the streaking Royals and Giants. Here's why San Francisco will win their third World Series title in 6 years.

Lineups

Both teams were middle in the pack in the runs scored during the regular season, and rely more on small ball and getting the timely hits. The Royals have stolen 13 bases in 8 postseason games so far, which leads the majors, and have the hottest two hitters in this series in Eric Hosmer (.448, 2 HR, 8 RBI this postseason) and Mike Moustakas (.241, 4 HR, 5 RBI). Meanwhile, the Giants have relied on taking advantage of opponents' fielding errors, as well as getting timely hits from the Pablo "Mr. October" Sandoval (14 hits in 10 games) and Brandon Belt (6 RBI), in addition to their usual production from Buster Posey and Hunter Pence.

Edge: Royals

Pitching:

Championships are determined by pitching, and both teams have outstanding staffs. Kansas City's strength is in its bullpen, with fireballers Wade Davis, Kelvin Herrera, and Greg Holland being virtually unhittable this postseason, as they have a combined 0.89 WHIP in their 25.2 innings pitched. Meanwhile, the Giants' starting pitching has been equally impressive, as NLCS MVP Madison Bumgarner (2-1, 1.42 ERA, 28 K), Jake Peavy (1.86 ERA), and Tim Hudson (1.02 ERA) bring a wealth of playoff experience may be the best three starters in the series.

Edge: Giants

This series is about as even as they come, and the question will be whether the Royals, who have yet to lose a postseason game, will be a team of destiny. I certainly am rooting for them to finish of 29 years of misery with a title.

In the end, however, I think the Giants have the better pitching, experience, and managing edge (Bruce Bochy has yet to lose a series he has managed), and will establish a mini-dynasty with their 3rd title in 6 years.

Giants in 7