WASHINGTON — I will begin by saying that I was born and raised in the Washington metropolitan area, and I am very proud of the Washington Nationals in making the second postseason appearance in their short history.
However, I have been a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals for most of my life, and I believe that the Redbirds will not only return to the World Series this year, but will win the title for the 12th time, second only to the hated New York Yankees.
The Cards’ offense has not been nearly as good as it was last year, but their pitching has been very solid. Led by ace Adam Wainwright (a 20-game winner), the staff finished in the top half of the league in most pitching stats. Young arms such as Lance Lynn, Shelby Miller and Michael Wacha round out the staff nicely.
Despite down years for several key hitters, the team finished in the top half of most of the hitting stats as well. Veteran players such as Yadier Molina, and Matt Holliday who have postseason experience set the tone for the team.
They also have emerging young talents such as third baseman Matt Carpenter, second baseman Kolten Wong and first baseman Matt Adams, who are solid contributors. I also think manager Mike Metheny, who is in his third season as the Cards skipper, has the experience to bring it all together now and give St. Louis another world title.
National League
- Our Nationals pastime
WTOP Sports’ Jonathan Warner discusses how the Washington Nationals have all the ingredients to win: pitching, defense, hitting, power and speed. - It’s time for Dodger Baseball
WTOP Reporter Andrew Mollenbeck shares how he accidentally fell in love with the Los Angeles Dodgers. - Buctober
WTOP Sports’ J. Brooks says the Pittsburgh Pirates have promise and how a with a win in the Wild Card Game, they would give the Nationals a run for their money. - Together, we can be Giant again
WTOP Assistant Editor Joey Kahn looks at how the San Francisco Giants will win in 2014 after World Series victories in 2012 in 2010.
American League
- There’s no place like hO’me
WTOP Assistant Editor Samantha Loss, a lifelong Baltimore Orioles fan shares her thoughts on why the team will come out on top. - Motor City madness in D.C.
WTOP News Director Mitch Miller shares why the Detroit Tigers will motor through the tournament and eliminate the competition. - Baseball Jesus + best bullpen = win
Adrian Spinelli, special to WTOP, states that Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s Mike Trout, the offense and the bullpen can help the team. - We’ll always be Royal
WTOP Reporter Megan Cloherty shares why the Kansas City Royals deserve to make it to the World Series. - This is Oakland
WTOP Sports Editor Noah Frank discusses the history of the Oakland A’s and what makes them a team competitors shouldn’t discount.
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