WASHINGTON — The Major League Baseball playoffs are finally here. And to usher them in this year, WTOP has done something a little different: The WTOP newsroom has come together to bring you a preview of each team and an explanation of why they can win from people who know them best — actual fans.
Sure; WTOP could have sat down and given you an unbiased look at the numbers, objectively breaking down each team’s strengths and weaknesses. But that’s no fun. We’d rather show the passion and history that each club — and each city behind them — brings to October.
Some fans chose to focus on their connection to their hometowns. Some recalled the stars of their childhood that captured their imagination. Others laid out, in no uncertain terms, the reasons why they will celebrate at October’s end.
Just as fandom extends beyond what happens between the white lines, so do the reasons for our fandom. They shape and define who we are long after we’ve left the ballpark. Football may be America’s most popular sport, but baseball is America’s game, and continues to reflect the cities and regions it inhabits.
So here you are — tales from every team with a shot at October glory. Enjoy.
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. - Another title in the Cards
WTOP Traffic’s Rich Hunter says emerging young talents and experienced players and management will help bring it all together and give the St. Louis Cardinals another world title. - 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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