WASHINGTON — Before the baseball playoffs began, there was the potential for some very interesting World Series matchups.
We obviously could have had a Beltway Series between the Nationals and Orioles. The LA area also had two of the winningest teams with the Dodgers and Angels. There could have been a repeat of the 1989 Bay Bridge Series between Oakland and San Francisco, or the ’85 I-70 Showdown Series between Kansas City and St. Louis.
Other all-California scenarios were possible with San Francisco vs. Anaheim, which happened in 2002, or Oakland and LA as in 1974 and 1988.
We could have had a three-peat of the Pirates and Orioles, or St. Louis- Detroit for the second time in nine years.
A bi-coastal Series was possible between either the Dodgers and Orioles — like 1966 — Nationals and Angels, or Nats and A’s.
There was even the possibility of St. Louis present vs. St. Louis past with the Cardinals and Orioles. The Cards and Browns met before in 1944.
So many intriguing possibilities. Instead, what we have is Kansas City vs. San Francisco, two Wild Card teams that didn’t even win their divisions.
It’s a possible downer on paper and TV ratings, but maybe not on the field.
They’re the two hottest teams in baseball. The Royals are 8-0 in the postseason, the first time any team has done that. The Giants keep finding ways to win in unfathomable ways, going 8-2 in the playoffs so far. They’ve been here before, winning the World Series in 2010 and 2012. So, they look to continue this even-year phenomena.
The Royals are riding a wave they hope doesn’t end. It’s been a 29-year drought since their last World Series appearance. They’re the team that won’t die vs. the team that knows how to win. Who knows, maybe Kansas City has caught our imagination will be the new “America’s Team.” At least for the next week or so.
No one thought these teams would get this far. Maybe they’ll surprise us again and produce a memorable World Series.
Follow @WTOP and @WTOPSports on Twitter and WTOP on Facebook.
