WORLD SERIES PREDICTIONS: San Francisco Giants-Kansas City Royals

TODD DEWEY LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Royals in 4

Already the first team ever to start a postseason 8-0, we’re forecasting another improbable Royals flush in the World Series as Kansas City caps a perfect playoff run to deliver the championship-starved city’s first title since 1985. Like so many video poker players in Las Vegas, the Giants won’t be able to hit a royal as Kansas City’s bullpen proves tougher to crack than Alcatraz.

ADAM HILL LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Giants in 6

Kansas City manager Ned Yost seems to be incapable of understanding simple math, and his complete ineptitude is bound to catch up with the Royals at some point. Kansas City’s improbable run has been a fun story, no doubt, but in the end, the Giants have the experience of winning two World Series and the far superior manager.

ALLEN LEIKER LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Royals in 6

The Giants won World Series titles in 2010 and 2012. The Royals made the postseason for the first time since 1985. But don’t expect that to be a factor. Kansas City, 8-0 in the postseason, swept San Francisco in a three-game series in August that included a victory over ace Madison Bumgarner. The Royals stole eight bases in nine attempts in that series, and they must stay aggressive on the bases and get the games to their bullpen. They better hope the series doesn’t come down to managing, because Bruce Bochy is a 100 mph fastball to Ned Yost’s knuckleball.

MATT YOUMANS LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Royals in 7

If the Royals can beat Giants ace Madison Bumgarner today, it could be a short series. But look for Bumgarner to win Game 1 and for this series to go the distance with several close games. When it’s tight in the late innings, the Royals get the edge because of their shutdown bullpen. It’s tough to picture Ned Yost as a World Series-winning manager, but his blue-collar team carried him this far, so it’s possible.

BRIAN BLESSING SPORTSBOOKRADIO.COM

Royals in 6

The biggest thing San Francisco has in its favor is postseason experience, competing in the World Series for the third time in five years. The Giants know how to close the deal. Buster Posey is the key to another Giants win, and the Royals will certainly put him to the test. Momentum is a crazy thing, and Kansas City has it rolling. It’s tough to fade a team that has won all eight playoff games and may be too young to be intimidated by the big stage. Speed, defense and an exceptional bullpen have me giving the edge to the Royals.

DOUG FITZ SYSTEMPLAYS.COM

Royals in 6

The Royals have advantages in speed, defense and in the bullpen to go along with home-field advantage. Both teams have produced timely hits and key home runs in the playoffs. The Giants have a decided edge with left-hander Madison Bumgarner, who is going in Game 1, but the starting pitching is pretty equal after that.

MICAH ROBERTS THE LINEMAKERS SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Giants in 5

I see where this series price came from: The Royals swept the Giants in August. Kansas City has the home-field edge if it goes seven games and all the momentum of going 8-0 in the playoffs. But I’m going to devalue the momentum edge because of the five days in between games. A loss in Game 1 could be crippling to a young team like the Royals, in the same way it was for the similarly hot Rockies in 2007, when they won 21 of 22, including 7-0 in the playoffs, before an eight-day delay stole their rhythm.

KEN THOMSON SPORTSXRADIO.COM

Royals in 7

My heart wants the Royals, and my money is on the Royals, as well. Great speed on the bases will set up enough scoring chances for Kansas City. If the layoff didn’t hurt the Royals for the Baltimore series, I’ll take my chances it won’t here, either. Madison Bumgarner is the only starter I respect for the Giants, and the Royals bullpen is the best in baseball.