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Top 5 Storylines Heading Into the 2014 World Series

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By @JordanWevers

Top 5 Storylines Heading Into the 2014 World Series

NLCS - St Louis Cardinals v San Francisco Giants - Game Five
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It's been a special postseason thus far, with more headlines than are typical of October -- and that's saying something. The Royals last played in a World Series 29 years ago when they faced the Cardinals in the I-70 series, eventually defeating them in seven games. Finally back in the Fall Classic, here are five pieces to keep an eye on before opening pitch this Tuesday evening between Kansas City and the San Francisco Giants.

5. Tim Lincecum

San Diego Padres v San Francisco Giants
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5. Tim Lincecum

San Diego Padres v San Francisco Giants
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In 2012, the Giants omitted a key player from their postseason roster in Melky Cabrera. Despite the move, they swept the Tigers in the World Series. Lincecum was once a center piece of this franchise. He is only 30 and four years removed from his second Cy Young award. He has remained humble since his demotion to the pen, not yet appearing in the playoffs. The role he could play in the series will be of intrigue, should something transpire.

4. Undefeated Kings of KC

ALCS - Baltimore Orioles v Kansas City Royals - Game Three
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4. Undefeated Kings of KC

ALCS - Baltimore Orioles v Kansas City Royals - Game Three
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For as strong as Ned Yost had the Royals playing in August and September, they have been all the more impressive in October. Yet to lose, Kansas City has a chance to be the first team ever to sweep every series -- from Wild Card game to World Series -- since the modern MLB playoff format was adopted two decades ago.

3. Royals' Speed

Chicago White Sox v Kansas City Royals
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3. Royals' Speed

Chicago White Sox v Kansas City Royals
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Much was made of it only mattering in the ALCS if they got one base. The Royals did more than just get on base, they out-hit the Orioles 32 to 26 in the series. Four players on their roster swiped more than 17 bases in the regular season. Their speed scores runs, but also makes the opposing pitcher uncomfortable on the mound -- a huge asset when nerves and adrenaline are already running rampant.

2. Madison Bumgarner vs. Lorenzo Cain

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2. Madison Bumgarner vs. Lorenzo Cain

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The MVP of the NLCS pitted against the ALCS MVP will be a key point of attention in the series. Bumgarner throws left-handed, while Cain hits from the right side of the plate. This match up will receive a lot of buzz, especially if one of their chess matches becomes a pivotal turning point in a game or the series. Cain is 0-for-3 in his career against the lanky southpaw.

1. Cinderella vs. Spoiled Stepsister

ALCS - Baltimore Orioles v Kansas City Royals - Game Four
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1. Cinderella vs. Spoiled Stepsister

ALCS - Baltimore Orioles v Kansas City Royals - Game Four
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They are both Wild Card teams, but this is not Bruce Bochy and the Giants' first rodeo, as they are two-time champions since 2010 and still possess a lot of key players that were members of those squads. The Royals came back from the brink in the eighth inning of their Wild Card play-in game to get here. Worth noting also, that San Francisco has the third highest payroll in all of MLB, while the Royals come in at 19th.

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