A’s vs. Giants: What Are The Chances Of A Bay Bridge World Series?

Overall, I think both teams have a very good shot at reaching the postseason in 2013, which is straight ahead.

However, with Oakland’s young staff, there is bound to be some turbulent times.  They’ve got a powerful AND speedy outfield with Yoenis Cespedes (who would definitely have won American League Rookie Of The Year if it weren’t for Mike Trout), Josh Reddick, and Coco Crisp, but there are still a few question marks this team will have by Opening Day:

• It looked like Jemile Weeks was hitting his way back into a starting role for his big league club after being sent down in the second half of last season.  But a recent bruised bone in his right shoulder could slow him down, giving Adam Rosales, Jed Lowrie, and Scott Sizemore more of a chance at the middle infield position.

• Another concerning factor is that of injured Grant Balfour, who got a late start, but seems to be doing well.  If he’s healthy, this team will have one of the better closers in the game, as last season Balfour was 24-for-26 in save opportunities, which is pristine.

With San Francisco, it looks like there isn’t a position that has a question mark on it.  And unlike last season, they might finally get some solid production from first base:

• Brandon Belt is on fire this spring.  Hitting .480 and leading the club with twelve hits and three homeruns, it is evident – yes it is just Spring Training – that he is now beginning to put all the tools he possesses together, and 2013 could be a very big year for the young first baseman.

Now, even though the Giants have yet to re-sign Brian Wilson, with Sergio Romo as the acting closer, San Francisco’s bullpen is looking very nice, and can go toe-to-toe with the best pens in the game.

Oct 11, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (28) jogs to the dugout following the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds in game five of the 2012 NLDS at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Narrowly beating out Oakland, San Francisco looks to be – both on paper and on the field – the better team:

The pitching staff has proven to be a top five rotation over the last three seasons.

The outfield, while not as powerful as Oakland’s, has astonishing speed and depth.

Buster Posey (2010 ROY, 2012 NL MVP) is one of the best hitters in the game, and does it as a catcher.

With Pablo Sandoval, Marco Scutaro, and the two Brandons, the infield has phenomenal range, and some potentially game-changing power.

Overall, San Francisco is just the better team, and has a slightly better chance of reaching the World Series because of their different style of play.  I mean, they are proven winners.  And while not overwhelming like some teams are at certain positions, the Giants are probably the most balanced team in baseball, save the Washington Nationals.

Both are very similar teams.  However, Oakland is right behind San Francisco in my book, but is undoubtedly a team that can only get better.

If the two repeat their performances of last year, they both carry very good odds at reaching the Fall Classic this coming season.

2013 is supposedly a year of change, and boy would it be crazy if these two great, historic franchises met once more for a championship showdown.