San Francisco Giants: World Series Position-by-Position Breakdown
Outfield & Catcher
Oct 15, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence (8) hits an RBI single during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in game four of the 2014 NLCS playoff baseball game at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Catcher: Buster Posey vs. Salvador Perez
This is a very intriguing head-to-head matchup. One of the game’s best offensive catchers against one of the game’s best defensive catchers. Posey is no slouch behind the dish, but Perez takes the advantage. His game-calling and ball-blocking is second to none, and he has a Gold Glove in 2013 to prove it, with many more in his future.
What gives Posey the advantage in this matchup is his bat. He hit .311 in the regular season with 22 home runs and 89 RBI’s and is hitting .302 with five RBI’s this October. Posey can hold his own throwing out runners, and he will need to be on top of his game against the speedy Kansas City club.
Left Field: Travis Ishikawa/Michael Morse vs. Alex Gordon
Whether it’s Ishikawa or Morse patrolling left, Gordon has a distinct advantage. He is one of the best defensive outfielders in the game, having won three Gold Gloves in a row, with a fourth very likely upcoming. If Morse is in left, the Giants have a slight offensive advantage. With Ishikawa in left, the dial turns to Kansas City’s favor. Either way, Gordon’s defense earns him the edge in this matchup.
Center Field: Gregor Blanco vs. Lorenzo Cain
This may be the most lopsided matchup. Cain has the edge on offense, defense, and on the basepaths. The Orioles absolutely could not figure out how to retire Cain, as he hit .533 in the ALCS with five runs scored on way to earning the MVP award. He also stole a few runs with some spectacular plays on defense. His speed may be unmatched, even by the great wheels Blanco possesses. Blanco has struggled in the postseason (7-44, .159) and as the leadoff hitter (.200, including postseason.) Cain earns a clear advantage.
Right Field: Hunter Pence vs. Nori Aoki
This head-to-head gives San Francisco their most clear advantage. Aoki is a great contact hitter and defender, but Pence may be the Giants’ best power hitter and is a master in the tough right field at AT&T Park. Pence has a great arm, where Aoki’s is below average. Pence’s .256 average isn’t great but owns a very solid .341 OBP. Aoki is hitting .259 but has no extra-base hits.