What to Expect from the Giants and the Royals

Posted on March 21st, 2015 by Matt

Often it is easy to project the two teams from the previous World Series as obvious candidates to return – but that might not be the case with the 2015 season. The San Francisco Giants defeated the Kansas City Royals in seven games in the 2014 World Series, yet both teams have major questions heading into this upcoming year. If either is going to make it back to the top of the pablogame, they will have to meet many challenges along the way.

Somewhat surprisingly, neither team was very active in the offseason in terms of acquiring free agents. Each team lost players who were major contributors to their success in 2014, and both got into the playoffs through the wild card route – meaning that they weren’t among the very best during the regular season.

The Outlook for the Giants

The most notable departure from the 2014 team is Pablo Sandoval, who took a free agent deal in Boston to play for the Red Sox. Sandoval has been one of the most-visible figures for the Giants during each of their three World Series titles in the last five years. While he might not be a superstar-level performer, the Giants could have trouble replacing his production both in the field and at the plate. The Giants also lost power hitting Michael Morse to the Marlins, taking away some of the limited power they featured in the lineup. If the Giants are going to return to the playoffs and make another push for the World Series, they are going to need contributions from players who have not yet produced at a high level in the major leagues.

The Outlook for the Royals

The Royals offseason followed in a very similar track to the Giants – meaning that there wasn’t much going on in K.C. They did sign Kendrys Morales to replace the loss of Billy Butler. However, Morales is coming off of a terrible season with Minnesota and Seattle, so he will need to rebound in a big way if they are to get any value or production from that deal. Also, James Shields has moved on to San Diego in free agency. While the Royals did make it to game seven of the World Series, there were already major questions regarding their offense in 2014. Nothing that they have done during the offseason would seem to have solved any of those problems. Much like the Giants, the Royals may need contributions from unexpected places in order to contend once again.


SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS Vinyl Decal / Sticker ** 5 Sizes **  picture

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS Vinyl Decal / Sticker ** 5 Sizes **

$4.59



SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS SHOE CHARMS (14pcs) Baseball Cool Gift Accessories Set Lot picture

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS SHOE CHARMS (14pcs) Baseball Cool Gift Accessories Set Lot

$8.95



2025 Topps Series 1 Singles Cards 🔥 U-PICK YOU COMPLETE YOUR SET #1-250 ⚾️ picture

2025 Topps Series 1 Singles Cards 🔥 U-PICK YOU COMPLETE YOUR SET #1-250 ⚾️

$1.75



2025 Topps Series 1 Baseball Team Set

2025 Topps Series 1 Baseball Team Set "All Teams Your Choice" Blister Packed

$9.99



LOT OF (1) NEW NFL NEW YORK GIANTS 100 SEASONS PATCH # 55A picture

LOT OF (1) NEW NFL NEW YORK GIANTS 100 SEASONS PATCH # 55A

$6.50



2024 Topps Heritage HIGH NUMBER BASE U-PICK COMPLETE YOUR SET #501-725 🔥💎🔥 picture

2024 Topps Heritage HIGH NUMBER BASE U-PICK COMPLETE YOUR SET #501-725 🔥💎🔥

$0.99



2025 Major League Baseball Teams Schedule Magnets 5

2025 Major League Baseball Teams Schedule Magnets 5" X 3.5"(Choose From List)

$4.99



2025 MLB TeenyMates Series 12 Pick Your Own Choose Own Authentic teeny mate picture

2025 MLB TeenyMates Series 12 Pick Your Own Choose Own Authentic teeny mate

$6.49



Kansas City Royals Engraved Titanium Blue RFID Blocking Wallet w Clip D7 picture

Kansas City Royals Engraved Titanium Blue RFID Blocking Wallet w Clip D7

$35.95



Huge Football Panini Collection Auto Patch Memorabilia Rookies Prizm 20 Card Lot picture

Huge Football Panini Collection Auto Patch Memorabilia Rookies Prizm 20 Card Lot

$15.99