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 The once-proud franchises and their fans, who enjoyed great
success in the past with such Orioles stars as Jim Palmer and Cal
Ripken Jr. and Kansas City's George Brett, relish a return to glory
in the American League Championship Series that opens in Baltimore.
"The crowd, it's an unbelievable atmosphere," said Royals pitcher
James Shields, who won the Division Series-clinching Game Three in
Kansas City for a sweep against the top-seeded Los Angeles Angels.
"This is a special time in this city right now and they're enjoying
this as much as we are."
The wild card Royals, using blazing speed, dazzling defense and
solid pitching, are appearing in the postseason for the first time
since beating St. Louis in the 1985 World Series.
The AL East champion Orioles have gone two years longer since
hoisting the trophy in a 1983 triumph over Philadelphia.
Baltimore has been no less enthralled with the performance of their
power-hitting Orioles after witnessing six trips to the World Series
between 1966 and 1983 including three in a row from 1969.
The Orioles vanquished Cy Young winners Max Scherzer, Justin
Verlander and David Price in a three-game sweep of the Detroit
Tigers that fueled a belief that this is their year.
SIMILARITIES, CONTRASTS
Both teams rely on strong, if not star-laden, starting rotations and
shut-down relievers to keep scores close.
Shields (14-8) is expected to be named the Royals' opening game
starter against Chris Tillman (13-6) in the cozy confines of Camden
Yards.
The Orioles have as deep a bullpen as there is in Major League
Baseball, allowing manager Buck Showalter to manipulate match-ups
before handing the ball to sinker-balling lefty Zach Britton, who
emerged as a top-rate closer this season.
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Kansas City has Major League Baseball's best one-two late inning duo
in closer Greg Holland and set-up man Wade Davis. Flame-throwing
Kelvin Herrera bridges the gap to Davis.
On offense, the teams are chalk and cheese.
The Royals are built for speed to take advantage of their spacious
Kauffman Stadium, leading the majors with 153 stolen bases featuring
shortstop Alcides Escobar (31), outfielder Lorenzo Cain (28) and
back-up outfielder Jarrod Dyson (36).
Baltimore (96-66) had an MLB-fewest 44 steals, relying on a major
league-leading 211 home runs, led by home run leader Nelson Cruz,
who swatted 40.
Kansas City (89-73) hit a major league low of 95 in the regular
season though emerging young hitters Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas
hit for power in the Division Series.
The Royals took four of seven games from the Orioles in the regular
season and another close scrap could be looming.
(Reporting by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by Frank Pingue)
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