The World Series is here—and no one could’ve predicted this matchup in April.
The 113-win Kansas City Royals were expected to contend. The 89-win Washington Senators? Not so much. But after shocking the Expos and outlasting the Giants in a grueling NLCS, the Senators have stormed their way into October’s biggest stage, eager to prove that grit, power, and just enough pitching can conquer anyone—even a juggernaut.
Kansas City bludgeoned their way to the top of the league with 310 home runs and the best pitching staff in baseball. They dominated all season long. The Senators? They got hot at the right time, leaning on resurgent veterans and young stars like Alex Rodriguez and Carl Everett to keep the dream alive.
This isn’t David vs. Goliath. It’s David with a bazooka vs. a titanium-plated Goliath.
HOW THEY GOT HERE
Kansas City Royals (113–49)
- Best record in baseball
- Beat Cincinnati 4–1 in ALCS
- Scored over 1,000 runs this season
- Pitching staff leads the league in ERA and walks allowed
Washington Senators (89–73)
- Finished third in the East, 21 games behind Montreal
- Beat the Expos in the NLDS and Giants in seven in the NLCS
- Hit 274 home runs (1st in UL), despite a team average of just .237
- Bullpen ERA of 3.84, ranked 8th in UL—but red-hot in the postseason
LINEUP COMPARISON
Kansas City Royals
- 310 HR, 1,018 runs, .266 team average
- Stars: Jim Thome (48 HR, 128 RBI), Jeromy Burnitz (34 HR), Barry Larkin (.293 AVG, 23 HR)
- Top-to-bottom power, with Orlando Merced and Chris Hoiles producing in every clutch moment
- Highest OBP (.361) and SLG (.488) in the league
Washington Senators
- 274 HR, 762 runs, .237 team average
- Stars: Rafael Palmeiro (44 HR), Carl Everett (39 HR), A-Rod (30 HR, 30 SB), Albert Belle (43 HR)
- Despite low batting average, they draw walks and steal bases—154 steals, 5th in the league
- Everett and A-Rod are scorching hot right now
Edge: Royals – There’s no weak spot. They’re a historic offensive unit.
STARTING ROTATION
Royals
- Kevin Brown (21–5, 2.80 ERA, 243 K)
- Denny Neagle (21–6, 3.13 ERA, 241 K)
- Mark Guthrie (18–8, 3.42 ERA, 217 K, 0.00 ERA last 2 starts)
- Rheal Cormier (14–4, 3.07 ERA)
Senators
- Andy Pettitte (12–9, 3.33 ERA) – lights out in postseason (0.40 ERA in last 3 starts)
- Erik Hanson (15–8, 3.75 ERA) – tired
- John Burkett (12–9, 3.81 ERA) – exhausted but effective in October
- Mike Morgan (3–2, 3.66 ERA in limited duty)
Edge: Royals – Brown and Neagle are legit aces; KC’s rotation has been dominating for months.
BULLPEN
Royals
- Closer: Armando Benítez (2.54 ERA, 0.83 WHIP)
- Setup: Kevin Rogers, John Habyan, Mike Stanton
- Versatile and deep: best bullpen ERA in the league (3.16)
Senators
- Closer: Lee Smith (22 SV, 2.99 ERA)
- Setup: Greg McMichael (1.94 ERA), Todd Jones (2.97 ERA)
- Middle relief is shakier—Carlos Perez, Chad Ogea, Milt Hill
Edge: Royals – Kansas City’s pen is just as scary as their bats.
DEFENSE & INTANGIBLES
Royals
- Elite infield defense: Larkin and Alomar up the middle
- Great pitch-framing and throwing from Hoiles
- Smart base-running and few errors
Senators
- A-Rod is a human highlight reel
- Outfield defense shaky, especially with Belle and Nunnally
- Ray Durham and Pat Kelly struggling at 2B
Edge: Royals – Experience, fundamentals, and consistency across the board
FAN QUOTES
“Everyone says Washington shouldn’t be here. I say: scoreboard. Let’s shock the world again.” – T. Morales, Arlington
“We hit 310 home runs. We have four aces. You think we’re scared of a wild card team?” – R. Templeton, Kansas City
“I’m not saying this KC lineup is illegal, but I’m also not not saying that.” – M. Jensen, St. Louis
X-FACTORS
Royals – Jeromy Burnitz. He’s hitting .478 with 4 HR in his last 6. If he continues to mash behind Thome, Washington will be playing from behind every game.
Senators – Alex Rodriguez. The 20-year-old star is hitting .333 in the playoffs with 3 HR. He’ll need to carry the offense if Palmeiro and McGriff continue to slump.
PREDICTION
Washington is dangerous. They’re hot. They believe. But Kansas City isn’t just hot—they’re historically dominant. Every indicator favors the Royals: lineup depth, power, pitching, bullpen, defense, and health.
Unless the Senators catch lightning in every bottle and get heroic starts from Pettitte and Burkett, this series may not last long.
That being said, that’s a ledge I’m willing to go out on.
PREDICTION: Senators in 6
Kansas City is too much for everyone. Too much power. Too much pitching. Too many fireworks. But it feels as though Washington has a date with destiny.