1. Aces Wild

The #1 starters set the tone for the series and often are instrumental in the overall outcome. In this matchup of Adam Wainwright vs. Madison Bumgarner, we may be seeing a changing of the guard.

Wainwright has cemented his reputation as an outstanding postseason pitcher over the years and had a postseason ERA of just over 2.5 entering this season. A tough start against the Dodgers in the NLDS and the fact that the Giants roughed him up for seven earned runs earlier this year, coupled with the excellent innings from Bumgarner in the Wild Card game, point to the possibility of an advantage for the Giants.

2. Under the Radar

The past four NLCS MVPs were Cody Ross, David Freese, Marco Scutaro and Michael Wacha – not exactly a who’s who of perennial MVP candidates. At this time of year an under the radar player tends to step into the limelight with an outstanding series. Who could it be this year? A hot-hitting Brandon Crawford, confident Kolten Wong or even an unheralded youngster like Randal Grichuk could emerge as the hero.

3. The Better Backstop

The Giants and Cardinals are two very similar teams, both with outstanding leaders at the catching position. While Buster Posey vs. Yadier Molina is a virtual stalemate on paper, the one who has the better series swinging the bat, throwing out runners, blocking balls in the dirt or putting down the right fingers may well lead his team to the World Series.