X

Have feedback / suggestions? Let us know!

MLB MLB Playoffs

5 Biggest Surprises From 2014 MLB Playoffs So Far

By

1 of 11

5 Biggest Surprises of the 2014 MLB Playoffs So Far

2014 MLB Playoffs
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The MLB playoffs have been full of intrigue, walk-offs and plenty of surprises. Not many experts expected the Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles to face off for the American League Championship. In the same respect, the biggest players at the trade deadline were all knocked out in convincing fashion, two of them swept. Here are five of the biggest surprises so far; I'm sure plenty of other surprises are still to come.

5. Nelson Cruz

Oct 3, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) scores against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of game two of the 2014 ALDS playoff baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

5. Nelson Cruz

Nelson Cruz Orioles
Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Nelson Cruz has always been a big power guy, but many people thought they would never hear that name again after his 50-game suspension for steroid use back in 2013. The Orioles took a chance on Cruz in the offseason, and boy has it paid off. He cracked 40 home runs and drove in 108 runs this season, and so far, he's been a beast in the postseason, batting .500 with two home runs and five RBIs.

4. Matt Carpenter's Power

Oct 6, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter (13) waves to the crowd after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning in game three of the 2014 NLDS baseball playoff game at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

4. Matt Carpenter's Power

Matt Carpenter Cardinals
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

When you think of big-time sluggers, Matt Carpenter's name is nowhere near the top of the list. He hit just eight home runs this season, but in the National League Divisional Series, Carpenter hit a home run in each of the first three games. The only other Cardinal to ever homer in three straight playoff games was Albert Pujols back in 2004. Carpenter has six hits in the playoffs, all six of which have been for extra bases.

3. Baltimore Orioles Sweep Detroit Tigers

Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles fans celebrate after the Orioles defeated the Detroit Tigers in game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game at Comerica Park. The Orioles move on to the ALCS with 2-1 win over the Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

3. Baltimore Orioles Sweep Detroit Tigers

Orioles Tigers Sweep
Rich Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers were one of the big winners in the "big pitcher" sweepstakes at this year's trade deadline. They boasted three Cy Young Award winners in David Price, Justin Verlander and Max Sherzer, but that great pitching staff couldn't hold the Baltimore Orioles' offense at bay. The Orioles scored 21 runs in three games to sweep the Tigers out of the playoffs.

2. Clayton Kershaw

Oct 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; during game four of the 2014 NLDS baseball playoff game at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

2. Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw Dodgers
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Clayton Kershaw was the most dominant pitcher in baseball this season, winning 21 games and posting a 1.77 ERA, with six complete games and 239 strikeouts. Kershaw will win another Cy Young Award and possibly will win the NL MVP award. In October, it all fell apart again. He gave up 11 runs in 12.2 innings against the Cardinals. That was good for a 7.82 ERA. Most of the runs were given up in the 7th inning or later.

1. Kansas City Royals

Oct 5, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) celebrates with fans after defeating the Los Angeles Angels in game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 8-4 advancing to the ALCS against the Baltimore Orioles. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

1. Kansas City Royals

Kansas City Royals
Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

There has been no bigger surprise this October than the Kansas City Royals. They pulled off an epic comeback win in the Wild Card game, scoring once in the 9th to tie it and twice in the 12th inning to win it. All they did next was sweep the Los Angeles Angels, who led the American League with 98 wins this season. After a 29-year absence from the playoffs, the Royals have not lost a postseason game yet.

Trending Now on