Top 3 Giants vs Braves Playoff Storylines

1- Jason Heyward vs Buster Posey

The story that is already picking up national headlines is the battle for NL Rookie Of The Year. Heyward was the early season favorite, but Buster Posey has interrupted ever since he was called up to the big leagues in May. Over 142 games Heyward has posted a stat line of 18 HR's, 72 RBI's, a .456 SLG and an impressive .849 OPS. Meanwhile, in 108 games, Posey has also hit for 18 HR's, with 67 RBI's, a .505 SLG and an even better .869 OPS.

2- Giants Pitching Staff vs Braves Pitching Staff

Both teams rely heavily on their pitching staffs, which were the top two staffs in the National League. The Braves staff allowed only 629 runs, second to the Giants, who let up a parsley 583. Both staff's have been hot in September. Especially the Giants, who have posted unheard of numbers over the last few weeks. In September/October, the Giants pitching staff combined to go 19-10 with a 1.90 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP, holding opponents to a .189 batting average and striking out over 9 batters per 9 innings. The Braves meanwhile, had an impressive streak of their own, going 15-14 with a 3.17 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, .243 opponents batting average and 8 K's per 9 innings. 

3- The Giants curse

Don't Jinx it now, but the Giants have been in a horendous postseason slump. The team has not won a World Series since their move from New York to San Francisco, and only the Cubs and Indians have gone longer without a World Series victory. What has been most painful is the nature of the Giants loses. In 1954, the team lost in the bottom of the ninth, with two outs, and the bases loaded. In 1989, an earthquake interupted their eventual sweep to the A's and in 2002 they blew a five run lead with 6 outs to go in game 6. So the question looms large this time around. Are the Giants cursed? Or is this the year that they turn things around and win the first Series title in San Francisco history.