Rest or rust? Royals, Giants set for World Series (w/video)

When the World Series begins Tuesday night in Kansas City, both teams will deal with a familiar issue this deep in the postseason: Does an extended layoff translate into rest or rust?|
BEN WALKER
ASSOCIATED PRESS

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Buster Posey and the San Francisco Giants zipped through the playoffs, Lorenzo Cain and the Kansas City Royals zoomed along.

And then, they all got some time off. Almost an eternity, by October standards.

When the World Series begins Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium, both teams will deal with a familiar issue this deep in the postseason: Does an extended layoff translate into rest or rust?

The Royals went 8-0 in the playoffs, giving them five off days before James Shields starts in Game 1. The Giants went 8-2 and had four days to relax before Madison Bumgarner pitches the opener.

The clubs held workouts, studied video and checked out scouting reports. But as several teams that stumbled in the World Series after long breaks discovered, nothing can duplicate playing a real game.

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