How the San Francisco Giants got to the World Series

If you think getting to the World Series is becoming old hat for the San Francisco Giants, think again. Though this will mark the franchise's third trip to the Fall Classic since 2010, a changing cast of characters mixed with hungry and motivated former champions has the team and the city of San Francisco as excited as ever about reaching baseball's grand finale. Also serving as motivation is the fact that many people had readily dismissed San Francisco as true championship contenders. Coming off a disappointing 76-win season in 2013, they were thought to be improved, but of no real concern to the Los Angeles Dodgers or other rising National League clubs. Though Los Angeles did take the division crown, the Giants set the pace most of the season. A strong start and a good finish helped them reach the NL wild card game, and then rolled over the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-0 to make the tournament. Now they're four wins away from making it three championships in five seasons. Easy math, but it won't be easy against the Kansas City Royals. Before we look to far ahead though, it's time to take a look back at the key factors that have helped San Francisco emerge from the NL heap. The...