Kansas City Royals Finally Make Playoffs Again: MLB Playoff Field Set

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Kansas City (89-73) finished just one game away from a tie for first place in the AL Central Division. With a spot in the Playoffs secured through a Wild Card, it marks the first time since 1985 that the Royals found themselves in the Playoffs. They won it all that year.

James Shields takes the mound for Kansas City on Tuesday night, in a one game series at home against Jon Lester and the Oakland Athletics (88-74), who won their last match to avoid a tiebreaker game against the Seattle Mariners (87-75). The winner of the game will play the Los Angeles Angels (98-64).

Meanwhile, the mentioned AL Central Champions, the Detroit Tigers (90-72), will face the AL East Champions, the Baltimore Orioles (96-66).

The Pittsburgh Pirates (88-74) once again got themselves into a Wild Card spot and will host the San Francisco Giants (also 88-74) on Wednesday. The winner plays the Washington Nationals (96-66), who took the NL East with little difficulty this season.

Finally, the LA Dodgers (93-68) will play the St Louis Cardinals (90-72).

The AL gets homefield advantage for the World Series.

MLB Season Starts Outside of United States

This year's baseball season will not only start early, but it will also take place half-way around the world: The Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks are going to Australia!

The games will be small previews of the NL West, where the Dodgers are easily the favorites. Despite a rocky start in 2013, the team was able to coast into the Playoffs with less issues late in the season. This year, nearly all of the players return from the talented 2013 squad. The team, however, had a busy off-season and added pitchers Paul Malholm and Dan Haren.

The Diamondbacks have made several changes, which could benefit them enough to make them serious playoff contenders. While they lost Kennedy- Mark Trumbo and Bronson Arroyo should make the team more powerful.

The opening series takes place in Sydney, Australia on March 22. The opener for most teams is March 31.