SAN FRANCISCO -- This World Series is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The best pitcher in baseball with Hall of Fame ability is smack in the sweet spot of the prime of his career and getting the ball for Game 1. In a series with a Triple Crown winner, three Cy Young Award winners, two of the three winningest active managers in baseball and two deep-rooted baseball towns head over heels in love with the sport, Detroit ace Justin Verlander looms larger over the World Series than any other figure or storyline.