Talk about Giant killers. The San Francisco Giants made just about every unconventional move you could think of, and it seemed like each decision paid off. They’ll be heading to their first World Series since 1954 to face the Rangers who will be going to their first World Series ever, and without any official announcements, it’s probably safe to assume that two of the game’s best pitchers, Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum, will be throwing first pitches for their respective teams.

But seriously, Giants manager Bruce Bochy called a peculiar game. Pitching Madison Bumgarner on two days rest for two innings, and then Lincecum on one day’s rest in the eighth, and then closer Brian Wilson for five outs when a possible Game 7 loomed on the horizon? It also took some clutch hitting from the offense, but you have to admit it. Bochy has guts, and his game-calling clinched a National League pennant for his rag-tag boys from the Bay.

The Giants will take on the World Series rookies from Texas. The last time a team made its inaugural appearance in a World Series was in 2002, when the Anaheim Angels, a wild card team, made it to The Show. The Angels’ road greatly resembles that of Texas. Along with their first World Series, they also won their first ever ALDS and consequently, first league pennant as well, beating the Yankees and then the Twins. And, of course, the Angels beat San Francisco in the World Series.

The 2010 incarnation of the Giants will try to reverse that trend. They’ll return to San Francisco and get some rest and practice in before Wednesday’s start. NLCS MVP Cody Ross, Buster Posey, Pat Burrell and the rest will prepare the bats while Lincecum, Bumgarner and Matt Cain will keep their arms fresh during a long break. The Rangers are polar opposites of the Phillies, and it will take every bit of talent the Giants have to win it all.