For the second consecutive season, the MLB juggernaut Texas Rangers are in the World Series. This year, the Rangers are led by a potent offense and stifling pitching core that all appear ready to win a title. If you recall, last season, it appeared as though the Rangers were just happy to be in the price per head World Series, and being a runner up was no big deal. With a title in mind, today we wonder if the Rangers can stop the red hot St. Louis Cardinals.
Entering Wednesday’s matchup in St. Louis, the Texas Rangers find themselves as a – 160 favorite over the feel good story of the MLB St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals are being praised by everyone and their bookie software agents, because their veteran lineup was able to climb into the playoffs after losing staff ace Adam Wainwright for the year and being down 10.5 games at the end of August. However, in our books, the Texas Rangers and their ability to come back and play in a second World Series, is just as NFL pick admirable if not more so then St. Louis.
Consider, the Cardinals are one of the most complete teams in the MLB, as they have arguably one of the best pitching rotations, to go along with the trio of Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman and Matt Holiday. On the contrary, while CJ Wilson currently holds the title of staff ace in Texas, the truth is most teams would rather have built their staffs around Carpenter then Wilson. What’s more, Wilson has proven he isn’t an ace, as he has struggled considerably in the breeders cup betting post season. Wilson is winless in three starts, including a nine to nothing loss to open the playoffs. Regardless, Rangers Manager Ron Washington has plans to use Wilson in game one and game seven if need be.
While CJ Wilson and the Rangers miraculous pitching staff go unnoticed in Texas, fans can’t help but notice their offense. This year’s team has been carried for the most part by former waiver wire pickup Nelson Cruz and the forgotten man in the Vernon Wells from Toronto to LA Angels deal, Mike Napoli. The duo has combined for eight home runs and nearly 20 RBI in the 2011 post season.
Cruz in particular has turned into an elite level hitter, as you could make an argument, that he single handedly defeated the Detroit Tigers. In Game two of the ALCS, Crus hit a game tying home run, before hitting a game winning Grand Slam in the 11th inning. Then in he hit a game clinching three run home run in the 11th of game four. Yet, it should be noted, that past Cruz and Napoli, the Rangers offense had struggled up until the 15 run output on Saturday. In order to clinch their first World Series, the Rangers offense will need to pickup steam again.
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