Did anyone think that the World Series this year would end up being the Cardinals and the Rangers? Many came into the playoffs believing it would be a Yankees Phillies matchup, a rematch of the 2009 World Series. There were not many who would have predicted the Cardinals, a team who seemed to be out of the playoff race in early September, to be in the fall classic.
The Rangers come into the World Series for the second consecutive year as they defended their American League crown. This year, they hope to do what they did not last year and that is winning their first ring in their 40 year franchise's history. They have the team this year to do it with a good blend of solid pitching, a great bullpen, and a powerful lineup. Outfielder Nelson Cruz had an unbelievable American League Championship series after struggling in the division series. Cruz recorded 6 home runs and 13 rbi in the ALCS against the Tigers after hitting below the interstate in the division. It was an unbelievable turn around that was extremely essential in powering the Tigers into the fall classic. Cruz had at least one hit and at least one home run in every game in the series except game 3. He chose the perfect time to come up with clutch hits for the Rangers. With other powerful bats such as Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, and Mike Napolini, the Cardinals pitching is going to have a rough go for it coming up.
The Cardinals come into the World Series as a team that is scorching hot. After trailing the wild card to the Braves by 10.5 games they have become a team that does not want to lose and never says die. They surged into the playoffs in comeback fashion. They beat the best team and best pitching in the league in the Philadelphia Phillies and they beat a Brewers team on the road who was favored to win the series. The Cardinals have been the hottest team and a lot of times momentum is key coming into the postseason. (cough cough 2006 Cardinals) The 2006 Cardinals were a mediocre team at best barely sneaking in the playoffs barely finishing over .500. Yet, they had the momentum and confidence coming in the playoffs and that is all they needed as they won the World Series. The Cards come in with a powerful lineup as well. Led by "the machine" Albert Pujols, the red birds have power bats around Pujols to protect him in the lineup. Outfielder Lance Berkman had a terrific season and earlier in the year was an MVP candidate. Matt Holiday also had a very good season supporting Pujols and Berkman. Realistically, the Cardinals do not have as good of a lineup as the Rangers do. The key is that they have a solid lineup, one of the best pitchers in the game in Chris Carpenter, and they have the confidence. That might just be all they need.
With that being said, I believe the Rangers lineup has been flaming hot. Yes, pitching does win championships. The Rangers do not have the best starting pitching, but they do have the bullpen that comes in and brings the heat. For their bullpen and powerful lineup, I see the Rangers winning the World Series, but taking 7 games to do it. Although this may not be one of the best matchups television and ratings wise, I believe this is going to be a thrilling world series with a lot of action and a dramatic finish. The Rangers will finally get their first ring and Texas will finally have a team that can close games out in the end. (cough cough Cowboys)
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