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The Texas Rangers and Rays were the only LDS series that did not go 5 games. I, for one, was wanting the Rangers to play Boston and New York to get back to the World Series, because I thought it would be the easiest way to get back for the Rangers. But after watching the Rangers take care of the Rays, and the Yankees and Tigers battle it out, I am convinced that the Rangers may be the best team left. Period. Not just in the AL. Their bats after game 1 came alive, they are the best team left in the category hitting with runners in scoring position, and you can just see the way the guys play for each other and their manager. But, one team they did not play well against this season (and for a few seasons in a row for that matter) is the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers will be a challenge for the Rangers, but who said getting back to the World Series would be a walk in the park? The Rangers will have to face Verlander twice (at least), Fister, and if the Tigers have a lead late, Valverde, who is 50 for 50 in save opportunities this season. This series is going to be classic.
HITTING: The Rangers had the best batting average in the AL this season, hitting .283,but the Tigers were no slouches at this stat, they batted .277. As we all know from September, the Rangers cleaned it up in the month of September and hopefully will keep that up in October. The Rangers hit more homeruns, but we all know that they are really good at small ball as well. The Rangers know how to bring guys home when they get them on base. Hitting goes to the Rangers.
STARTING PITCHING: Justin Verlander is probably the best pitcher in all of baseball. There is little doubt about that. C.J. Wilson is a great pitcher, but he is no Justin Verlander. Detroit has an advantage in pitching in game 1, but after that I think the edge is to the Rangers. Max Scherzer will pitch game 2, and Derek Holland is better in my opinion. Scherzer was 15-9 with a 4.43 ERA. He struck out 174 while walking 56. Derek Holland was 16-5 with a 3.95 ERA. He struck out 162 while walking 67. He also had the second most complete game shutouts in baseball this season. I think Derek is ready for the big stage after last season, and it showed in his first post season start. I give the edge to Derek in this one. We are not sure who will go against Lewis in game 3, but it will most likely be Fister. The Rangers have the edge there as well since Colby has become the best post season pitcher in Rangers history. Overall, I think the Rangers have the edge here.
RELIEF PITCHING: It has been said most of the season that the Rangers had one of the best pens in all of baseball, and they only added to that with the addition of Uehara and Adams. Uehara has not worked out as well as the Rangers had hoped, but Adams has been a great 8th inning guy overall. Adding Alexi to the mix is also going to do nothing but help the Rangers. I think the Rangers have the clear advantage in the bull pen area. The only exception would be the Tigers closer that I mentioned earlier in this article.
SO, overall the Rangers should win this series, but all that means is they have the better team. Now they need to go out and play like the better team, and they will be in back to back World Series!
