The fall classic has officially begun. Some would call it the best postseason series in all of sports. To make it even more interesting this year, the Cardinals and Rangers are playing each other. These two make up very big fan bases here at MU. Each team has very loyal fans, each team knows what it’s like to be in the big show, and each team knows what it’s like to fall short of that ultimate prize. As a Royals fan, I haven’t the slightest idea what it’s like to root for my team in October. But I see these two teams, and I see a series that should be won by the Rangers for their offensive power and hunger after last year’s loss to the San Francisco Giants.
After sneaking into the playoffs, the Cardinals made it past both the Phillies and their rival Brewers to make to the World Series against the Rangers. They come in on the back of a bullpen that has performed well in the NLCS and with a surprising MVP performance from David Freese. But it’s unsure if he’ll keep up this kind of performance against the Rangers.
Of course, the Cards also have stars in Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday. But I’m not sure if they have the same kind of fire power found in the Rangers’ lineup. Holliday is also a key concern as he is just coming off of an injury to his finger. The Cardinals have made it this far in the playoffs but may have met their match in the Texas Rangers.
The Rangers have been more consistent this year and show all the signs of being ready to take down the Cards. They are in the World Series for the second straight year and know what it’s like to fail. They won the AL West and have been solid all season long. Nelson Cruz led the Rangers in the ALCS as he set the record for most home runs (six) and RBIs (13) in a postseason series on his way to the MVP award. We can expect the Rangers will be relying on their incredible lineup. From one to nine, they have some great bats in former MVP Josh Hamilton, MU alumnus Ian Kinsler and Michael Young, both solid performers. With these bats, it’s no surprise the Rangers have made it to the World Series back-to-back years.
Based on everything I’ve seen, the Rangers should win this series. Their hitting is too good for Cardinals pitching, and they have all the assets to win it all this year. But this doesn’t mean it will happen. The Cardinals have defied the odds numerous times this season, and I wouldn’t put it past them to do it again. After watching the Cardinals take game one, they could shock the baseball world again by defeating the Rangers and claiming their 11th World Series title. But we’ll have to wait and see how the rest of the series plays out.
