And the 2011 World Series Champion will be...
Here's why:Who would have thought at the beginning of the year that it would be down to Texas and St. Louis in the World Series. The Rangers, last year's runner-up, have had a great season and rode its explosive lineup (holy cow, Nelson Cruz was unstoppable in ALCS) and good bullpen to return to the Fall Classic. The Cardinals, meanwhile, have overcome all odds in first catching Atlanta in the NL Wildcard race, and then topping NL favorites Philly and Milwaukee, using outstanding pitching and clutch hitting to win its 18th NL Pennant.
So, let's break it down. Both lineups definitely have the potential for big innings. The Rangers' lineup, however, is definitely more well-rounded, led by ALCS MVP Nelson Cruz, who hit a record-breaking six home-runs in their domination of the Tigers. But behind him, Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, Adrian Beltre, and Ian Kinsler are all Silver Slugger contenders at their positions, and catcher Mike Napoli has provided big hits over the second half of the season as well. Although St. Louis can counter with the best hitter in the game in Albert Pujols, as well as red-hot NLCS MVP David Freese, and Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday in the outfield, offensively, Texas just has more depth.
As far as pitching, both rotations are inconsistent, but overall, the Rangers' core of starting pitching has been good enough to eat up innings. Starters C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis, Derrick Holland, and Matt Harrison, as well as closer Neftali Feliz are all pretty solid and should be up to the challenge in the Rangers' second consecutive World Series. Of course, the Cardinals have the best pitcher in the series in ace Chris Carpenter, but behind him, Jaime Garcia, Edwin Jackson, and Kyle Lohse have been erratic and inconsistent. The Cardinals got by Milwaukee largely because its bullpen came up huge, with manager Tony LaRussa constantly mixing and matching pitchers coming out of the 'pen to perfection. Can this formula for success, with Salas, Rzepcynski, Lynn, and Motte coming in for ineffective starters and shutting the door, give St. Louis its 11th championship banner?
The biggest key in the series is seeing which pitching staff can survive and prevent big innings by the opposition's offense. Both Milwaukee and Detroit were unable to stop explosive four or five run innings, which in the baseball postseason, will usually lead to elimination. In the end, I think the Rangers are the better team, with the more consistent starting pitching, and well-rounded lineup.
Rangers in 7.
