800th Post - Ranger's Get The Honor.

Can words describe the surprise I feel with the year of the Rangers.

At the end of spring training, I listened to Gallaway and Co doing their predictions for the Rangers. Some were optimistic and some fet the same old same old.
I fell into the latter category. I believed they would or could win the division but I figured they were on a level with the Blue Jays not the Yankees and Rays.

Never did I expect the starting pitching staff to be that stable, I felt like last year was a fluke. CJ Wilson is my biggest surprise, I felt like his ball flattened out under pressure. I was as wrong about him as I was right about Feliz as a closer. Thank goodness.

As you know, I strongly supported the Lee trade because I believe you go for it when you get a chance. The Rangers have the best overall player in baseball in Hamilton and one of the top 5 pitchers.

Now a prediction.

The Giants are a remake of the Tampa Rays without the defense.
They don't hit well, run well or play great defense.

The Rangers are more talented on offense and defense.

Now, we deal with the two aces.
Lee and Lincecum.
I cannot give Lincecum and advantage and I love the guy, but Lee is just ridiculous under pressure. Call it even, I worry that Lee's arm will eventually give out and Lincecum can pitch 3 complete games.

Offense. Rangers by a landslide.
Defense. Rangers by a bundle.
Coaching. Prior to the this year I wouldnt have said this, but Even.
Pitching. Giants barely. The bullpen was great during the year.

My decision is based on this.
Hamilton creates more adjustments for the Giants than anyone in the National League other than Albert P in St Louis.
Defense for the Rangers is just better they cover so much ground.
By the way, Hamilton's defense is the reason he is truly the Natural and the best player in baseball.

Rangers in 6. They have to get Lincecum just once.
I cannot believe I typed the Ranger as World Champions.

J