World Series - Arlington, TX 2010

I just like writing and saying the words in my title above. I kept telling everyone who would listen, if the Saints can win a Super Bowl, then truly anything can happen. And here it is, the most unlikely of events, the Rangers smash the defending world champs 4 games to 2. Finally after 39 frustrating years we have a professional organization, young talent on the field, and character at the top.

Some numbers behind this ALCS: the Rangers outhit, outpitched, and outran the vaunted Yanks. BA was .304 to .201 Rangers, Slugging was .512 to .370 Rangers, ERA was 3.06 to 6.58 Rangers; Rangers had twice as many runs, almost twice as many hits, and rained down 24 extra base hits on the Yankees' heads. They also stole 9 bases to the Yank's 2. The pitching only yielded 38 hits in 53 innings and struck out 52.

Hamilton hit .350 with a 1.000 SA and a .536 OB%. Cruz hit .350 with a .800 SA. Young Elvis Andrus looked like a star on the field hitting .333 and stealing 4 bases. And the steady face of the franchise Michael Young after toiling in this backwater for his whole career, hit .333 and finally gets some just reward for his loyalty and leadership.

I finally have to give due to Jon Daniels; after ripping him for the Chris Young and John Danks trades, he has to get credit for remaking this franchise. He traded for Andrus and Feliz, Hamilton, Cruz, and Lee, signed Lewis and Guerrero, and has seen the system develop Wilson, Holland, Ogando, Moreland, and Kinsler. I wish Danks was in this rotation, but I think it's time I forgive that one and move on.

Ryan gives this team credibility, and Washington, Hurdle, and Maddux give them direction and professionalism. This week all Ranger fans are getting carried away, but it just may be that we have a real baseball franchise to root for going forward. There will be the drama of trying to sign Cliff Lee, which I doubt. I believe Hamilton will certainly stay. The chemistry is great and I just hope they keep following the plan. World Series - Arlington, TX 2010!

S