Game 7

After about 10 people asking my thoughts on tonight's game, I finally agreed to post something.
Last nights game was kismet, or as S said last night " they are cursed. "
Deep down, I am becoming a little more optimistic.

Breakdown:
Pitching-Carpenter vs Harrison
1. Carpenter has to be pushed past 20 pitches in 2nd inning.  His history is early departure because of control or beware he will dominate.  The Rangers should have a game plan to be swinging at first pitch if it is in good zone, otherwise they should work him deep into the count during first 3 innings.  I realize this goes against the Rangers mindset of being the bully on the block, but I find it paramount.  We need 100 pitches by 6th to get into the pen.

 Carpenter at 36 years of age is the kind of pitcher who makes his legacy in the World Series.
I do find it interesting that La Russa seemed to ponder if Carpenter should start in some of his conversations.
With that I would expect him to have a quick trigger finger.  I know he has pitched well so far, but that injury still lingers, his record on short rest is not positive and nerves make people look for excuses when things get tough.   Facing the Rangers for third time in 10 days is rough for anyone.

2. Harrison- Who knows!   He has the stuff and could be special.  
Harrison got off his game and pouted after a bad call by the ump in his last appearance. Hopefully he learned something from his last appearance and goes Jack Morris on them.  I like Harrison with the bigger NL Strike Zone to keep it close.

Bullpen- They both stink.  Tonight we may find out if Feliz is actually a closer or not.  Watching his face last night was interesting.  The nerves really got to him and made him aim.   If he is what I think he is, tonight he will push 100 on the radar and damn the torpedoes.
The cards pen man for man seem to have higher velocity with the movement.

Edge - Cards if they don't get Carpenter by third inning.

Defense-  I really thought the Rangers had a big advantage until last night.   I cannot even comment on Young last night.  Cruz misplayed that ball and know was reportedly hurt prior.  Elvis just choked.
Still they are stonger than the Cards.
Edge Rangers

Hitting- Cardinal hitters from the 5-8 spot won the game last night.  I do not expect a repeat tonight.
Pujols is the best, Berkman is just money.  Freese is the man.
With Hamilton playing at half speed, sans messages from the man upstairs, the Rangers live and die with Beltre, Young, Kinsler and Nap.  Cruz is just a Dave Kingman clone right now.
Nap's ankle cannot be good.

Even.

Coaching- Where do I start.  LaRussa has the pedigree, Washington drives me crazy with his over managing.
But, I have a feeling LaRussa is going to make a mistake with Carpenter tonight.  Call him Capt Hook.
Edge - La Russa.

Umpire- The Rangers are 1-5 or something like that with this ump.  Odds: they are due a win.

Intangibles- Unlike most, I think that the Cardinal have a problem as big as Texas.
The bullpen for Cards flew under radar for a poor outing.  They are looking to fail.
 The Rangers faced the adversity last night and if there is one thing special about this team it is the togetherness.  Washington seems to be the maniacal manager that they love because of his idiosyncrasies.
Michael Young has had problems with Carpenter, but I have a feeling with his swing returning.  Young is likely lacking sleep today and blaming himself for the loss.   Young will come up big in some way.

Kismet plays the deciding factor in my prediction.  Teams that play with this much laughter deserve to win.
It is a replay of the Pirates - "We Are Family"

Prediction- Rangers join Mavericks in an unlikely World Championship parade.
j