The Texas Rangers go into the 2011 MLB Playoffs as favorites this year. Last year the Rangers flew under the radar as underdogs, this time around anything less than a World Series Title will not be good enough in Arlington.
The Texas/Tampa ALDS rematch series will have some bite to it. Tampa is still upset over last year’s loss to Texas and will be out for revenge. Meanwhile, the Rangers are out to prove that last year was no fluke. Going into the ALDS the Rays have been red hot to say the least. Their flair for dramatics during the final month of the season and especially in game 162 of the season make the Rays a dangerous team.
This series should go the distance. Home field will be the difference in game 5 with Texas coming out on top but this series will be a chippy affair with some tempers flaring up and that should solidify the Rays/Rangers rivalry into the future.
SEASON INFO:
TAMPA BAY RAYS (91-71, 2nd in AL East, Wildcard Team) TEXAS RANGERS (96-66, 1st American League West)
SEASON SERIES:
RANGERS WON 5-4 (2-1 at Rangers Ballpark, 3-3 at Tropicana Field)
ALDS PREVIEW:
Game 1 @ Rangers Ballpark – TB Matt Moore @ TEX C.J. Wilson
Texas will ride C.J. Wilson into a game 1 win. Tampa, who is still on a high will have their bats silenced while a rested Rangers win this one big. Matt Moore is a young flamethrower with poise and focus who Texas has not seen.
Game 2 @ Rangers Ballpark – TB Jamie Shields @ TEX Derek Holland
This time around James Shields has his turn to throw a gem for the Rays while they muster 3-4 runs for the win. Thus setting the stage in Tampa for some very entertaining baseball.
Game 3 @ Tropicana Field – TEX Colby Lewis @ TB David Price
David Price returns to his old form but Lewis is in post season form as this one goes down to the wire. Texas continues to beat Price at home in the post season to take the series lead.
Game 4 @ Tropicana Field – TEX Matt Harrison @ TB Jeremy Hellickson
Harrison gets roughed up and is out by the 4th inning here. Tampa wins big setting up a game 5 in Texas. Longoria, Upton will have huge games with the Tampa offense getting going.
Game 5 @ Rangers Ballpark – TB James Shields @ TEX C.J. Wilson
Shields will go on short rest as the Rays will throw everything they can at the Rangers. The rested Wilson will be the difference and Texas will pull out a late game win to advance to the ALCS
