Here We Go Again

Ladies and gentleman, your Texas Rangers are doing it again.

It seemed like yesterday when our Rangers faced off against Tampa Bay in the ALDS. Even more recent the image of James Shields throwing the "Antlers" sign after a Game 3 Tampa win in Arlington.

And just like that, here we go again.

These Rangers are coming in hot (9-1 in their last 10 games), and their bats are blazing. It's hard to figure out how to approach the Texas lineup in a crucial situation... Walk Hamilton, pitch to Beltre? Or walk both, pitch to Cruz? Or even worse right now, pitch to Napoli who's crushing the ball?

It doesn't seem like it's possible for the good 'ol boys from Texas to lose.

But I warn the trusty fans from Arlington, be weary. Last year, we rode into the world series on our trusty steeds that consisted of Cliff Lee's shoulder, yardstick home run memories and highlight reel diving catches, only to have them dashed in a few games.

It was a good run while it lasted, but this year is different. This year, the Texas Rangers know the length of the road ahead. They know how to successfully maneuver the hazard filled waters of the MLB October schedule.

This year, they're ready.

It all starts in the ALDS against a nasty pitching rotation and a brilliant manager in Joe Madden. Madden would win a ring every year if he was given the quality players and payroll that Boston or New York has, and the fact that he LOSES franchise players every year and still competes with the two still is absolutely amazing to me.

NOTE: THAT WILL BE THE LAST COMPLIMENT I PAY IN FAVOR OF MADDEN UNTIL AFTER THE SEASON.

He's not good enough though. The September run was epic, but it's going to take a miracle for the Rangers not to get past the ALDS series again this year.

In fact, it will be a miracle to get the Rangers to 5 games in the ALDS, but you can believe what you want.

MY PREDICTION: Rangers in 4. They win the first, win the second with Derek Holland throwing a gem, lose third, win fourth in front of that incredible Tampa fan base.


How do the Rangers pull this off? It's easy... Leadership. It starts at the top, just as any great group does. Nolan Ryan and Jon Daniels have set a winning tradition in Texas, and it doesn't look to be ending any time soon.

Break out the blue and red, HERE WE GO AGAIN!