2011 marks the Texas Rangers second consecutive appearance in the Fall Classic, still seeking the franchise’s first World Series title. They own the odds and are widely considered the favorite, from Vegas to the Interwebs. The opponent task: The St. Louis Cardinals. The Cards are enjoying their 3rd trip to the World Series since 2004. They won in 2006, and are chasing the 11th title in team history, second only to the New York Yankees.
The weather is looking a little less than cooperative in St. Louis today, and ultimately, that’s because the season is too long. I love baseball, and I can easily state this. I’m of the mind that sock hats and heavy jackets in the dugout means the season is too long. Digressing. The players know what they’re getting into as mid-late October rolls around.
Game 1 in St. Louis comes with a 30 percent chance of rain, and a game time temperature that is predicted right around 50 degrees. Not terrible, but it could definitely play a factor in the approach from the mound. Especially if the breeze becomes an occasionally strong gust. C.J. Wilson is on the mound for Texas, and Chris Carpenter for St. Louis. Respective aces.
What makes this series so interesting is the fact that neither team is familiar with the other. Oftentimes, squads this close in geographic proximity will enjoy action during Interleague play, but neither pitcher has faced the meat of the opponents line up. In fact, there’s only one pitcher (Mike Adams) on the Texas squad who has ever faced Albert Pujols. These are baseball rarities that could make for a very defensive, every-run-is-precious series, when everyone is expecting two potent offenses to put a lot of runs on the board.
Sure, I’m an incredibly biased, lifelong Cardinals fan, but I do like the birds in this series. I love their post-season M.O. No precise predictions, however. Just going to enjoy this one.
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