The Fall Classic

There's nothing in sports like the World Series. Especially when it's competitive. The last great World Series we've seen was the 2001 thriller between the Yankees and Diamondbacks. That was a series for the ages, with the underdog DBacks winning on a bloop single from Luis Gonzalez in the 9th inning.

This series could have the same kind of drama. And it starts tonight.

We've got too very different, yet similar teams. Texas is appearing in their first ever World Series, and the Rangers have, arguably, the greatest postseason pitcher in the history of the game with Cliff Lee. Behind him are a bunch of no namers, but look out for Colby Lewis. He's on some kind of run, and pitched an unbelievable game to clinch the ALCS. Neftali Feliz is as electric as it gets at the back end of the bullpen. They have a youthful, energetic team, led by rising star Elvis Andrus at shortstop. If you don't know who this kid is, learn his name quickly, because he's the next Ozzie Smith/Omar Vizquel. Unbelievable hands, footwork, and arm at the shortstop position, as well as great foot speed. He's a singles hitter right now, but he will develop into the best leadoff hitter in the game within two years. Obviously there's the superstar in Josh Hamilton, with sluggers Nelson Cruz and future hall of famer Vladimir Guerrero to protect him. But there's the unsung heroes, like second baseman Ian Kinsler, outfielder David Murphy, and rookie first baseman Mitch Moreland. This is a club that can beat you with their pitching, flash some leather, and blast away at the opposition with a high powered, multifaceted attack.

The Giants are looking for their first World Series title since 1954, when they were the New York Giants. San Fran has co-aces Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, with Jonathan Sanchez behind them, who isn't too far away from being an ace. All of them, including 20 year old Madison Bumgarner, have pitched an excellent game in the playoffs. Because of their depth, and a solid back end of the bullpen with Brian Wilson being the anchor, I like the Giants' pitching more than Texas'. The offense isn't constructed like Texas', and they struggle at times, but make no mistake that anyone in this lineup can take you deep. Cody Ross has channeled his inner Reggie Jackson this October, and Aubrey Huff has had a career revival at first. Don't forget clutch hitting Juan Uribe, who hit the series clincher in Game 6 of the NLCS, and stud rookie Buster Posey. And I haven't even mentioned former 30 homer man Pat Burrell, or the ever dangerous Pablo Sandoval. This lineup isn't quite as fluid as the Rangers' though, so I like Texas in that aspect.

As for how this series will go, I think San Francisco is making a huge mistake by starting Lincecum in Game 1. Yes, I realize he matches up best with Cliff Lee, but no one can truly match up with Lee. The Rangers will be heavily favored to win Game 1, and will most likely, whether it is Lincecum, or say, Sanchez on the hill. So why not start Sanchez? That saves Lincecum and Cain for Games 2 and 3, which gives San Francisco a massive advantage. Instead, I think Texas' offense will come up big again, and Cliff Lee will do what he does. I like Texas in a dramatic seven game series.