World Series Preview!

Major League Baseball has once again had a great season, and now it comes down to a rather unlikely match up in the World Series, the Texas Rangers versus the St. Louis Cardinals. The reason it is somewhat unlikely is because the Rangers have never made back to back World Series in franchise history, which goes back 50 years. Heck, the Rangers never even made a World Series until last season where they lost to the San Francisco Giants in five games. But, the Rangers were predicted by many not to make the World Series again, including this prognosticator. Texas had also lost out on keeping their ace, Cliff Lee for another six or so seasons, as he went to Philadelphia. Texas had also lost another cog in their rotation in Tommy Hunter, who had started game four in last year's World Series. Texas also lost their starting catcher in Bengie Molina and some other pieces which helped them in last year's playoffs. Texas had a relatively "easy" road to the World Series, as no route to the World Series is easy. But, they washed away the Rays, perhaps the second hottest team in baseball behind the Cardinals out in the divisional series. They then beat the Tigers and Justin Verlander in six games in the League Championship Series to get here.
St. Louis' road to the World Series wasn't an easy one either, as most everyone knows by now, they came back from a 10.5 game deficit to catch the Braves in the Wild Card standings, then beat the best team in baseball in the divisional series, then they beat their divisional rival and Central division champion Brewers in the LCS. St. Louis has been a consistent team under arguably the best manager ever in Tony LaRussa, who has guided the Cardinals to their third World Series under his watchful eye. Now, they're trying to help him capture the Cardinals 11th World Series title and second under :LaRussa.
Finally, allow me to examine both teams and give an edge to either side and pick a winner.
Relief pitching: Looking through both teams, both have outstanding bullpens bolstered by trades made at the trade deadline, and both teams definitely utilized them a lot during the LCS, as both teams starting rotations faltered big time there. As an example, no Texas starter went more than six innings in their series against the Tigers, and the Cardinals relievers worked more innings in the LCS than the starters. Keep in mind that in the NLCS, no game went into extra innings either. St. Louis grabbed Mark Rzepczynski and Octavio Dotel from the Blue Jays in exchange for their budding superstar Colby Rasmus. They also picked up veteran left hander Arthur Rhodes, who ironically was released by the Rangers. St. Louis also has a closer who only became their closer in mid-August in Jason Motte. Motte is very unusual, as he is converting to pitcher after being a catcher within the Cardinals system. So, he has a very unusual throwing motion, but when you are effectively erratic as Motte is, and you throw nearly 100 mph, it works out.
Texas meanwhile also has a great bullpen, led by their closer, Neftali Feliz, who can throw 100 mph while mixing in a nasty slider. No wonder why Feliz held the record for rookie saves last year until Craig Kimbrel of the Braves broke it this season. But, the Rangers also have a solid bullpen behind Feliz with Mike Gonzalez, Darren Oliver, Koji Uehara and their secret weapon in Alexi Ogando, who was a starter during the regular season, but in the playoffs has been devastatingly effective with his slider and fastball.
Advantage: Texas, because of Ogando

Starting Pitching
Both teams starting pitching didn't fare too well in the LCS, but they did fare pretty well in the LDS, where both teams starting pitching lasted at least five innings in each game, except for Chris Carpenter who in game two of the division series against Philadelphia only pitched three innings on his first ever start on three days rest. But, overall, I think the Cardinals have a better four man rotation with Carpenter, Jackson, Lohse and Garcia than the Rangers four man of Wilson, Harrison, Lewis and Holland.
Advantage: St. Louis, their depth.

Offense
Texas can knock the ball out of the park anytime with any of their hitters one through nine. Granted, that advantage will be negated a little bit with St. Louis having home field in the Series due to the stupid rule of the winning league from the All-Star game getting it. So, Texas pitchers will have to bat, and the game will be changed a little bit, but all of the Ranger hitters are scary. Granted, the Cardinals lineup isn't too shabby either with the best player in the game, Albert Pujols, flanked by NL comeback player of the year Lance Berkman and always dangerous Matt Holliday in the lineup. St. Louis however doesn't have the depth that the Texas lineup has.
Advantage: Texas, depth is too great.

Defense
Both teams have very solid defenses, as St. Louis will put in defensive replacements if they have a lead late, and will try to protect that lead with defensive replacements at third, second and at least one spot in the outfield. Texas is just all around very solid at every position.
Advantage: Push, too close to call.

Mangers
Ron Washington is finishing his fifth season as Rangers manager and has improved this team every single season since he came on board in 2007. But, as mentioned earlier, he's going up against in most opinions, one of the best managers of all time in Tony LaRussa who knows how to plug in pieces wherever and whenever and they always seem to work.
Advantage: St. Louis, greatness trumps.

X-factor
St. Louis is just hot as all get out, and seem to be a runaway freight train. Texas meanwhile has a lot of experience as well, as they were here last season and want to win the Dallas area's second championship within the year. Remember, the Dallas Mavericks won the NBA title in June. Plus, St. Louis has home field advantage, so I must give the slight advantage to the Cardinals.
Advantage: St. Louis

So, who is my pick to win the 2011 World Series? I think the Cardinals in six games, due to them just being so hot, and having a better bullpen than the Rangers.

Now, I know I said the NHL preview would come over the weekend, but my friend didn't get his portion to me til late tonight, so it'll be delivered later Wednesday.