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This one sucks for me because I didn't root for the Rangers in either of their
series' and I only wanted the Cards to beat the Phils and lose to the Brewers.
I usually root for underdogs, and feel more obligated to the Rangers because they've never won one, and especially since they lost last year. The Cards just won one in '06, so I think they can wait a bit longer, even though they had a great come-from-behind run this year.
I'll be content enough either way, but regardless, I feel that the Rangers will steamroll the Cardinals.
^^ I'm a Cardinals fan, but really highly doubt the Cards beat the Rangers is unlikely. The Rangers offensive lineup is impressive, but their pitching is average at best with no true ace in the rotation. The Cardinals offensive is on fire and pitching is better than the Rangers but not by much especially this NLCS. One thing the Cardinals have is a true ace in the rotation and I think that will be the difference. This world series is a tossup so I see it going 7 and it will come down to pitching.
Somehow the Cardinals bullpen (absolutely awful with about 30 blown saves) has jelled, which leaves the team with no significant weaknesses at all. Whether the bullpen will revert back to its losing ways or not is the key to this series, and there's no way any one can predict that based on any application of data.
The Cardinals will not be giving anything up in the AL park, as their roster is a natural for a DH league, using Craig as a corner outfielder, and either Berkman or Holliday as DH par-excellence.
It remains to be seen whether Schumaker will be healthy enough for a roster spot, which would significantly improve their offense at 2B. He took BP and fielding drills last night, and said he was ready. But based on his need for 6 pitches per game in the NLCS, LaRussa might want an extra pitcher. Adron Chambers seems to be a deadweight, though.
Due to the 6-game win over the Brewers, Carpenter is available for Game 1, and possibly 4 and 7 as well, which could be the clincher. But Carpenter doesn't like to pitch on short rest and is ineffective when he does, so he might be held to two starts, and then it doesn't matter which two they are.
Expect very high scoring games, the Rangers don't seem to have the kind of pitchers who can hold the Cards to less than about 7 runs a game.
Somehow the Cardinals bullpen (absolutely awful with about 30 blown saves) has jelled, which leaves the team with no significant weaknesses at all. Whether the bullpen will revert back to its losing ways or not is the key to this series, and there's no way any one can predict that based on any application of data.
Statistical analysis can tell you the most likely outcomes.
But, for me at least, the randomness of baseball is what makes it so interesting.
I like cake, too, but I'll be rooting for the Rangers anyway.
Wearing a Brandon Phillips jersey.
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