At the start of the season, if someone said that the Rangers and Giants would each be one win from the World Series on October 21, would you have believed them? Would anybody have?
But that is the cold, hard truth. The Rangers have a 3-2 series lead, and though the Yankees could easily stage a comeback, Texas is still in control.
The Giants meanwhile, have found their way toward a 3-1 series lead against the mighty Phillies. Halladay, Oswalt, and Hamels—so what? The Giants have Lincecum, Sanchez, and Cain.
Of course many people are still going with the Yankees and Phillies. They are the favorites. They made it last year. They have the offense. They are the popular teams. A re-match would ostensibly be good for Major League Baseball.
I beg to differ. Give other teams a chance. How long ago was it that the Rangers had bad pitching and were consistently mediocre? Not too long ago. But then they got Josh Hamilton, Cliff Lee, and now they’re on the brink of the World Series.
As for the Giants, they have finally overcome the Barry Bonds shadow. I actually don’t think of Bonds when I think of the Giants. And that is quite the accomplishment for this team.
Both teams are examples of building up from rock-bottom. Unlike the Phils and Yanks who are perennially good (and rich) teams, the Rangers and Giants have had their fair share of ups and downs. And now they are on an up-swing. Good timing.
They have young talent with a mix of veterans. They have caught New York and Philadelphia off guard. These teams are a feel-good story. No one wants to see the Phillies and Yankees win again. Boring, and annoying.
I for one hope that the World Series features both the Rangers and Giants. Maybe even just one of them.
Baseball needs change to stay fresh. And it’s not like Texas or San Francisco are boring teams. They’re exciting. They deserve a shot at the Series. More than the you-know-who teams.
As long as the Phillies or Yankees don’t win it, I’m sure most of America will be content.
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