Cardinals Vs. Rangers: 2011 World Series Predictions

The 2011 MLB World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers will commence Wednesday October 19. Fox channel will provide TV coverage for this best-of-7 series. St. Louis will have home field advantage. This article offers predictions for the 107th Baseball World Series.

This year's Fall Classic features two teams with similar strengths and weaknesses. Both St. Louis and Texas have a potent offensive line-up that includes the likes of Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman, Michael Young and Josh Hamilton. In point of fact, the Cardinals and Rangers averaged 7.8 and 7.2 runs a game respectively in their league championship series.

The two teams also have the two best bullpens in baseball, whose strong pitching performance in the playoffs has been critical to their teams' successes. In contrast, starting pitching is a big weakness for both the Cardinals and Rangers. Their starters combined to record only one win, courtesy of Chris Carpenter, in the league championship series. Most of the two teams' postseason victories to this point have come as a result of brilliant relieve pitching and terrific offense.

For St. Louis to win the 2011 World Series, the team will need strong performances from ace pitcher Chris Carpenter. The former Cy Young award winner is set to start in the series' first game, which should give him at least two starts in the Fall Classic. The Cardinals will also need their second starter Kyle Lohse to perform better. The team's bullpen has been used extensively in the playoffs. It is time for the starters to step up and help shoulder the burden.

For Texas to win its first World Series title, the team will need its high-octane offense to continue to play well. The good news is that key Rangers' players like Michael Young and Adrian Beltre have yet to hit their strides in the postseason. A World Series title could be the motivation needed for these players to elevate their game.

My prediction - The St. Louis Cardinals will defeat the Texas Rangers in 6 games to win the Fall Classic; Chris Carpenter will win two games.

Reference: Yahoo Sports