Rangers to Make Ryan's Prediction Reality

When Hall of Famer and Rangers President Nolan Ryan was asked his prediction for the outcome of the World Series, his response was as confident and certain as when he proclaimed that they would return in 2011 - Texas in six.

Now that Texas has a 3-2 lead in the series, the Rangers are in a perfect position to clinch the championship in game six, just as foretold by Ryan.

At the beginning of the series, Texas Manager Ron Washington claimed that he didn't trust his chances in a chess match with his St. Louis counterpart, Tony La Russa. With his strategic and masterful use of the Texas pitching staff (I guess the Rangers bullpen phone works), Washington seems to all but have La Russa in checkmate. Colby Lewis gets the start at Busch Stadium after moving up to the number two spot on the rotation, and for many Ranger fans, he gives a sense of security in the post season that C.J. Wilson has inadvertently taken. I am not saying that Wilson is not a great pitcher (no one was more ecstatic than me when he was put in the starting rotation), but his lack of control in crucial situations and 0-3 record in the post season speak for itself. Lewis is adept at pitching on the road with a 3.43 ERA and a record of 9-5 this season against 5-5 with a 5.54 ERA at home. The move to the number two spot assured that the Rangers best visiting pitcher would be on the mound in St. Louis for game 2 and 6. This decision also helps with the fact that Lewis is a flyball pitcher playing on a larger field at Busch Stadium. In seven playoff starts, he is 4-1 with a 2.22 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, and has two quality starts in this post season. Those that care to remember last years World Series know that Lewis was the only Rangers pitcher to earn a win. Lewis showed that he could handle the Cardinals' red hot bats in game 2. He gave up 4 hits and only 1 run with a 1.35 ERA in 6.2 innings pitched.

The Rangers offense appears to be coming alive, led by MVP candidate Mike Napoli. He was the hero of game 5 when he blasted a two run double to right center in the bottom of the eighth. Game 6 should prove to be a breakout game for Rangers cleanup man Michael Young and ALCS MVP Nelson Cruz with the pressure now on St. Louis who is facing elimination.

My belief is that Nolan Ryan knows the game of baseball better than most acquiring knowledge as both a player and a team president. So I would have to agree that franchise history is going to be made on Thursday. The stage is set, and Wash is moving his Knight within striking distance of La Russa's King. My prediction - Texas in six.