ALCS 2010: 5 Bold Predictions

The Yankees return to the ALCS for the second straight season, seeking another trip to the World Series. The Rangers have proven to be one of the best teams in the American League all year long and will try to knock New York from their throne.

Here are five bold predictions for the 2010 American League Championship Series.

Hitting Trumps Pitching

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ST. PETERSBURG - AUGUST 17: Outfielder Josh Hamilton #32 of the Texas Rangers misses this pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Tropicana Field on August 17, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

So far this postseason, we have seen proof that good pitching beats good hitting. But in a League Championship Series loaded with power bats, I’m taking the latter.

Both teams received good pitching performances in the Divisional Series, but neither team faced a lineup as strong as each other.

The Series Goes to Game Seven

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 12: Infielder Ian Kinsler #5 of the Texas Rangers is congratulated at home plater by Nelson Cruz #17 (left) and Jeff Francoeur #21 after his home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during Game 5 of the ALDS at Tropicana Field on

The Rangers proved they were for real by beating Tampa Bay, a team that finished the season a game better than New York. So, don’t expect them to roll over for the reigning world champions like Minnesota did. Though the Rangers lack experience, they don’t lack talent.

Get ready for a good one.

Texas Pitching Outduels Yankee Pitching

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 12: Pitcher Cliff Lee #33 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during Game 5 of the ALDS at Tropicana Field on October 12, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Texas’s pitching was phenomenal against Tampa Bay. Led by postseason veteran Cliff Lee, it’s not going to get any easier against New York. They will not be able to completely shut down the Yankees’ lineup, but they can slow them enough to give their own lineup an edge.

Former Ranger Mark Teixeira Leads the Way for Yankee Hitters

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BALTIMORE - MAY 09: Mark Teixeria #25 of the New York Yankees scores in the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 9, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Teixeira batted .308 in the series against Minnesota and has been one of the Yankees’ most consistent hitters for most of the year. He also led the team in RBI throughout the Divisional Series.

Expect Teixeira to be at his best against his old team, especially with the American League Pennant on the line.

Elvis Andrus and Nelson Feliz Lead the Way for the Rangers

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ST. PETERSBURG - OCTOBER 06: Elvis Andrus #1 of the Texas Rangers leads off first against pitcher David Price #14 during Game 1 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on October 6, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrman

Andrus and Feliz came to Texas in the deal that sent Teixeira to Atlanta. Andrus has developed into a true threat at the plate and batted .333 against Tampa Bay. A good series from him will make Rangers fans forget the man standing at first base for the Yankees.

Nelson Feliz has also been fantastic. Feliz was amongst the leaders in Major League Baseball in saves during the regular season. His counterpart, Mariano Rivera, isn’t bad either. Expect these two closers to turn it into an eight inning game if their team leads heading into the ninth.