New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers ALCS: Why Series Belongs To Texas

Before the postseason started, I predicted that the Texas Rangers would make the World Series. I didn't write an article about it, but I did tell my friends. Everyone thought I was crazy. I got comments like, "Are you serious? There is no way they are beating the Rays!" Yeah OK.

Throughout the ALDS against the Rays, where the road team won every game, I was second-guessing my prediction. But it turns out I was right.

Fast forward to the ALCS against the Yankees. Well just continue reading.

Games 1 and 2

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 16: (L-R walking towards L) Nelson Cruz #17, Jeff Francoeur #21, Josh Hamilton #32, Ian Kinsler #5 and Elvis Andrus #1 of the Texas Rangers celebrate with their teammates after they won 7-2 against the New York Yankees against the

If you look closely at the first two games, 17 of the 18 innings belonged to the Texas Rangers. The Yankees had only one good inning and that was the eighth inning of Game 1. Overall, C.C. Sabathia has looked awful against the Twins and Rangers, while Phil Hughes had a great Game 2 against Minnesota but a horrible Game 2 against Texas. 

The lineup hasn't been producing either. They had two runs in Game 2, and six in Game 1, but with five in one inning. A-Rod has been nowhere to be found and no one is coming up with clutch hits.

Texas, meanwhile has been fantastic besides its bullpen. The offense and starting pitching has been outstanding and will only get better.

Game 3

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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)

There is no way that Andy Pettitte will out-duel Cliff Lee. No way. Lee has been fantastic against the Yankees in his playoff career and Pettitte has been injured for a while.

Prediction: 3-1 Rangers 

Game 4

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BOSTON - OCTOBER 2: Francisco Cervelli #29 of the New York Yankees confers with A.J. Burnett after Cervelli misplayed a foul popup against the Boston Red Sox in the second game of a doubleheader at Fenway Park, October 2, 2010, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Do we seriously trust A.J. Burnett in a huge playoff game against a great team while possibly facing a 3-1 series hole? I don't.

Prediction: 8-4 Rangers

Game 5

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 15: CC Sabathia #52 of the New York Yankees tags out Nelson Cruz #17 of the Texas Rangers at the plate in Game One of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 15, 2010 in Arlington, Texas.

The way Sabathia has been pitching, you might think there is no way he wins, but it will be his first game at home. This is the only game the Yankees will win the rest of the way.

Prediction: 5-4 Yankees

Game 6

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 16: (L-R) Bengie Molina #11 and Neftali Feliz #30 of the Texas Rangers celebrate after they won 7-2 against the New York Yankees in Game Two of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 16,

Sorry Yankee fans, but the Rangers own the series now. At Texas with Cliff Lee looming in game 7, the Yankees know this is their last chance. But they don't get it done.

Prediction: Rangers win series.