2010 World Series: Five Reasons the Rangers Winning the AL Is Good for MLB

Don't Mess With Texas!  

The New York Yankees have learned that very well over the past few days. The Texas Rangers went from being a forgotten entity of the AL to now just one game away from representing it in the World Series.  

They have proved that they are the AL's best team, and did so in underdog fashion. This would be the first time in team history that they would be going to the World Series.  

So now Texas looks to take out the defending champions and book their ticket to the 2010 World Series.  

Texas in a World Series almost seems too good to be true for members of the Lone Star State.  

Here are five reasons why it would be good for the game of baseball as well.  

5. The Feel-Good Story of Josh Hamilton

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 15: Josh Hamilton #32 of the Texas Rangers rounds the bases on his 3-run home run in the bottom of the first inning against the New York Yankees in Game One of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

Where would Texas be without its AL MVP candidate Josh Hamilton?  

Even with a complete lineup and solid pitching, Hamilton is the leader of this team, and has shown it throughout the playoffs.

His life wasn't always this good, though.

Hamilton was once the most highly-touted prospect in the baseball world. Then his addictions would seep through, and he was left wondering if he would ever be able to play baseball at the major league level.  

In time, Hamilton was able to overcome this and lead a sober life. His career discovery in Texas is one of the best stories in all of sports.

4. Famous Owners (Past and Present)

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 15: (L-R) Former President George W. Bush and General Manager Nolan Ryan of the Texas Ranger watch the Rangers play against the New York Yankees in Game One of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlingto

Back in the 1990s, George W. Bush was the owner of the Texas Rangers.  

This man would eventually become the 43rd President of the United States of America. But, for those of you who may not have known, he was in the baseball business first.  

Nolan Ryan, the current owner of the Texas Rangers, was one of the greatest pitchers in ML history. Though he only pitched for the Rangers for a short time, his purchase of them proved to be exactly what the organization needed.  

They now find themselves just one game away from the World Series.  

Having owners such as these is what more baseball teams need. Ryan knows the game, and rebuilt the Rangers into a solid team and one that is on the verge of a World Series appearance.  

These two men stand proudly as representatives of the state of Texas.  

Don't Mess With Texas. 

3. Vladimir Guerrero

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Vladimir Guerrero #27 of the Texas Rangers smiles during batting practice against the New York Yankees in Game Five of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 20, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York Ci

Vladimir Guerrero is one of the best and most underappreciated players that baseball has seen over the past decade.  

His cannon arm and canny ability to bat without gloves, an artwork in and of itself, are just some of the characteristics that make him "Vlad."

Injuries have hindered him in the past, but now a healthy Guerrero adds another weapon to the Ranger offense.

When he signed a one-year deal with Texas back in January, he could have never expected this type of Cinderella season. But quite frankly, Guerrero deserves it after suffering many seasons in Montreal.  

For me at least, Guerrero is a key player for Texas and helps them in many ways. Seeing him in the World Series would be something special, as he is one of the clean home-run hitters of this era and a genuine guy.  

2. Rangers a Winner at a Bargain

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Bengie Molina #11 of the Texas Rangers celebrates after hitting a three-run home run in the top of the sixth inning against A.J. Burnett #34 of the New York Yankees with teammates Mitch Moreland #18 and David Murphy #7 in Game Four

In more ways than one, this is truly a David v. Goliath battle.  

On Opening Day 2010, Nolan Ryan's Texas Rangers had one of the league's lowest payrolls. In fact, they were in the bottom five in baseball.  

The Yankees, as usual, were seated at the top of the dollar-pecking order in the sport. 

The Yankees' team payroll, ever-increasing, started the year off at a hefty $206,333,389. Year in and year out, they boast the top payroll in all of sports and are the wealthiest franchise.  

What if a team like the Texas Rangers, with a payroll of just $55,250,544, were to beat the almighty Yankees for a change?  

Just sayin'.

1. Change of Scenery

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NEW YORK - JULY 17: Members of the New York Yankees 1950 World Series championship team stand during ceremonies prior to the start of the teams 64th Old-Timer's Day before the MLB game against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 17, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the

The New York Yankees have been in the World Series about 45 percent of the time throughout its history.  

This is an astonishing statistic, and shows of a trend throughout the history of baseball. Teams with more money and assets usually will get it done in late October. 

The history of the Yankees in the World Series is one for the history books. In fact, the two are synonymous.  

But fans wish to see new representatives in the World Series. Let's face it: Unless you're a fan of them, you hate the New York Yankees.  

All in all, this would be a nice change for the game of baseball, as the Rangers are the antithesis of the Yankees.