MLB Playoff Predictions: Breaking Down Rangers vs. Rays Matchup

Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford were the headliners when the Texas Rangers and the Tampa Bay Rays met last season in the 2010 ALDS. Now, the teams are preparing to square off against each other yet again, but with a new storyline: redemption.

The Rangers are entering the playoffs after a regular season where they successfully defended their AL West title. They also compiled their greatest regular season record in franchise history, finishing 96-66.

The Rays postseason story is about overcoming obstacles. They managed to make the playoffs despite slashing payroll and losing star players in the offseason. Tampa Bay finished the regular season with their third 90-plus win season in four years.

Unfinished Business

The theme of the Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays ALDS matchup could be unfinished business.

The Rangers are trying to bounce back from their World Series loss to the San Francisco Giants last season. Texas needs to ensure that they are not looking too far ahead at their goal and therefore overlook the Rays as they start the series.

The Rays have a more direct motivation, as the Rangers were the team to eliminate them from the playoffs in Game 5 of the ALDS last year. Tampa Bay is riding a wave of emotion that makes them a very dangerous team to face.

A team that has nothing to lose can certainly pull off a defeat on a team focusing on what they need to win.

Home-Field Advantage

The Texas Rangers have the home-field advantage in the 2011 ALDS matchup with the Tampa Bay Rays. That may not mean a thing between these teams.

Last year, when these teams met, the road team took all five games. The main advantage will lay in both fans and attendance.

If the Rays fans don't show up and hold their ground, then any potential advantage in Tropicana Field will fail to even be a talking point.

EDGE: PUSH

Coaching

Not to take anything away from Ron Washington, but Joe Maddon is currently the best manager in baseball. When you look at the limited resources he has had available, there is no doubt Maddon is leveraging the most success with the least talent.

EDGE: RAYS

Lineup

The Texas Rangers' lineup is very superior to that of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre and Michael Young lead the list of Rangers hitters that the Rays will face, with the Rangers leading the majors with a .283 team batting average.

In comparison, the Rays were 25th in baseball with a .244 batting average. It is no secret that they have consistently struggled at the plate—Casey Kotchman is the only Rays hitter with a batting average above .283 this season.

EDGE: RANGERS

Pitching

As expected, the Texas Rangers will be sending C.J. Wilson and Derek Holland to the mound to start off the ALDS at home. C.J. Wilson was 1-2 with a 3.70 ERA last season in the playoffs and will have a much larger role without Cliff Lee leading the rotation. Both pitchers were 8-2 in their 16 home starts and are hoping to continue that success.

The Tampa Bay Rays are going the unconventional route: Joe Maddon is sending September call-up Matt Moore to the mound for Game 1—his second career start in the majors. James Shields will get the nod for the Rays in Game 2.

Shields had a phenomenal 11 complete games this season, and has been essential to the success of the Rays and their depleted bullpen.

The Rays have the edge in the pitching matchup, due to the abilities of their starters from top to bottom. However, if it comes down to the bullpens getting extensive work, the balance will shift quickly to the Rangers favor.

EDGE: RAYS

Prediction

When all is said and done, the Rays will win the series in four games and continue their surprising season into the ALCS. The starting pitching that they have available will just be too much for the Texas Rangers.

The Rays seem to have luck on their side this season and keep getting things to fall their way. Also, Joe Maddon has this team playing well above their abilities.

It is possible that the Rays can get out of the first round with either Jeremy Hellickson or David Price not even taking the mound. That would be an incredible advantage going into the ALCS, should they advance.

Jamal Wilburg is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.

Follow his thoughts, insights, and ramblings on Twitter @JWilburg