2011 MLB Playoff Bracket: Texas Rangers Will Shred Through ALCS

These Texas Rangers are cool, calm and relaxed as they await the winner of Game 5 between the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers. The winner will open on Saturday Night either in Yankee Stadium or at the Ballpark in Arlington against the hottest team in the American League. 

It feels like last year all over again with these Texas Rangers. Last year this same team came within three games of winning the World Series over the San Francisco Giants. This year it has looked as if they were on a mission since Game 1 of their season to make it back to the World Series; with the end result this time being to finish the job of winning this franchise’s first World Series title. 

After the final out of Game 4 of the American League Divisional Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, the hero of the game, Adrian Beltre, had a huge smile on his face as he raced to the pitcher's mound to hug his teammates. 

His three-home run performance in that game was a justification for him that he made the right decision during last year’s offseason signing with this Texas Rangers ball club.

"From my point of view, Texas gave me the best chance to put a ring on my finger," Beltre said after the game, according to ESPN. "I'm just two steps away from it. Hopefully, it happens.”

Yes, Beltre is two steps away, and he’s isn’t the hottest-swinging Texas Ranger. That honor is bestowed upon catcher Mike Napoli. However, a bad collision at home plate during Game 4 leaves Napoli as a question mark for the American League Championship Series. 

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rangers manager Ron Washington had this to say about his catcher, “Mike is fine. You're always nervous when your catcher has a collision at home plate. But it's a part of the game. There's nothing you can do. The ball was there at the same time the runner got there. The runner didn't have an opening to get the plate, so usually when that happens, you go through whatever is in front of you. He went through Mike. I'm just happy Mike was able to finish the game and was fine."

While Washington and Rangers head athletic trainer Jamie Reed were checking on Napoli, Washington said he asked them, "Geez, I had a wad of chew, where is it?'"

"He had swallowed it," Washington said. Then he said, "I'm all right skip, let's go."

The Rangers will go with their ace C.J. Wilson in Game 1 of the ALCS on Saturday night, no matter who their opponent is. He will be ready, Napoli will be ready, Beltre and his hot bat will be ready and a sea of Red Rangers fans will be ready. 

It’s time to get the Antlers Up, as these Rangers are poised for another trip to the World Series. 

Twitter: @tjmcaloon