MLB Playoffs 2011: World Series Experience Will Help Texas Rangers Win It All

In 2010, the Texas Rangers were happy to be in the World Series. This time around, just getting to the World Series isn't going to be enough to appease the Rangers or their fan base. While losing the championship was painful, it's their 2010 failures that will help them to win it all this season.

The Rangers have pushed the Tigers to the brink of elimination. With three chances to close it out, it's hard to imagine Texas crumbling. They're an experienced bunch who knows how to perform when the pressure is on.

Michael Young is struggling mightily in the series, batting a dismal .083. The fact that the Rangers are excelling while he is not points to just how dangerous the Rangers are as a team. They aren't overly reliant upon any one player. Though Young isn't on point, Nelson Cruz, Adrian Beltre and Josh Hamilton have stepped it up. They have the wherewithal to remain level-headed regardless of whose bat goes cold, and that will make all the difference down the stretch.

Last season, many thought the Rangers were going to steamroll the Giants in the World Series. After all, aside from a wicked bullpen, San Francisco didn't have a championship-caliber team. It turns out that's all they needed to dismantle the Rangers.

Texas wasn't ready to be there. The stage was too big for them. While it's unfair to say they were complacent, it was easy to see the Rangers weren't entirely prepared for what they were going to face. Such won't be the case this time around.

The Rangers know exactly what lies ahead. Whether they face the Brewers or the Cardinals in the World Series, they aren't going to shrink under the bright lights.

Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun are all superstars the Rangers could face at the next stage. While the big names clearly present a huge challenge for Texas, it's nothing the Rangers can't handle.

They've been on the biggest stage before. They've got the experience to out-duel whichever opponent they face in the World Series. This time around, they won't be going home empty-handed.