World Series Schedule 2011: Why Cardinals vs. Rangers Means Higher Scoring

The old saying is, “Chicks Dig the Long Ball.” Well, if that’s the case, then there will be a lot of love that will be going around in this World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers. 

Both of these teams coming into the World Series ranked in the Top 5 in total runs during the regular season. The Cardinals were fifth, scoring a total of 762 runs, while the Rangers were third, scoring a total of 855 runs. 

Furthermore, both of these teams come into this World Series mach ranking in the Top 10 in batting average, on-base and slugging percentage, with St. Louis coming in at fifth (.273 batting average), third (.341 on base percentage) and sixth (.425 slugging percentage). 

Compare this to where the Rangers rank in those same categories, as the Rangers come in first (.283 batting average), fifth (.340 on base percentage) and second (.460 slugging percentage). 

But that was just the regular season. How do they rank in the postseason? 

Through two rounds, the Cardinals have played 11 games compared to 10 games for the Rangers, thanks to their beating of the Tampa Bay Rays in four games in the first round. 

But if you take out the Cardinals' 12-run explosion in their Game 6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, these two teams are almost dead even in every offensive category. 

In 10 games both teams have scored between 50-55 runs, both teams have belted out 90-97 hits and both teams have hit between eight and 13 home runs. 

Out of those three categories, the Rangers have the edge 2-to-1, as they own the advantage in runs and home runs; two categories that will result more in wins.  

So, as Game 1 opens up on Wednesday night in St. Louis, you can expect a lot of offense from these two teams. They both have ball parks that benefit offense, and have pitching staffs that have one dominant starter; unlike last year when the Rangers saw the amazing staff that the Giants rolled out. 

However, one thing that you should consider when putting in your World Series pick, home field advantage goes to the St. Louis Cardinals. 

That means the Rangers have to find a space for their DH, David Murphy, who is hitting at a .412 batting average over his last 10 games. 

Get ready for a lot of runs, a lot of hits and games that should exceed four hours, as this Rangers and Cardinals World Series will be one of the most exciting matchups in quite some time.  

Twitter: @tjmcaloon