World Series Schedule 2011: Breaking Down Keys to Rangers vs. Cardinals

The American League champion Texas Rangers and National League champion St. Louis Cardinals are prepared to slug it out in this year's Fall Classic. It's a World Series matchup not many people expected even one month ago, and that's what makes sports so great.

Here are three keys to the series.

Matt Holliday's Health

Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday has been dealing with a nagging pain in his right middle finger for quite some time. He seemed to get back on track late in St. Louis' series against the Milwaukee Brewers though, going 7-for-13 with a home run over the final three games.

Holliday brings some much-needed depth to the order alongside Albert Pujols and Lance Berkman. It also takes pressure off David Freese, who has thrived hitting behind St. Louis' big three sluggers, and Yadier Molina.

It was the fifth straight season Holliday posted a WAR of at least five, which means he is worth that many wins more than an average replacement. His .393 wOBA and 154 wRC+ also represent a terrific hitter. So as long as he's healthy, the Cardinals should be able to keep up with Texas' vaunted offense.

C.J. Wilson

C.J. Wilson has allowed 16 runs (14 earned) in three postseason starts and has looked nothing like the ace that led Texas' rotation during the regular season. His two biggest priorities need to be limiting walks and avoiding home runs. Easier said than done, of course.

He's expected to get the ball in Game 1, which would show manager Ron Washington hasn't lost an ounce of faith in the lefty.

If Wilson can get back on track in the World Series, his earlier struggles will be quickly forgotten. He's also a potential free agent, which means a couple more bad starts will cost him in the pocket book during the winter. Simply put, it's a huge couple of weeks for him.

Bullpen Battle

The Cardinals had a lower bullpen ERA during the regular season, but xFIP says it's a very even facet of the series. Since a lot of runs are expected to be scored, whichever bullpen can provide more zeroes in the late innings will give their team a huge advantage.

Texas' relievers are led by Neftali Feliz, Mike Adams and Koji Uehara. Uehara struggled in all three of his outings in the first two series, giving up runs in each. It's a big disappointment considering how reliable he was during the regular season.

Jason Motte leads a group that also relies on Fernando Salas, Octavio Dotel, Arthur Rhodes and Lance Lynn. If they can continue to pitch like they did in the first two rounds, St. Louis should be in great shape.

Game	Date	Road Team	Home Team
1	Wednesday, Oct. 19	Texas Rangers	St. Louis Cardinals
2	Thursday, Oct. 20	Texas Rangers	St. Louis Cardinals
3	Saturday, Oct. 22	St. Louis Cardinals	Texas Rangers
4	Sunday, Oct. 23	St. Louis Cardinals	Texas Rangers
5	Monday, Oct. 24	St. Louis Cardinals	Texas Rangers
6	Wednesday, Oct. 26	Texas Rangers	St. Louis Cardinals
7	Thursday, Oct. 27	Texas Rangers	St. Louis Cardinals