World Series 2011: Bold Predictions for Series Destined to Be a Classic

This is going to be a fantastic World Series, consider that bold prediction No. 1.

Read on for more.

Cardinals Will Win First Two Games

The Cardinals will get things off to a roaring start in front of their hometown fans. Chris Carpenter will be his usually brilliant self against an imposing Rangers' lineup.

The Cardinals will work the counts enough to force C.J. Wilson out of the game early, and then explode for a big inning.

The second game will be more of a back and forth affair as both starters Jamie Garcia and Colby Lewis will get roughed up and forced out early. 

This is going to be an exciting game, and one the Cardinals will win by breaking a tie in ninth inning walk-off fashion.

Texas Win in Seven Games

Despite getting off to the fast 2-0 start, the Cardinals will not be able to hold back the Rangers' offense.

The Rangers will return home and rough up starters Kyle Lohse and Edwin Jackson. And once this offense gets rolling this team is impossible to beat. Runs tend to come in bunches for the Rangers.

This momentum will carry them into a huge Game 5 matchup that will likely find Chris Carpenter on the mound. The Rangers will have more success against Carpenter the second time around.

Adrian Beltre Will Be MVP

Adrian Beltre is swinging the bat fantastically, even though it is not reflected in his .238 playoff batting average.

He has been putting up good at bats, and has been hitting the ball hard consistently. That will begin to even out for him in this series and he will put up some big numbers.

I also expect him to make a couple of big plays in the field.