MLB World Series 2011: Extra Day of Rest Benefits Rangers' Josh Hamilton

Having an extra day to rest doesn’t just benefit the St. Louis Cardinals.

Everyone is wondering if the Cardinals exaggerated the amount of rain in the forecast and cancelled the game too early. With the extra day, ace pitcher Chris Carpenter could potentially be able to pitch a decisive Game 7 on three days rest.

Considering he is hands down the best pitcher in this series, that’s a big deal for St. Louis.

Yet Ranger fans need to remember that it also allows Josh Hamilton to rest his injury. He potentially has a sports hernia, and the effects have been rough on Hamilton thus far in the World Series. He’s hitting .158 (3-for-19), with two RBI in the Fall Classic, and has collected a mere .250 average and nine RBI in 15 postseason games.

Every time he swings you can tell he is in serious pain. He has adjusted his swing to be more of a singles hitter. Hamilton isn’t going to be hitting a home run any time soon.

Manager Ron Washington admits that the extra day is going to help, but he’s not sure how much:

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Anytime you’re dealing with nagging injuries, any time you can get a break, it’s a positive. How positive, I really don’t know, because it’s not going to be easy trying to deal with Jaime Garcia tomorrow. But anytime he can get a day off, it is beneficial. So we’ll know more tomorrow on how he reacts when the game starts.

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Hamilton is one of the best players in baseball. A .300 hitter with incredible power, few players are on Hamilton’s level right now.

That’s why the Rangers offense is so impressive.

They are able to endure a hobbled No. 3 hitter to still score 19 runs in five World Series games against a Cardinals' pitching staff that had previously been the main catalyst for their magical run.

So, when the Rangers' star center fielder gets an extra day of rest and treatment, I’d say that’s a much better advantage for Texas. Remember, the Cardinals have to win tonight to even force a Game 7.

Expect Hamilton to have a big night with two full days of rest for the first time since the postseason began.