2011 World Series: Texas Rangers Still Extremely Dangerous Despite Meltdown

It seems like no one realized that was Game 6. 

The St. Louis Cardinals put together one—or three—of the greatest comebacks in postseason history last night. It was an amazing display, but believe it or not, that was St. Louis' third win of the series.

That ties them with Texas with three wins apiece. Conveniently enough, that means the teams will have to play a Game 7 tonight to decide things. 

Yet, everything you've heard in the past 15 hours is that there's no way the Rangers can respond to a meltdown like that. The Cardinals are a team of destiny. Crown them the champions.

First things first, do players really respond to things like that?

Are the Rangers players sitting there, moping, saying "oh man we really messed that game up, I don't even want to give a full effort for Game 7 anymore. I'm too wiped"? 

There's no one in that locker room getting everyone fired up? Everyone is too sad to play to their full potential?

This is one thing I've never understood in sports. The idea that professional athletes can't bounce back from a heart-breaking loss. If anything, they'll want to come back with more fire.

Last night would have been nice to win for the Rangers, but in my mind it made them more dangerous.

Secondly, the destiny thing. 

Yeah, the Cardinals certainly look like a team of destiny this year. I'll agree with that. But if you agree in destiny, you probably also agree that Tim Tebow is the best quarterback in the NFL.

Please. Destiny can be broken. 

Third, Chris Carpenter is taking the mound for the Cardinals.

The only other time he pitched on three days rest like he is doing tonight, he lasted just three innings against the Phillies in the ALDS.

It's certainly a small sample size, but adrenaline can only take you so far. Carpenter is fantastic, but his arm has to be tired. It just has to be.

It's science.

I couldn't have more respect for the Cardinals. What they've done this season goes beyond reason. They've proven everyone wrong.

But the Rangers are still a dangerous team, no matter what happened last night. They'll be celebrating a championship in Texas for the second time this year tonight.