Texas Rangers

Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers doubled to center field off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher James Shields with one out in the top of the second inning, but the Texas offense could move him no further. Second baseman Ian Kinsler grounded out to shortstop, failing to move Cruz over to third. Mitch Moreland then flew out in foul territory to left field, ending the Texas threat.

Cliff Lee opened up the ALDS yesterday for the Texas Rangers in Tampa Bay as they faced off the Rays in Game 1. Lee was matched up against Tampa’s ace, David Price. It was set to be an epic pitching duel, but Lee completely dominated leading the Rangers to a 5-1 victory.

Texas Rangers pitcher Cliff Lee pitched a great Game 1 of the the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays. The only problem is that he quickly took a back seat to Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay.

Finally. With the completion of Sunday's Major League Baseball regular season schedule, we now know who's in, who's out, and which matchups to look forward to when playoff action commences Wednesday.

The Philadelphia Phillies are associated with the month October.  For the past two seasons they have been the Kings of this month without much adieu.  They now boast the top pitching rotation in the field and already owned one of the game's best line-ups.  A line-up that still hasn't hit its stride yet this season. This post-season has a different feel, as they now look to achieve success through their arms rather than their bats.

The divisional round of the baseball playoffs begin this week.

All eight teams have at least 90 wins. This is only the third time since 2000 that each playoff team has hit the ninety-win plateau. It certainly means that the cream has risen to the top.

It took the entire 162 game season to clarify the playoff pairings for both leagues.

In the American League the AL East Division title was still up in the air. Tampa Bay's victory assured them the AL East title, and the best record in the league.

While the Cy Young debate in the American League is getting a lot of attention, the Most Valuable Player award is not. Although it is discussed occasionally, people are not giving it the attention that it deserves.

The front-runner(s) at this point are Robinson Cano, Miguel Cabrera, and Josh Hamilton. All have had incredible seasons, but can also be easily argued against. If you ask me, this debate will come down to the wire, because no one is running away with it.

The age-old axiom so often quoted in baseball circles that pitching and defense win championships is just as true today as it has always been. Of course, loaded lineups and the ability to score runs in bunches are always a plus, but those aspects of a team don't always show up in the playoffs when you're facing the best pitching staffs in the league.

While the Texas Rangers celebrated with beer and champagne showers after clinching the American League West Saturday night, they did so without left fielder Josh Hamilton. Although Hamilton, who has been out of action since September 4th with two fractured ribs, was in the stadium and in uniform during the Rangers clincher over the Oakland Athletics, he quickly disappeared to the training room to change after joining in the onfield celebration with his teammates.

With their thrilling 4-3 victory over the A's in Oakland on Saturday, the Texas Rangers have finally made their long-awaited return to baseball's promised land, earning their first postseason berth since 1999.