Texas Rangers

Being great baseball players aren't all that Josh Hamilton and Miguel Cabrera have in common. Both have had dark incidents in the past, but one's rehabilitation success has gotten more attention than the other's.

The Texas Rangers clinched the first division title in 11 years, and eagerly await the chance to gain more respect while competing against the beasts of the AL East.

Given the inexperience of the young Rangers and the health of Josh Hamilton, Texas could again find itself staring at an early exit from the postseason.

Here’s a look at why the AL West champions won’t be hanging around for too long this year.

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It took the Texas Rangers 11 years, but they are back in the playoffs.

With their 4-3 victory over the Oakland A’s on Saturday, the Rangers clinched their first division title since 1999 and now will have a chance to do something they have never done before—win the World Series.

Of course, the keys for the Rangers as they head to the postseason:

A. Health

B. The starting rotation

When I say health, I really mean Josh Hamilton.

There is this beautiful song out on the country radio charts. In fact, it is now ranked at No. 2 for this week, and it is called, "The Boys of Fall," and its artist is Kenny Chesney.

It talks of high school football and wearing the jerseys, digging in the cleats, and roughing up the shoulder pads. It is an emotional song that still manages to stay away from the label of "cheesy" label.

Down where I live in Texas, it fits the culture like a glove because Texas is all about football.

His name is familiar and critical amid an unthinkable postseason push, and without Josh Hamilton, the comeback kid in baseball for restoring humankind and inspiration following a remorseful recovery a few years ago before he almost self-destructed, the Texas Rangers are doomed unless their superstar suddenly uplifts the psyche of a favorable club from imploding.

The one constant thing I have said about the Texas Rangers all season is that the only thing that can hold them back would be injuries.

Doesn't the photograph of A.J. Burnett say it all?

I think it does (Yankee fans, including myself are used to it). 

Therefore, sit back, relax and enjoy, as you read "AJ Burnett and MLB’s 10 Contending Pitchers Who Do Not Deserve a Playoff Start".

Let's play ball.

The playoffs are around the corner. 

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Last Night Rewind

With the Texas Rangers 10 games up in the American League West, they are already making plans for the postseason.

The first week of July the New York Yankees nearly landed Cliff Lee in a deal with the Mariners in exchange for a package surrounding top prospect Jesus Montero.