2011 ALDS Series Odds and Predictions: Tampa Bay Rays vs Texas Rangers – Rangers to Win in 5 Games

2011 ALDS Series Odds and Predictions – Tampa Bay Rays @ Texas Rangers Expert Picks and Vegas Series Price: Capping one of the wildest comebacks in MLB history, the Tampa Bay Rays erased a nine-game deficit in less than a month to win theALwild card on the final day of regular season play and return to the postseason. In their AL Divisional Series the Rays will face a Texas Rangers team that not only bounced them from last year’s playoffs but also finished the year by winning 14 of 16 games. With two of the hottest teams in baseball squaring off, this ALDS matchup has all the makings of a long series.

One obvious factor for Tampa Bay is fatigue. Running down the Boston Red Sox for a playoff spot came at the expense of any type of rest for both position players and pitchers. In fact, the Rays will be forced to start rookie Matt Moore in Game 1 because lining up the rotation for the postseason wasn’t exactly an option down the stretch. On the flip side, the Rays have already been dealing with the pressure that comes with knowing that one loss could mean the end to their season. Being battle tested could pay dividends in the long run.

In terms of offense, the Rangers have the team to beat. Second baseman Ian Kinsler, catcher Mike Napoli and third baseman Adrian Beltre all hit 30 or more homers in 2011, and outfielders Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz likely would have as well had they not missed time in the middle of the year dealing with injuries. Throw in speedy shortstop Elvis Andrus and third baseman Michael Young who almost won a batting title, and the Texas lineup is as loaded as they come. If the Rangers’ bats stay hot, it’s tough to envision a tired Rays’ pitching staff having a lot of success.

That being said,Tampa Bay does have a lot of talent in their starting rotation. While Moore is a wild card in the series opener, the Rays follow with workhorse James Shields and strikeout machine David Price. If the Tampa Bay starters can pitch late into games and control the Texasbats, the Rangers may not be able to take advantage of a tired and somewhat sketchy bullpen.

Meanwhile, Texas has its rotation lined up and ready to roll with C.J. Wilson and Derek Holland slated to go in the first two games. Wilson would be considered the ace, although the Rangers’ success was more about having four reliable starters rather than one or two elite options. If Texas can continue to get quality starts at the front end of the rotation and turn things over to a bullpen that was bolstered nicely at the trade deadline, the Rangers should be in the driver’s seat.

The X-factor in the series is going to be the momentum of the Rays’ scrappy offense. Third baseman Evan Longoria is the only real superstar, but veteran outfielder Johnny Damon adds experience to an otherwise overachieving bunch. Tampa Bay isn’t afraid to make things happen on the base paths or play small ball. They tend to push the issue, try to take the extra base, and force opponents to make plays. For most of the season, the end result has been just enough runs to get the job done.

In the end, the Texas lineup will likely rule the series. There are just too many stars from top to bottom in the Rangers’ orders. Granted, hot bats can go cold overnight, but Texas has more than enough firepower to compensate for one or two players struggling at the plate. The Rays will be a tough out as they have been all season, but just like in 2010, the Rangers will eventually put them away.

Series Prediction: Texas Rangers Win in 5 Games

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2011 MLB BASEBALL PLAYOFF SERIES PRICES
Tampa Bay Rays vs Texas Rangers
Tampa Bay Rays +150
Texas Rangers -170