The Texas Rangers have emerged as a legitimate title contender thanks to a hot second-half of the season, taking them from wild card afterthought to AL West champs. However, we're willing to bet this streak carries them a little bit further. Here are three reasons why the Rangers will win the World Series:
Prince Fielder's dominance
Fielder has undoubtedly been the best player on the Rangers this season, and has returned to being one of the most feared hitters in the American League. He is batting .305 with 98 RBIs, though Rangers fans would like to see him hit more shots out of the park in the postseason (23 homers during the regular season). That will eventually come because of how good of a hitter Fielder is, and now that he's shown the versatility to be a good contact hitter as well, he's become a lethal weapon.
Additions of Josh Hamilton and Cole Hamels
The Rangers weren't considered to be World Series threats at the start of the season - especially with Yu Darvish out for the season - but their acquisitions of Hamilton and Hamels has put them among the best teams in the American League. Hamels has gone 7-1 in his 12 starts with the Rangers, who have won in each of his last 10 starts, while Hamilton has has success while dealing with various injuries. Both guys will have a huge impact in the postseason for Texas thanks to their previous experience in the playoffs.
Who's Going To Stop Them?
The Astros are unproven, the Royals' offense likes to play hide and seek, and we're not buying into the Blue Jays as a legitimate contender because of their lack of pitching. The door is wide open for them in the American League, and the Rangers plan to take advantage.