It's a bummer, of course, that the Texas Rangers came oh-so-close to winning their very first World Series (one pitch away, on two occasions, in Game 6) , only to have Fate snatch it away and give it to Tony LaRussa as a going-away present. I can't think of a World Series game with more drama in it, save possibly Bill Mazeroski's home run in Game 7 of the 61' series between the Yankees and the Pirates.
But instead of crying in our beer, let's not lose sight of the fact that this was the Rangers' greatest season ever; and that things certainly look bright for 2012. Yes, we may lose C.J. Wilson to free-agency if some pitching-starved team opts to over-pay him. But he bleeds Ranger blue, and even if he does depart, the money that gets freed up may enable Texas to acquire some other top-tier pitcher.
The dugout chemistry was great in 2011, and Ron Washington again proved to be a wizard at getting his players to put the team first, and over-achieve individually. Ownership is supportive; the offense is just fine; and for a change, the pitching is deep and capable.
So congratulations to the Texas Rangers on a superb 2011 season! You won the AL West; and you thumped two sizzling hot teams - Tampa Bay and Detroit in the playoffs.
FWIW, I bear no grudge against LaRussa's Cardinals - theirs was a great story, coming from nowhere to qualify as a wildcard team, then taking out the mighty Phillies and Brewers to gain a berth in the World Series. You defied the odds as well, St. Louis, and I tip my hat to you.
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