Road Hard Put Away Wet!

Happy Hump Day America!

There are many a happy, hoarse, hung over, and excited North Texan and/or lifetime Ranger fan celebrating a first in their history. Courtesy of an 11 strikeout performance by Cliff Lee and a clutch homer by Ian Kinsler, the Texas Rangers erase a 38 year drought in Arlington and a 50 year drought removed since Senator days when advancing from the ALDS to the ALCS. Next stop: The New York Yankees and home field advantage!

I was moved by the moment Elvis Andrus caught the last out, Cliff Lee getting mobbed at home plate, hearing Eric Nadel make a Mark Holtz reference to 'Hello Win Column!' It was also a really classy moment when the Rangers gave Josh Hamilton a Ginger Ale shower (Josh has drug and alcohol addiction issues) before going the champagne route a little while later...

I found myself getting that tingle in the back of my spine much like in 1982 when the Angels faced the Brewers, 1978 when the Yankees got past the Royals, 1986 when the Red Sox broke the hearts of Donnie Moore and all Angels fans, 1995 when the Mariners overcame an 0-2 deficit to sweep by the Yankees, and 2004 when the Red Sox overcame an 0-3 deficit!

During the regular season the Rangers and Yankees split eight games which included some dramatic walk-offs by Nellie Cruz and David Murphy. The bigger question is how well the starting pitching shall match up against the likes of CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Phil Hughes, and Joba. I'm getting ahead of myself.

Cliff Lee has shined brighter than the brightest diamond in this ALDS. Two starts, 21 strike outs, O walks! Need I say more? Exactly why the trade was made on July 9th. For moments like these to be one step ahead of the curve in the playoffs. Cliff Lee is like a sheriff strolling into town with a loaded holster and a slight smile. Loves to battle and to compete.

Because of Cliff Lee, The Texas Rangers will now get to compete for the chance to go to the World Series. Hard to believe huh? The fun shall commence on Friday at 7:07 pm here in Arlington, Texas. CJ Wilson will get the nod against CC Sabathia. Cliff Lee will not start until Game 3 and if there is a seventh game, Number 7.

I'll say this. In 2010 The Texas Rangers have been able to always bounce back from adversity. The team has no quit. They have fought, clawed, and overcome so many times I'm starting to wonder if there if something about this team worth getting hyped up about? Maybe, just maybe there is!

To all you long suffering Ranger fans, congratulations and enjoy this next step. Win or lose, your team has accomplished much in one year. One thing to keep in mind: Do not be surprised if you lose Jon Daniels to the New York Mets GM position and for Clint Hurdle to manage a team elsewhere, like Cleveland. I'm just saying...

What's funny about all this is that Jerry Jones has a birthday this day. He awakens to a 1-3 record and now a next-door-neighbor about to steal all of his thunder in a year he wanted to have his team host a Super Bowl...

The Road to the ALCS is about to begin!

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will