Damn thee, little Red Birds

The aforementioned symmetry resembles more a cemetery as the Rangers came up short in the World Series for a second year running. Even after a week of reflection, the wounds are raw. This loss hurt more than 2010. Against the Giants the mood was "Hey, we just beat the Yankees, these games against the Giants are just gravy". This years, after brushing by the Rays and the Tigers with not too much effort, a Championship was expected. The Cardinals had other ideas.

In Game Six, now regarded as one of the greatest ever, the Rangers were twice within one strike of winning it all. But the Gods of Baseball conspired against us. Several times, we thought we had it won: when Beltre and Cruz homered, when Hamilton gave us a two run cushion in the 10th... but it was not to be. The Rangers were in the baseball desert of futility for years and only recently emerged but back-to-back losses in the big one is tough to stomach.

The core team will be back in 2012. If we can make some tweaks in the bullpen, upgrade the starting pitching, we should have no trouble winning the A.L. West again... as long as Pujols or Fielder do not join the Angels. Well, only another 100 days or so until pitchers and catchers.

The view from left field


Anticipating a ball on Greene's Hill


Last sunset at a 2011 Ranger game