This is the start of good things in Arlington.
The new regional television network will generate a large amount of annual revenue for the Rangers, which will give them more financial flexibility. With Jon Daniels' knack for finding gems, this will be huge.
It also will greatly improve their chances of keeping Cliff Lee beyond October, which I think are at about 75-80 percent now. Don't rule out the fact that his family and extended family (in-laws) are a mere 5 hour drive/45 minute flight from Arlington. Subsequently, also don't rule out the importance of the taxing in New York vs. Texas.. In New York, an 25 million dollar contract is essentially no different than a 18 million dollar contract in Texas. If it comes down to a million or two, I see him staying here.
This team has been built brilliantly. Their vital cogs have been picked up in trades, in some cases salary dumps.. Nelson Cruz was a throw in as part of the Carlos Lee deal. Elvis Andrus and Nefali Feliz were part of the Texieria deal. Josh Hamilton? Picked up for relatively cheap.
They hit well, they play tight defense, they are quick and solid on the basepaths.. Their pitching, outside of Lee, is respectable. Their bullpen is good.
It wouldn't surprise me to see them beat San Francisco in the least. It also wouldn't surprise me if this was just the first of their World Series appearances.
