The Yankees might have had more talent–Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, Andy Pettite, Jorge Posada–a star-studded cast of veterans, but how does the saying go? Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work.
The Rangers certainly have talent, and it might have worked in their favor, but the veteran leadership of the Yankees was uncanny. With the league’s highest payroll, multiple franchise players and future hall of famers, the Yankees were ideally the team to beat. Not so ideal anymore.
And how did it end? An Alex Rodriguez strikeout–rookie closer Neftali Feliz versus a 35-year-old, 17-year veteran. The same guy who left the Rangers to chase the allure of a winning franchise is the same guy who ended it for them in six games.
The tables were turned, and maybe the earth stopped spinning for just a second, but the Texas Rangers are going to their first World Series. A non-winning franchise beats the storied franchise.
But has it really been a Cinderella story for the Rangers? Maybe if you include manager Ron Washington’s failed drug test, Josh Hamilton’s struggle with drug addiction and the uncertainty of franchise ownership and sustainability.
But all it appeared to be this season was a story where they finally found the shoe that fit. They tried on many, and many were close, but not quit the right size. Factor in rookie play, strong pitching, hard work, and you get a shoe that slips on perfectly.
The slipper wasn’t lost, it was simply misplaced. The Rangers have found that slipper, and the only thing that will mark this a Cinderella story is if the clock strikes midnight and Washington and crew find themselves without a ring this postseason.
Last year the signs and potential was there, but the Rangers soon faded and the AL West crown was awarded to its traditional winner: The Los Angels of Anaheim.
But this year, the Rangers have exceeded expectations. They have restored a dormant franchise, and put the Dallas/Fort Worth area on the map.
“X” marks the spot, the Rangers can saddle up for a ride in the World Series.
A-rod will wonder if it is simply coincidental, or a dramatic twist in irony; Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd will wonder why he ever left the state of Texas; but above all, Cliff Lee probably does not feel so bad now about being on three teams the past two seasons.
The Rangers wild run simply poses society with the ultimate question: what do we value more? Talent and tradition or the underdog hard at work. As great as it is to witness dynasties in action, a talented group that excels year after year, the word dynasty is becoming more of a dying breed in the professional sports world.
The term underdog is no longer under. The unfavored are now the favored.
What should it be called now? The Underdog Dynasty? Is there such a thing? We are about to find out.