World Series Primer

Why the Giants believe they can win….
Pitching, pitching and pitching. Then there’s that little matter of clutch hitting up and down the lineup. Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez have been terrific this postseason. Combined in their two previous series: 52.1 innings, 49 combined hits plus walks, 70 strikeouts. That’s pretty dominating against the Phillies and Braves. The Giants also believe in their manager, Bruce Bochy, and his ability to pull the right strings setting up favorable matchups. The Giants have won six postseason games this month by one run. They know how to win close games and believe in their ability to get clutch hits. If the pitchers keep the Rangers’ offense in check, San Francisco has a chance to win close, low-scoring games.

Why the Rangers believe they can win….
Manager Ron Washington fills out a lineup card every day with All-Star caliber hitters. Leadoff man Elvis Andrus, Michael Young, Josh Hamilton and Vlad Guerrero (the likely first four hitters) were All-Stars this season. Nelson Cruz, an All-Star in 2009 and Ian Kinsler, a two-time All-Star follow. This is a potent lineup that slugged 63 hits and scored 38 runs with nine home runs in the six-game ALCS against the Yankees. And the Rangers also believe they can pitch. Cliff Lee’s postseason record clearly speaks for itself. But Colby Lewis is 2-0, with a 1.45 ERA in his three postseason starts. He has 18 whiffs in 18.2 innings. Derek Holland has been a secret weapon out of the bullpen. In just two appearances he logged 10.1 innings with a 2.61 ERA. Closing out games is Neftali Feliz. Defensively, the Rangers believe they have an edge, especially when the series gets back to Texas, which will allow Guerrero to DH and improve their outfield defense.