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Philadelphia Phillies: With your Team out of the Playoffs, Who to Root for?

By Chuck Booth

Oct 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fans wave Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) heads on a stick during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fans wave Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) heads on a stick during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; A general view of the Texas Rangers championship banner in center field during the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Tampa Bay Rays won 6-4 in 10 innings. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

American League: The Texas Rangers

Who are they: The Rangers have probably received the least fanfare of any top seed in the postseason ever. They’ve competed and limited their mistakes en route to a 95-67 record. The Rangers weren’t outstanding in any on category but they did everything well. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more well-rounded team than theirs.

The one area where the Rangers are exceptional is in their bullpen. While the middle relief has been suspect, they’ve been able to close out games with 57 saves. The driving force behind that is their back end of the pen featuring Jake Diekman, Tony Barnette, and Matt Bush leading up to their closer. Once the game gets into Sam Dyson‘s hand’s the Rangers are likely exiting with a win.

Why root for them: For Philadelphia Phillies fans this one’s easy. Both Jake Diekman and Cole Hamels are former Phillies that are excelling in Texas. Their trade is looking like one of the few trades that actually benefits both teams and the Philadelphia Phillies would love to see Hamels get another ring after leading them to the promised land in 2008.

For everyone else, it’d be nice to see the Rangers capture their first World Series in franchise history. They made it to consecutive World Series’ in 2010 and 2011 but failed to win either. It’s only a matter of time until they finally get their ring.

Can the Rangers finally get over the hump?

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