The Fall Classic

Not everyone still views baseball's World Series as America's pre-eminent sporting event anymore, but there are still a few of us around who look forward to the Fall Classic each year, despite two layers of Playoffs leading up to it. Some extra excitement has been added in 2010 due to the fact that two totally unexpected teams, the Giants and Rangers, are facing each other in baseball's showcase event.

I have for the most part usually rooted for the National League entry in the Series each year, but his time, I find myself pulling for the Texas Rangers. There was something about seeing a team and a franchise doing something that they have never done before that makes you pull for them a bit. Plus, they are a good looking ball club. A strong eight man line-up and good starting pitching would make them appear to me to be the favorite to win the Series.

The Giants also bring strong pitching to the table, but I do not believe that they can match-up to the Rangers from top to bottom. Of course, they couldn't match up to the Phillies either, and you saw what happened there.

My pick: the Rangers strong line-up prevails and wins the first World Series in their franchise history. Giants pitching makes it a close Series, but Hamilton-Cruz-Kinsler-Young make the difference over Ross-Posey-Sanchez-Burrell and Company.

Here's what I REALLY wish for, though - a World Series that goes seven games. There hasn't been one since 2002, and, tell me, is there anything better in sports than a Seventh Game in a World Series? Recent years have seen Series' that have been anti-climactic, with five of the last seven Series lasting four or five games. Both the 2010 Rangers and Giants might turn out to be one hit wonders, but that doesn't mean that they can't produce a World Series for the Ages. Let's hope for close games and Game Seven.

Watch but don't bet - The Rangers to take it all.