Chicago Cubs? Texas Rangers? Obviously there are still plenty of the games to go, and the playoffs have consistently been unpredictable over the years. Do we need to mention the fact that the San Francisco Giants continue to dominate the postseason in even years, regardless of where they finish in the standings?
Nonetheless, a Cubs-Rangers showdown would certainly go down as an all-time war that almost has to happen. For those looking for extra proof, here are three reasons why this series could be a ratings booster.
The stakes
What is at stake? Yes, the Commissioner’s Trophy. If the intended answer were that obvious, then I would not have asked the question in the first place.
There are two curses that would be in play. The Cubs’ 108-year drought is an international phenomenon that few can seriously explain, but the Rangers have never won a World Series in 55 years. Their drought is the third longest in the MLB –behind the Indians and Cubs– and longest of all the expansion teams. The only series that is in any way comparable is the 2005 World Series. The Chicago White Sox ended their 88-year drought against the Houston Astros, which currently has an expansion drought that had been 43 years long in 2005.
Obviously the Cubs would makes bigger headlines if they win the series, but the entire state of Texas would own their first Commissioner’s trophy after 98 failed attempts – 54 for Houston and 44 for Texas. Regardless of where the parade takes place, there will be some crazed fans that will give the city of Cleveland a run for its money.
Old guns vs. young guns
While the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics could never face off in the NBA Finals, they ran into each other in the 2012 Conference Finals. What is the significance? It was New Big Three vs. Old Big Three. Despite the age differences of the star players, the series featured two overtime games and seven total tussles. The younger core of Miami expectedly has more in the tank and went on to win the NBA Finals.
Cubs vs. Rangers is essentially a similar tale.
Kris Bryant, who was drafted just two years ago, is already on his way to winning the NL MVP, and he has plenty of recent prospects behind him. While players like Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Jake Arrieta, and Aroldis Chapman can only get predictions on their Hall of Fame status, the Rangers have a solid group of players that have likely solidified their spot in Cooperstown over the next 10-15 years.
Carlos Beltran and Adrian Beltre are the oldest players on Texas, and their ability to remain fan favorites in an era of steroids and solid teammates has resulted in believable Hall of Fame cases. Others, like Cole Hamels, Yu Darvish, Elvis Andrus, Jonathan Lucroy, and Ian Desmond, have each shown flashes of being the best in the league for multiple stretches in their careers, especially this season. Hamels is the only player on the Rangers with a championship, and the other borderline players could boost their HOF resume if they can bring the Rangers a championship.
Basically, it is the beginning of a dynasty vs. a potential Hall of Fame barrage, with Beltran and Beltre leading the way. Few series have changed the course of baseball as much as this one could do.
Old manager vs. new manager
The rosters of each team have the ability to produce fireworks or “W” flags, whichever is more preferred. The managers, however, should not go unnoticed.
There is really no point in explaining the value of Joe Maddon. When a person thinks of all-time great managers, they think of guys like Earl Weaver, Connie Mack, Bobby Cox, Joe Torre, Tony La Russa, and now Bruce Bochy. Maddon is basically on the same level as Bochy, but he would be miles higher if he had one World Series ring –much less three.
He is a baseball player’s dream in the clubhouse. He relates to his crew so easily and keeps things light. Even the Rays and Cubs have had their struggles over the years, and Maddon has been used everything, from DJs to massive snakes, to revamp his teams. Of course, his attitude towards the team would not be an effective strategy if he was not successful, and he is almost due for some champagne. On the other hand, who knows what he could do with too much bubbly?
When Texas relieved Ron Washington, who led the team to their first two World Series appearances, of his duties in 2014, the hiring of Jeff Banister was not supposed to result in an immediate surge into serious contention. After the Rangers recovered from the tragic health issues that derailed them in 2014, however, they not only returned to playing meaningful games in September, but they returned to the ALDS for the first time since their two World Series runs. After barely salvaging the AL West title in 2015, they are setting themselves up toward cruising to the same flag this year.
It is much too early to label Banister as the next big thing, but his .563 winning percentage through his first two seasons is a great sign for his future endeavors. Out-managing the somewhat perfect Maddon, who could cement his legacy with his first championship, would help him burst into the scene as a top-notch manager who needs to be treated like one.
The 2002 World Series featured Mike Scioscia, who had just three years of managerial experience at the time, squaring off against the more experienced Dusty Baker in the Angels-Giants showdown, and a Cubs-Rangers face-off would pit new vs. old once more.
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