1996 ALDS Preview

Arlington, TX -

The divisonal playoffs begin tonight with the wild-card Cleveland Indians (96-66) coming to Arlington for the first of five against the West Division winning Texas Rangers (92-70). Looking at the records, the Indians should be the favorites despite playing on the road.

The Tribe sends forth a five man rotation led by David Cone (22-5, 2.70 in 36 starts, backed by arguably the AL's best closer in Mike Henneman ( 0-2, 46 Sv, 2.50 ERA).

On offense there is even more strength as the AL's second best record is supported by a ferocious middle of the line up. Right-fielder Manny Ramirez (.291 AVG /47 HR/ 152 RBI), left-fielder Albert Belle (.301/42/126), and DH Jim Thome (.289/43/107) provide an offensive package that would be the envy of any team. Their weakness, if you can call it that, could be that no one outside the big three reached 100 RBI or 30 HR.

Texas counters with a less concentrated attack.

The Rangers 3/4/5 are catcher Ivan Rodriguez (.314/20/85), right-fielder Juan Gonzalez (.306/40/109) and third baseman Dean Palmer (.278/41/123). First baseman Mike Stanley will bat sixth with 30 HR and 101 RBI. Jose Vidro (.316 as a rookie) will move to the top of the order. DH Rusty Greer will continue to bat second while SS Michael Young will move up to seventh.
Defensive stand-outs Marquis Grissom and Yamil Benitez will play center and left and provide speed at the bottom of the revamped order.

Rangers pitchers will be hard pressed to contain the Tribe offense, but carry a 2d best 4.09 ERA. Led by 40 game starter Kevin Brown and a surgically repaird Bobby Witt, the Rangers starters will have to avoid both the walk and the long ball, something they failed to do in the regular season.

Can the Rangers' balanced attack prevail against the Indians' mighty three? While the regular season series went to Texas 6-3, the Power Rankings (112 - 103) and my gut say "Cleveland in four".