ALCS

It looks as though the Detroit Tigers will have a tough time stopping the Rangers in the ALCS. Nelson Cruz came up with two big home runs today, the second of which was a grandslam in extra innings to win the game. Although his two big hits were key to the teams win, Scott Feldman should be noted as the unsung hero of the game. Feldman is a former starter who won 17 games back in 2009. Following injury, he was pretty much forgotten during the 2010 World Series run. However, he has re-immerged as a key emergency starter and long reliever. When the young Derrek Holland struggled through 2 1/3 innings this afternoon, Feldman stepped in with 4 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Needless to say, his effort today was essential to both today's game and the rest of the series. Because he was able to eat so many innings, the Rangers were able to keep their bullpen in line and not be forced to overuse key parts of the 'pen early in the game. If you look at the combined line between Holland and Feldman, you have yourself a very solid postseason start. Ron Washington's stellar offense has a very solid starting rotation to go along with a dominating back of the bullpen. Good news for Ranger's fans, if Holland, who has been vital to this year's success continues to struggle in the playoffs, Feldman will be more than ready and prepared to step in. As for my projected ALCS MVP, I have Scott Feldman. That may be a bit of a stretch obviously.... but think about it.