It might be too early to declare this as the best version of the Rangers in the history of the club, but I for one am getting close to declaring it so. The Rangers are 17 games above 500 as I write this. They are starting to pull away from the divison with a 7 1/2 game lead on the A's, and an 8 game lead on the Angels. Cliff Lee is pitching better right now than any in club history. Can you remember a time when you had the feeling about a Rangers pitcher  "don't worry about tonight, Cliff is pitching". I think this is a better team than those playoff teams of the late 90's, but it is close.

Like those teams in the 90's, this team has great defense, a tough middle of the order, difficult outs 1-9, and a good rotation. But I think the thing that separates this team was the ability to get Lee. A true ace that could make a huge difference in a playoff series.

Don't get me wrong, this team has done nothing yet. Not even clinched a playoff spot. They could sputter. They could lose the division and miss the playoffs. But I will say this, I think they're more likely to win a playoff series then any other Rangers team I have ever seen.

David Reed

KXII Sports