Texas at New York

The numbers for the season say this may be a preview of the ALCS as the Texas Rangers head to New York to open a series with the Yankees. The Yankees have gotten good work out of David Phelps in spot starter duty, but the three starts were all vs. weak offenses. The challenge will be much stiffer here. Ryan Dempster showed some nerves in his Ranger debut, but quickly became the pitcher they expected, which continued all season when he threw 6.2 innings of shutout baseball at Fenway Park vs. a strong lineup and hitter friendly park. The Rangers have been string in series openers at 48-21 in their last 69, while the Yankees have been bruised of late by winning teams at 3-8 in their last 11. Texas gets the call in this one.