"With their first postseason series win, the Rangers have arrived as an American League superpower. Over the three years since the franchise's landmark Mark Teixeira trade, GM Jon Daniels has infused the organization with the best young talent in the game. The new Nolan Ryan and Chuck Greenberg ownership group, as well as a mammoth TV deal, also positions the franchise to be a force for years to come, with or without Lee. But for now, Lee and the Rangers have their eye on the Yankees and the ALCS, which begins Friday in Arlington."       
                                                                                                            ~ Albert Chen, Sports Illustrated


With a win in game five of the American League Division Series over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the  Rangers have advanced to the next round for the first time in the history of their franchise. Dominant Cliff Lee has become Mr. October, going 6-0 with a 1.44 ERA in seven playoff starts. It's a unique story, upsetting a team that had World Series aspirations, or rather expectations. As a reward for beating the number one ranked team in the American League East division, the Rangers now get to face the New York Yankees, another other powerhouse in the AL East. With Lee on the mound, they are more than confident and expect their offense to continue mashing the baseball. It will be an interesting series as both teams are looking to make statements.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/albert_chen/10/13/cliff.lee/index.html