1. CJ Wilson

CJ Wilson proved last year that he could be a successful starting pitcher in the major leagues. Modeling himself after Cliff Lee (both being southpaws) and taking his conditioning to the next level, Wilson went on the become an integral part of the Rangers’ 2010 rotation.

In 2011, however, he stepped it up again. He became the first pitcher since Nolan Ryan (and the first left-handed pitcher in franchise history) to log 200 strikeouts in a season. In the second half, he posted a sub-3.0 ERA and held batters to a .219 batting average. His focus and determination led him to win 16 games in the 2011 season. His cutter and curveball are deadly against right-handed batters, and his dominance should continue well into October as he fronts the Rangers’ playoff rotation.

2. Ian Kinsler

Kinsler’s 2011 season didn’t get anywhere near as much attention as teammates’ Michael Young or Mike Napoli, but that’s not to say Kinsler wasn’t good this season. In fact, he had one of the best seasons of his career, and as of this writing, is one stolen base away from joining the 30/30 club (30 HRs and 30 stolen bases in a season). He played in all but nine games all season, and put up a .253 ERA and an OPS over .800. As the Rangers leadoff man, he still batted in 76 runs. He brings both power and average to the top of the lineup. Kinsler also showed his defensive prowess on the field in 2011, by committing only eleven  errors in 142 games. With him batting at the top of the order, postseason pitchers will have to be very careful because Ian Kinsler can not only get on base, but he can also send a ball into the outfield bleachers.

3. Derek Holland

It’s hard to say that a 24 year-old pitcher had a “breakout” season, but that’s exactly what Derek had in 2011. I was intrigued to see how he would respond after his meltdown during last year’s World Series, when he came into Game 2 and seemingly unable to find the plate (at one point throwing 11 balls in a row). His talents have never been questioned, but it was often a source of debate on whether or not Holland had the mental fortitude to be a successful starting pitcher in the majors. In 2011, Holland hushed his doubters. Throwing four complete game shutouts and amassing a record of 16-5 in 32 starts, he showed flashed of dominance with his mid-90′s fastball and devastating curveball. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Holland as the #2 postseason starter behind CJ Wilson. Trust me, though, Holland’s 2011 breakout season isn’t over yet.

4. The Bullpen

At the beginning of 2011, the Rangers’ rotation was a shamble. Neftali Feliz was injured and even when he came back, he didn’t have the same dominance that he displayed in 2010. One of the other dominating flamethrowers, Alexi Ogando, was now in the rotation and showing lots of promise. Guys like Mason Tobin had roster spots. It wasn’t pretty. However, at the trade deadline, Texas’ GM Jon Daniels traded for some of the best relief pitching in the majors. He acquired Koji Uehara (and, later, Mike Gonzalez) from the Orioles and wrangled Mike Adams from the San Diego Padres. Now, Texas has one of the best bullpens in the league. And, for the postseason, it looks as if Ogando will return to a relief role as well, giving the Rangers a formidable pitching force from the 6th inning on.

5. 2010

2010 was a magical season for the Texas Rangers. It also gave them something very important going into the 2011 postseason: experience with success. For many of the players on the Rangers’ roster — including even perennial All-Star Michael Young — it was the first time in their careers that they played games after the regular 162. That kind of experience — the national stage, the pageantry, and (more importantly) the quick turnaround of each postseason series — is impossible to duplicate except in the playoffs. For young players like Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus and Neftali Feliz, 2010 may have been the first of many playoff runs, but the first is the most important. If experience is the best teacher, these 2011 Rangers are well-taught and ready to continue to learn.

There are very few things that will make me do the Stanky Leg down with hallway. One of them is too much Rolling Rock. The other is the unbridled excitement felt knowing that my favorite baseball team has just clinched their division and are going back to the postseason for the second year in a row.

2010 was special. It was magical, the kind of season you tell your kids about. Everywhere I went, I saw claws, antlers and Rangers red and blue. For the first time in the history of the franchise, the fanbase had truly rallied behind the team. Again, the only word I have to describe it: magical.

And, to be honest, I never thought it’d happen again this season. Going into 2011 losing Cliff Lee and not signing any other “big-name” pitchers (ie, Matt Garza, Greinke) I had a hard time believing again.

Could it, once again, be time?

The Rangers’ 2011 ride to the postseason included some of the best baseballing by many of the teams’ perennial stars. Michael Young flirted with a batting title. CJ Wilson became the first left-handed pitcher for the organization to reach 200 strikeouts. Whereas 2010 felt like magic, 2011 was more pure determination.

Determined.

I do believe. It’s time. Again. October is going to be  a lot of fun.