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5 reasons the Texas Rangers can win the World Series

By Josh Criswell

Aug 23, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Mike Napoli (25) receives congratulations from Rougned Odor (12) after he hits a home run in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Mike Napoli (25) receives congratulations from Rougned Odor (12) after he hits a home run in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 25, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder (84) hits a two-run home run in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder (84) hits a two-run home run in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Prince Fielder is capable of taking over a playoff series 

Prince Fielder may not be a perennial 40-home run threat anymore, but that does not mean he has regressed at the plate. Instead, he has evolved.

Fielder has always been a well-rounded hitter. He has maintained a .288 career batting average, and has earned a reputation as one of the best power hitters in baseball. Fielder has never finished a season with less than 25 home runs, with the exception of his injury-plagued 2014 campaign. He has recorded less than 100 RBIs just twice.

After missing the majority of his first season with the Texas Rangers due to a herniated disk in his neck, Fielder has bounced back in a big way. He has recorded a career-best .317 batting average, and even though his power numbers have dropped off, he is still one of the most feared hitters in the league.

In addition to evolving as a hitter, Fielder has emerged as a leader in the Rangers clubhouse, where his carefree persona that earned him grief with the Detroit Tigers meshes perfectly with his new team’s personality.

"“The clubhouse presence he brings every day has been unbelievable,” Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland told the Detroit Free Press. “He’s done a great job this year. We wouldn’t be where we are without him.”"

Fielder has struggled in the postseason during his career, but his dedication to becoming a better contact hitter will pay tremendous dividends for a player with a .188 career playoff batting average. If he gets hot in October, there is nothing stopping him from becoming the star of the postseason.

Next: 4. They are dangerous on the base paths

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