5 reasons the Texas Rangers can win the World Series

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 16, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) celebrates scoring against the Cleveland Indians during the fifth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

1. They have made a complete turnaround since July

The Texas Rangers got off to a horrible start to the 2015 season.

On May 1st, they were 7-15 and had the worst record in the American League. They would rebound and regress several times over the course of the next few months, ultimately making little progress to climb in the standings. Even when the Rangers traded for Cole Hamels at the end of July, it appeared to be a move to set them up for success in 2016, not prepare them for a playoff push this season.

On July 28th, the Rangers were handed an embarrassing 5-21 defeat by the New York Yankees, in what should have been the dagger to their season. They had just lost three straight, and were eight games back of the Houston Astros in the American League West.

They were slipping out of the wild card race as well. The Rangers were five games back, and six teams stood between them and the final playoff spot in the American League.

But rather than caving, Texas fought back and saved its season. The Rangers are 22-10 since that date, and have taken a one-game lead in the race for the final wild card spot.

They have a challenging final month of the season ahead, with seven games against the first place Astros. If the Rangers can survive September, earn a playoff spot and continue to perform at their current level, however, there are few teams in the MLB capable of beating them.

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