Call it Puma Power if you like or maybe a Berkman Bomb is your preference. Either way the NL Comeback Player of the Year has made it all the way to the top again, this time ready to bring a title home to St. Louis. Home is fitting since the former Houston star and native Texan has to go through the Rangers to do it.
A little under two months ago, everyone is familiar with the struggles the Cardinals faced. To top it off, more than a few stories were circulating after Texas lost a key bat in their lineup. That player was ALCS MVP Nelson Cruz, and many expected Lance Berkman to fill the void.
Of course a funny thing happened before that deal went down, as the premature death of the NL Champs led some to count their chickens before the eggs were even hatched. Berkman may have lost most of the power stroke he displayed prior to the All-Star break, but he certainly found his stride protecting Albert down the stretch.
Brought to the Cards for his veteran presence, Berkman was rewarded with a contract extension, a playoff push, and a new spot in the lineup. All this for a player who was said to have lost a step or two and responded by delivering everyday.
Performing on the biggest stage is also nothing new, so St. Louis can expect to see a prime Puma when the World Series kicks off tonight. Lance is the key especially given that the Rangers employ plenty of left-handed hurlers. No matter where his spot in the lineup falls, expect Texas to pay attention.
After all it isn’t everyday that an object of your affection gets a chance to return the favor. I’m not big into predictions but feel timely hitting is the key to capturing the title. Give the Cardinals credit for believing this team was built to survive and playing the underdog role to a T — just not who the Rangers were expecting.
And for the St. Louis cowboy, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Berkman came from out of nowhere this year. Did nothing with the Yankees, luckily got a change of scenery by leaving Houston. I put him in the same boat with Adam Dunn. If they would just eat better, a little more cardio, take better care of themselves…they could hit for 40+ per year for years to come.
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