The World Series begins tonight as the Texas Rangers head to the Bay Area to face the San Francisco Giants for Game 1.  It will be a matchup of ace pitchers, as Texas’ Cliff Lee goes up against San Fran’s Tim Lincecum.  The two hurlers have three Cy Young awards between them and have pitched extremely well in the postseason thus far, especially Lee, who is establishing himself as a historically great playoff performer.  Lee recently acknowledged Lincecum’s unorthodox style when talking to reporters.  “I like when unorthodox works and it works to that kind of an extent, back-to-back Cy Young winner.  He throws in a way that you probably wouldn’t want to show your kid how to throw,” Lee said. “He definitely is doing something right.  He’s different.”

Lee has the best control of any pitcher in the majors, which is what he depends on as opposed to great stuff.  Lincecum has better stuff, but can’t locate it as consistently as Lee; heck, nobody can.  This should be a great matchup of dueling styles to start this series, which will be played in the 2-3-2 format.  If Lee can get the Rangers a win, they’ll be in good shape when heading back to Arlington.  How he expects to get the job done?  “Confidence, relying on my routine,” Lee said. “Going out there and expecting to be successful.”

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