Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton in a matchup of MVP sluggers. Nelson Cruz and David Freese becoming bigger names with each home run swing. Pitching staffs full of shaky starters and shutdown relievers.

Plus a Rally Squirrel and the Claw.

The Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals with a lot of symmetry, all set to get acquainted in the World Series.

Game 1 is Wednesday night in St. Louis, with aces Chris Carpenter of the Cardinals and C.J. Wilson set to start. The opening odds see Texas as a small favorite.