Though they didn’t pop the champagne in Oakland until Sept. 25, the Rangers clinched the AL West on July 9. That day changed a season. Changed a franchise’s credibility. Changed October plans.

That day, of course, brought Cliff Lee.

The Texas Rangers now have a post-season polished pitching ace. The Texas Rangers now have a legitimate chance to win the first playoff series in their franchise’s 39-season history in Arlington.

Here’s the ball Cliff. Deliver.

When Lee pitches in Game 1 of the ALDS today at 12:37 against the Tampa Bay Rays he’ll do it as the 2008 Cy Young winner, as a guy who won two games in the 2009 World Series against the New York Yankees and as a guy who can dominate a game and control a series.

Read Richie’s full Sportatorium blog at DallasObserver.com.