"Justin Verlander

Texas is where Verlander, 28, recorded his first career victory. He blanked the Rangers in their park on two hits over seven innings in April 2006.

Texas also is where the Tigers need him now to pitch one of his dominant games. The Rangers are so deep and talented they can beat any pitcher when he's not at his best.

The Tigers now get the benefit of the rainout that cost Verlander a start in the first round. He's available to pitch Game 1 against Texas. If he had pitched Game 5 in New York, as originally scheduled, he could have faced Texas only once in the first six games of this series (likely Game 3).

Few Rangers have hit Verlander well. And their current players have only two home runs off him -- one each by Adrian Beltre and Mike Napoli.

C.J. Wilson

He has become the Rangers' ace. His best pitches are a cut fastball, slider and change-up. He can falter if he tries to throw his other pitches too much."