A franchise that had continually failed to find the correct formula for success finally got it right in 2010, with the Rangers concocting an outstanding blend of power, pitching and chemistry that took the AL by storm. The addition of a few veteran stars to a talented young nucleus that came of age led to a 90-win breakthrough and the team's first division title since 1999, and Texas followed up by dispatching both AL East front-runner Tampa Bay and the defending world champion New York Yankees in the playoffs to reach the World Series for the first time in 50 seasons of existence.
Texas' unexpected rise was triggered by two prominent acquisitions that occurred six months apart. The club signed former AL MVP Vladimir Guerrero to a free-agent contract prior to spring training, providing a dangerous presence to the heart of the batting order, then later made the most significant move at the trade deadline by landing All-Star pitcher Cliff Lee in mid-July. The standout left-hander was instrumental to the Rangers' unprecedented October run, winning three times during the AL Playoffs and giving the rotation the dominant ace it had been seeking for ages.
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