Different

I've heard a lot of (and been guilty of it myself) comparing this year's team to the 2010 Rangers. This team is different.

That team started slow (11-12 in April). This team started slower (7-14).

That team basically led the division from mid-May to the end of the season, using a cushion from a monster June (21-6) to coast to a division title. This team came alive shortly before the trade deadline and took until a week ago to claim the division lead.

That team had Josh Hamilton's MVP year. This team has Josh Hamilton being paid by the Angels to recover from knee surgery after giving us a glimpse of his former self in a handful of games.

That team had a power hitting first baseman that never really put it all together. This team has a power hitting first baseman that learned how to put it all together.

That team had a free-swinging, over-the-hill, power-hitting DH who used to be the enemy and came in to put up some monster numbers. This team has a plate disciplined, 31-year-old, power-hitting DH who is making a case to get some MVP votes.

That team had a future Texas Rangers Hall of Famer playing mediocre third base with good offensive stats and superior leadership skills. This team has a future MLB Hall of Famer playing outstanding third base with good offensive stats and superior leadership skills.

That team had fun all throughout the year and carried a certain swagger that goes along with playing with house money. This team... well...

I guess some things do stay the same.