BALTIMORE — In two short years, the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers both went from triple-digit losses to the postseason.
That’s about the extent of their similarities.
Baltimore rebuilt through high picks in the MLB draft and a loaded farm system. Texas was aggressive in free agency.
The Orioles have the lowest payroll of any team in the playoffs this year, while the Rangers have the highest.
Even in the dugout, it’s a battle of youth versus experience: Baltimore’s Brandon Hyde is managing in the postseason for the first time, while Texas skipper Bruce Bochy is trying to win his fourth World Series title.