The five teams in the National League appear to be locked for the postseason. The Milwaukee Brewers are the only team that still remain outside looking in and still have a shot at the second wild card spot, but they remain 4.5 games behind the San Francisco Giants and the Pittsburgh Pirates for the second wild card spot. It seems very unlikely that they will make it to the playoffs, whic gives Pittsburgh the sixth seed.
Meanwhile, in the division races, the Giants sit 4.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Pirates are 2.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals. Even though the Pirates and Giants haven’t clinched a playoff berth yet, they will most likely at least play each other in the one-game wild card playoff.
With that said, the five playoff teams in the National League at this point are the Washington Nationals, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the San Francisco Giants. So, who are the X-factors for each of these teams?
An X-factor, in this case, is a player who is key to a team’s success in the postseason or a player who could be a surprise during October. Let us examine each team’s X-factor.
Washington Nationals:
(Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)
After Rafael Soriano struggled to close out games during the second half of the season and in the month of September, the Nationals made Drew Storen their closer once again. Storen had his best season in 2011 when he saved 43 games, so he already has plenty of experience closing ballgames. However, but no one can forget that awful ninth inning he pitched in Game 5 of the NLDS versus the Cardinals; he gave up the lead after coming within just one out shy of moving onto the NLCS. The Nationals have other relievers such as Tyler Clippard, who can close, but it appears as if the Nats will give Storen this role in the playoffs. The closer position could be a strength or weakness for Washington, making Drew Storen key for the Nationals’ success in the postseason.
Honorable Mention:
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Zimmerman has played in only 54 games this season, and the Nationals have done fine without him. He recently came back and had a two-hit game, including an RBI triple against the Miami Marlins. Zimmerman is an excellent hitter, but the question remains about where would he play in the field. Third base is currently occupied by Anthony Rendon, and left field is patrolled by Bryce Harper, but even if he does not start in the playoffs, Zimmerman is a luxury to have pinch hitting off the bench. Should the Nationals reach the World Series, then Zimmerman would make a fine designated hitter in the A.L. ball park.
St. Louis Cardinals:
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The gold-glove catcher Yadier Molina also spent some time out with an injury, but he continues to be one of the most important players on the Cardinals’ roster. His offensive numbers might not jump out as he currently owns a .283 batting average with 7 HR and 36 RBI, but he is an all-around player who can also win games defensively by cutting down the opponents’ running game. Let us also remember that he is great at catching his pitching staff that has very good pitchers. Come playoff time, cutting down base runners and controlling the pitching staff becomes essential.
Honorable Mention:
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The young right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha had an impressive postseason last year in which he earned NLCS MVP honors. This year is different though; Wacha is coming back from some discomfort and pitched only 4.2 innings in his last start against the Reds. If Wacha can get comfortable and regain form, look for him to be a big part of the starting rotation in the playoffs.
Los Angeles Dodgers:
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It is only fitting that Kershaw’s last name starts with the letter “K.” Clayton is the best pitcher in the league, and his stats support that; 20 wins, a 1.80 ERA, and 228 strikeouts is enough proof to confirm that. What makes Kershaw the X-factor is not only that he is the best player on the team, but the Dodgers still need to close out the division. Right now, it appears very likely, which is great for the Dodgers because they certainly would not want to play in the wild card game and have to use their ace in the one-game playoff.
Honorable Mention:
Hyun-Jin Ryu-
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Hyun-Jin Ryu is the reason why Clayton Kershaw becomes the X-factor, but Ryu still gets a mention and here is why. Ryu still remains out with a shoulder injury and might not even make another regular season start. Ryu might have to pitch in the postseason for the Dodgers’ success and makes winning the division that much more important. If the Dodgers go in via the wild card, they would pitch Kershaw in that game. If they move on, they would start the NLDS with Zack Greinke, but who would pitch Game 2: Dan Haren, Roberto Hernandez, or Kevin Correia? The Dodgers need Kershaw in Game 1.
Pittsburgh Pirates:
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The reigning NL MVP means way too much for the Pirates. When he went down with an oblique injury, the Pirates played sub-.500 baseball and were in a tight race with the Brewers for the second wild card spot. Then, McCutchen came back, and things went back to normal. Pittsburgh got on a hot streak and is now tied for the top wild card spot and still has a chance to win the N.L. Central division. “Cutch” has also made his case for N.Ll MVP this year as he owns a .309 batting average with 23 home runs, very similar stats compared to last year’s.
Honorable Mention:
(Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Josh Harrison played in only 60 games last year. The Pirates saw him more as a utility player rather than an everyday player, but things have changed. Harrison is having a breakout season in which he has become a spark offensively in the top of the Pirates lineup. In the 2013 postseason, Harrison did not even have a single at bat. Now, he should be set to lead off in the playoffs and to create havoc with his speed.
San Francisco Giants:
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Only reason why the “Kung Fu Panda” is the X-factor of the Giants over Buster Posey is the fact that he is playing for way more than just a World Series title. At the end of this year, Pablo Sandoval will become a free agent. Rumor has it that he will be requesting big money. What better scene than the postseason for Pablo to demonstrate what he can provide? His numbers are still pretty good as well with a .282 batting average and 16 home runs. His 3.5 WAR is his highest in the last three seasons also. Look for Sandoval to play his best in the postseason to get a big contract for next season.
Honorable Mention:
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The NL MVP of 2012 is still the leader of this team. Posey — as well as Sandoval — is a two-time World Series champion. It is a big advantage that Posey has because he has already been through this and is well-experienced in the playoffs at his young age of 27. Add in the fact that he is a great hitter, having that experience behind him will put him over the top of other players that have not played much in the postseason. If the Giants get past the wild card game and go into an advanced series, Posey will be a very feared player throughout that series.
