Ranking the 15 Players Most Likely to Hit a Clutch Walk-off Home Run

MLB fans watch the postseason for its drama. Naturally, walk-off home runs provide the most satisfying conclusion.

These 15 players battling for the 2012 championship have the potential to reward audiences with clutch blasts in the ninth inning or later.

Not surprisingly, many of the top candidates have shown power-hitting ability in the recent years. But in this streaky sport, it's also necessary to take their achievements this October into consideration.

Keep reading for a ranking of the most likely heroes on the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.

15. Curtis Granderson (New York Yankees)

2012 postseason stats: .103/.188/.207 with 1 HR.

Curtis Granderson has looked like the worst hitter on the New York Yankees this postseason—a bold statement considering the shortcomings of Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher.

Still, it wouldn't be a shock to see him break out of his slump. A timely home run in the Bronx is not unreasonable...should the team survive long enough to play there again.

The Grandy Man's sole focus during a plate appearance is to go yard. While that approach often leads to strikeouts, it has likewise allowed him to contend for the MLB home run title in consecutive years.

14. Austin Jackson (Detroit Tigers)

2012 postseason stats: .273/.314/.424 with 0 HR.

The sole offensive highlight of Austin Jackson's first major league October was a home run in Game 6 of the 2011 ALCS. It came in a rather meaningless situation, though, with the Detroit Tigers trailing the Texas Rangers by nine runs.

This season, he dramatically improved at the plate. Atop a lineup that included prominent middle-of-the-order sluggers (both of whom are coming up later), he maintained a .300 batting average and launched 16 bombs. All that despite spending several weeks on the disabled list.

Don't overlook the slim center fielder!

13. Pete Kozma (St. Louis Cardinals)

2012 postseason stats: .250/.361/.367 with 1 HR.

A couple months ago, Pete Kozma looked over-matched against minor league pitching. Now, he's among the most clutch players in the sport.

OK, he's just a light-hitting shortstop, but it would be irresponsible to omit someone who boasted a .667 slugging percentage in the seventh inning or later this summer.

Kozma's strong defensive skills ensure that he'll be in for the duration of any postseason game.

12. Allen Craig (St. Louis Cardinals)

2012 postseason stats: .250/.368/.438 with 1 HR.

With a semi-permanent spot in the St. Louis Cardinals' starting lineup, Allen Craig enjoyed a breakout season at age 28.

The smooth mechanics of his swing actually limit his place on this list. Craig has a tendency to hit line drives that stay in play, but do significant damage nonetheless.

11. Buster Posey (San Francisco Giants)

2012 postseason stats: .207/.343/.414 with 2 HR.

The vast dimensions of AT&T Park rarely yield home runs. Buster Posey has terrific offensive abilities, but cold nights on the waterfront aren't conducive to late-game heroics.

10. Robinson Cano (New York Yankees)

2012 postseason stats: .083/.108/.139 with 0 HR.

Despite possessing the prettiest stroke in baseball, Robinson Cano set an embarrassing record this October with 29 consecutive hitless at-bats.

Yankee Stadium's short porch is so inviting to lefty-swinging position players, and there's rarely a scenario in which the All-Star isn't eager to hack away.

9. Matt Holliday (St. Louis Cardinals)

2012 postseason stats: .222/.300/.333 with 1 HR.

It has been a quiet two weeks for Matt Holliday's bat. After leading his team to victory in the NL Wild Card Game on Oct. 5, the outfielder has contributed just one extra-base hit.

Still, my confidence in him isn't shaken.

Holliday is as strong as any dude remaining in the postseason. Plus, he historically has not been susceptible to lengthy slumps.

8. Prince Fielder (Detroit Tigers)

2012 postseason stats: .182/.250/.273 with 1 HR.

Prince Fielder has the most prototypical upper-cut follow-through you'll ever see. Even Comerica Park can't stop him from raking.

Unfortunately, his reputation precedes him. Fielder doesn't see many hittable pitches in late-game situations.

7. Pablo Sandoval (San Francisco Giants)

2012 postseason stats: .294/.306/.441 with 1 HR.

Being a switch-hitter affords Pablo Sandoval a huge advantage. He sees the ball well regardless of the pitcher's handedness.

It's worth noting, though, that Kung Fu Panda is considerably less powerful from the right side (.513 SLG as LHB, .430 SLG as RHB in MLB career).

6. Mark Teixeira (New York Yankees)

2012 postseason stats: .310/.444/.345 with 0 HR.

Mark Teixeira also has the ability to swing from either side. Moreover, he's equally likely to go deep off of left-handers and right-handers.

Tex is enjoying the best offensive postseason of his career. Unlike many of his slumping teammates, the first baseman consistently puts the ball in play (two strikeouts in eight games).

Watch him closely if he gets the chance to play at home again.

5. Delmon Young (Detroit Tigers)

2012 postseason stats: .267/.313/.500 with 2 HR.

I'm attributing the power to his 'stache.

Delmon Young has gone deep much more frequently since the fuzz on his upper lip became prominent in late July.

His greatest asset, however, is his aggressiveness. He'll mash any first-pitch strike and send fans into celebration if one is thrown with the game on the line.

4. Raul Ibanez (New York Yankees)

2012 postseason stats: .350/.458/.850 with 3 HR.

Once this October, Raul Ibanez failed in the clutch. The opposing pitcher was left-hander Phil Coke.

The rest of the Detroit Tigers bullpen is devoid of competent southpaws, and the same applies to the St. Louis Cardinals, as Marc Rzepczynski continues to struggle.

"Rauuuuuuuuul" is a walk-off threat against either of those teams.

3. David Freese (St. Louis Cardinals)

2012 postseason stats: .344/.389/.563 with 1 HR.

MLB.com reminds us how David Freese delivered with his club facing elimination in the 2011 World Series.

The third baseman is extraordinary in the playoffs, particularly in high-leverage situations.

2. Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers)

2012 postseason stats: .290/.389/.387 with 0 HR.

The AL Triple Crown winner is way too good to play this entire postseason without homering. Nobody else possesses his super-human power to all fields.

Five previous times, Miguel Cabrera has crushed a walk-off blast in the majors.

On Thursday night, No. 6 would send the Detroit Tigers to the World Series (a la Magglio Ordonez, 2006).

1. Carlos Beltran (St. Louis Cardinals)

2012 postseason stats: .400/.486/.867 with 3 HR.

Carlos Beltran was the leading postseason power source for the Houston Astros in 2004 and the New York Mets in 2006.

The trend has continued.

For the third time in as many opportunities, the veteran outfielder is embracing the bright lights and national attention. Specialty relievers are still ineffective against his switch-hitting.

Provided that Beltran's knee strain doesn't keep him out long (he's reportedly day-to-day), I'd bet that he ignites fireworks at Busch Stadium in the coming days.

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