MLB Playoff Predictions 2012: Players Who Will Become Unsung October Heroes

For most of the teams remaining in the 2012 MLB playoffs, relying on their star players for top-notch performances has led to bitter disappointment and frustration. 

Luckily, if history has taught us anything about baseball's postseason, it's that it's not always the highest-paid stars who thrive in the clutch. It's often unsung stars who come out of nowhere with a huge home run or a brilliant pitching performance to catalyze a victory.

It seems like, for every Reggie Jackson, there is a Jim Leyritz and for every Bob Gibson there is a Don Larsen.

With that in mind, here is a look at some under-the-radar guys who will step up when their teams need them the most this postseason. 

St. Louis Cardinals: Allen Craig, 1B

Ostensibly a last resort to take over the first baseman role left available when Albert Pujols departed in the offseason, Craig has been fantastic with little recognition outside of St. Louis.

The 28-year-old slugger is in just his third season (and second accumulating experience time), but hit .307 with 22 HR and 92 RBI hitting in the five-hole behind Matt Holliday.

Unfortunately, that bat has not come alive so far in the NLDS. Craig is yet to record a hit and has an on-base percentage of just .182 in the series' three games.

For the Cardinals to have any shot of creating the offensive momentum needed to (make a comeback/finish off this series)—especially with Carlos Beltran's injury.

After the fantastic season he's already had, there is no reason to think Craig won't step up when his team needs him the most.

San Francisco Giants: Tim Lincecum, P

After what was easily the worst regular season of his career, Lincecum has carved out a vital niche in the San Francisco bullpen in long relief.

The 28-year-old righty has given up just one run in 8.1 innings and has recaptured his ability to find the strike zone, walking just one opposing hitter. That brilliance will get him the Game 4 start on Thursday against the Cardinals in place of Barry Zito, who was shelled by the Nationals in the NLDS.

If this is a true revival and Lincecum has returned, there could be no more dangerous weapon left in the postseason. His right arm helped lead San Francisco to the World Series in 2010 and could do the same if this hot streak continues.

With the season riding on his performance, it's likely that we'll find out whether this prediction comes to fruition on Thursday. 

Detroit Tigers: Delmon Young, OF

Though the Tigers are riding high with a 3-0 series lead over the New York Yankees, there is one glaring weakness that this team needs fixed: offensive production.

Justin Verlander and the Detroit pitching staff have eviscerated two offenses in sore need of consistent production in the first two rounds, but will not face that luxury in the World Series (assuming they get there). Both the Cardinals and Giants have hit well in the playoffs and should again in the next round. 

That means it's time for the offense to step up. Unfortunately, the stars have not aligned thus far. The biggest problem has been Prince Fielder, who has been abhorrent, hitting just .181 with one home run and three RBI.

If Fielder's struggles continue, that will open the door for Young, who has quietly been the Tigers' best power hitter in the postseason, to drive in some runs in the Fall Classic. 

New York Yankees: Eric Chavez, 3B

At this point, we're grasping at straws trying to find one bright spot in the Yankees' lineup and should be Chavez in Game 4.

If manager Joe Girardi sticks to his original lineup before the game was postponed on Wednesday night, Chavez will get the start and has had some success against Max Scherzer.

By success, I mean he's gone 2-for-2 with a walk in three plate appearances against the Tigers' starter. Like I said, grasping at straws. 

Nonetheless, if there is any under-the-radar player who will step up with a huge game to extend the Yankees' season, it will be Chavez. 

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