MLB Playoffs 2013: Biggest X-Factors in Wild Card Round

When teams are playing with their playoff lives on the line, all it takes is one big play or solid outing to determine the outcome.

This year’s MLB playoffs have two very exciting one-game Wild Card playoffs to decide who will advance.

After a full 162-game season, leaving a team’s fate up to just nine innings can bring out the best or worst of their ability.

So, who are the guys from each of the four Wild Card teams who need to deliver in order to win?

We’ll take a look at each teams’ biggest X-factor in the following paragraphs.

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DH Jason Giambi, Cleveland Indians

Need a clutch hit? Call 42-year-old Jason Giambi.

He’ll step in after sitting in the dugout for nine innings and belt a game-winning homer.

Although the aging Giambi batted just .183 this season, he made his hits count.

Trailing 4-3 against the Chicago White Sox last week—with their season more or less hanging in the balance—the lefty nailed a two-run, two-out, pinch-hit home run to win the game.

It was Giambi’s second pinch-hit, walk-off homer and third pinch-hit blast for the Tribe in 2013.

If things go bad for the Indians, look for them to turn to their trusty veteran in the ninth against the Rays.

Is there any magic left in that grey beard of his?

OF Wil Myers, Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays were likely going to have a pretty decent team again in 2013. But one thing was hanging in the balance: Wil Myers’ development.

Since getting called up in June, Myers has lived up to the hype by becoming a key hitter for the Rays down the stretch.

Myers, 22, has been on fire in September, hitting .317 with four homers, 13 doubles and 14 RBI. Overall, he has a .293 batting average with 13 homers and 53 RBI in 335 plate appearances since being called up.

That performance earned him AL Rookie of the Month honors, per Bill Chastain of MLB.com:

With Matt Joyce struggling (.089 batting average in September), Myers’ ability to get on base (.354 on-base percentage) has been huge for this Rays team.

Plus, his power gives them an added boost at the front of their lineup and makes it harder for pitchers with slugger Evan Longoria waiting closely behind in their batting order.

Starling Marte, Pittsburgh Pirates

Youngster Starling Marte has been dealing with hand issue that has kept him relatively quiet over the past few games.

But don’t be fooled.

The 24-year-old has the potential to alter games in a variety of different ways.

His .343 on-base percentage is a little low for a leadoff hitter, but Marte makes up for it with a rare speed and power combination. On the season, he has stolen 41 bases—seventh in MLB—and also belted 12 homers, 26 doubles and 10 triples—second most in the game.

His quickness and sure glove in left field are also another dynamic he provides. He closes spaces so quickly it’s hard to find a gap when hitting in his direction. If a hitter does hit a sacrifice fly to him, it better be deep because he has the arm to make them pay for testing him.

SP Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds ace Johnny Cueto has logged just 11 starts this season while dealing with a myriad of health problems throughout their campaign.

He’s coming off of two solid outings after his latest stint on the disabled list, allowing just one run in 12 innings of work.

In two starts against the Pirates this season, Cueto has been magnificent on the mound. He logged 12.1 innings in those outings and allowed just one run and three hits while striking out nine.

Cueto’s time on the disabled list could be a blessing in disguise as his arm is surely fresh due to all of the action he missed during the season.

However, his propensity for injury is a concern, too. He left after facing one batter during the 2012 NLDS against San Francisco.

If he stays on the mound, the Reds have a very high win probability given his success against the Pirates and his current form.