The 2008 MLB Playoffs: Who will step up?

        This 2008 MLB postseason looks like it will be an exciting one. I know I am excited about  it. Every team in the playoffs have those guys who are just expected to come up big in pressure situations. Then, there are guys who are talented, but need to show something more in the playoffs. Here is my list of guys you may want to keep an eye on during this postseason:

1. Carl Crawford- Tampa Bay Rays

       Crawford has been injured for much of the 2nd half of the season. Even though the Rays won the AL East, Crawford was sorely missed. He adds speed and defense and he should be motivated. The Rays need Crawford to take the pressure off B.J. Upton and Carlos Pena.

2. Jamie Moyer and Brett Myers- Philadelphia Phillies

         Starting pitching has been a concern most of the year for the Phillies. Everyone knows what you are going to get from Cole Hamels. After that, the rotation is a question mark. Brett Myers is a very inconsistent pitcher. For the Phillies to win, Myers has to pitch lights out. The 45 year old Jamie Moyer has been pretty good this year. He gives you a chance to win. He will have to be at his best for the Phillies to have a chance.

3.  Mark DeRosa-Chicago Cubs

         DeRosa may just be the Cubs most invaluable player. He can play so many different positions with relative ease and he is a pretty good offensive player. He needs to be solid offensively for the Cubs to make it deep in the playoffs. This is not the time for him to go into a prolonged slump.

4.  Ken Griffey Jr.- Chicago White Sox

         Griffey has not been to the playoffs in quite a few years. Even though he is 38 years old, Griffey needs to step up to take the pressure off of Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye. If Griffey gets hot, it may be a long series for the Rays.

5.  Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew- Boston Red Sox

         It is not known yet how much these guys will play in the first round of the playoffs. These guys are really important to the Red Sox chances. They provide power and experience that takes the pressure off of David Ortiz and Jason Bay. If these guys are not healthy, the Red Sox may be sitting home sooner rather than later.

6.  Every Brewer  pitcher not named C.C. Sabathia- Milwaukee Brewers

     Sabathia has kept the  Brewers afloat since he arrived. Now it is time for someone else to step up and help the Brewers. Sabathia can't win all 4 games of a series by himself.

7.  Rafael Furcal- Los Angeles Dodgers

    Manny Ramirez has been a tremendous story for the Dodgers. However, he can't do it by himself. Furcal has to be the table setter for this team. If he is truly healthy, watch out for Furcal and the Dodgers.

8.  John Lackey- Los Angeles Angels

      Because the Angels are good almost up and down the roster, it was hard for me to pick a guy from this team. However, getting that first win in the series is always important. Lackey got roughed up in his last start of the season. It will be very important for him to bounce back in a big way against the Red Sox.