MLB Playoffs: 10 Pitchers You Really Want to Avoid Facing in a Postseason Series

As the playoff picture is becoming clearer, managers are probably beginning to look at who they will most likely be playing in each round.

While every manager will probably be optimistic about his team's chances, there is probably some apprehension as well.

Apprehension often times revolves around an opponent's ace. A dominant starter for the opposition can very easily equate to a loss.

Since starting pitchers have such a huge impact on the outcome of the game, let's take a look at 10 pitchers that nobody wants to face this off-season.

Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers

I know that this is a very obvious way to start off the list, but can you think of a better way to start it this season? Justin Verlander is 21-5 with a 2.34 ERA, 224 strikeouts, and an extremely low WHIP of 0.91. All of these stats lead the American League.

The Detroit Tigers have a comfortable lead in the American League Central, so they should be in the playoffs. I would not want to have to face Verlander ever, but especially not in games that are this important.

Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies

Roy Halladay has been the ace of a very strong Philadelphia Phillies rotation. He is currently 16-5 with a 2.49 ERA, 196 strikeouts, and a 1.06 WHIP. He also never seems to get tired as he leads the National League with seven complete games so far.

He excelled last season as he no-hit the Cincinnati Reds in the playoffs. He has the potential to always go the distance again, and he is a very intimidating opponent.

CC Sabathia, New York Yankees

CC Sabathia does not allow very many runs, and he has a New York Yankees offense behind him that scores a lot of runs. This is a pretty dominant combination. He is 19-7 this season with a 2.97 ERA, 211 strikeouts, and a 1.17 WHIP.

Historically speaking, it is never a good thing to play the Yankees in the playoffs because they have a tendency to win. Whenever Sabathia takes the mound, the Yankees have an even better chance to win.

Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies

Cliff Lee is the second Philadelphia Philly to make this list, but there's very good reason for it. Overall, he is 16-7 with a 2.47 ERA, 204 strikeouts, and a 1.04 WHIP. He is also on an incredibly hot stretch right now after going 5-0 in August and beginning September with a shutout versus the Atlanta Braves.

He has the potential to be as dominant as any pitcher in baseball. Since he seems to be on a hot streak right now, if he rides this until the playoffs, he could be one of the most dangerous opponents in baseball.

Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies

I know that this list is a little bit heavy on the Philadelphia Phillies. However, Cole Hamels deserves a spot as well. He is 13-7 with a 2.63 ERA, 169 strikeouts, and a 0.97 WHIP. He has also had a great deal of playoff success as he won the 2008 NLCS and World Series MVPs.

His stats are a little lower because of a brief stint on the DL, but he seems to be regaining his form and will be a formidable opponent.

Ian Kennedy, Arizona Diamondbacks

The ultimate goal of the playoffs is to win baseball games, and Ian Kennedy has been doing plenty of that for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is currently 18-4 with a 2.96 ERA, 167 strikeouts, and a 1.12 WHIP.

This is a breakout year for Ian Kennedy, and he has been making the most of it. Watch out for him in the playoffs with a very hot team behind him.

Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox

I know that Josh Beckett has battled injuries this season with the Boston Red Sox. However, he is still 12-5 with a 2.49 ERA, 155 strikeouts, and a very nice 0.91 WHIP.

He deserves to be on this list though because he knows how to pitch in the postseason. In just under 93.2 career postseason innings, he has a 3.07 ERA with 99 strikeouts. He has been there plenty of times before, and his experience will be very valuable for the Red Sox.

Zack Greinke, Milwaukee Brewers

Zack Greinke got off to a very rough start this season with the Milwaukee Brewers. His current stats are still 14-5 with a 4.00 ERA, 168 strikeouts, and a 1.17 WHIP. However, since the All-Star break, he is 7-2 with a 2.41 ERA and is averaging over a strikeout per inning.

He is one of the hottest pitchers in baseball right now, and he does have a very powerful lineup behind him. He will be a difficult opponent for every team if he stays this hot.

Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves have been consistently led all season by Tim Hudson on the mound. He is 14-9 with a 3.14 ERA, 136 strikeouts, and a 1.13 WHIP. He has also been very hot lately with a 6-3 record and ERA of 2.50 since the All-Star break.

He has had a very accomplished career so far, and he is continuing to lead the Atlanta Braves this season. The Braves have a lot of talent, and Hudson will lead the way.

Derek Holland, Texas Rangers

I know that Derek Holland does not have the best numbers so far this season. He does have a nice record at 13-5, but his 4.13 ERA and 1.39 WHIP leave a little bit to be desired.

Luckily, since the All-Star break he has gone 6-1 with a 3.16 ERA. It is also worth noting that he has four shutouts so far this season. He has the potential to pitch very well, and he could pull out one of these gems during the playoffs.