MLB Playoff Predictions 2011: 5 Game Changers in the Division Series

Welcome to the 2011 Major League Baseball playoffs; it only took us 162 games from 30 teams to finally get here. There were chances at a 163rd game but a Red Sox collapse and a Tampa Bay surge ruined a sudden death game between the two clubs.  

And there was a collapse in the National League of the Atlanta Braves. The Braves lost in their final game of the year, thus ruining another chance of a one-game playoff between the Cardinals and the Braves. 

Starting on Friday the MLB playoffs get under way with the American League Divisional Series of the New York Yankees vs. the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers vs. the Tampa Bay Rays. The following day the National League Divisional Series starts as the Philadelphia Phillies face the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers face the Arizona Diamondbacks.  

The MLB playoffs always have new heroes emerge from them. Here are five impact players who will carry their teams to the League Championship Series.

1. Ryan Braun—Outfielder, Milwaukee Brewers 

The Brewers won their first divisional title since 1982 and a big part of this was because of Ryan Braun. He carried the team with his offense, contributing 30 home runs with 30 stolen bases. Not to mention his 111 runs batted and a team leading .332 batting average. 

2. Curtis Granderson—Outfielder, New York Yankees 

When you have a team like the Yankees it’s easy to find a postseason hero on the roster. They have an ace in C.C. Sabathia that can win games by himself. They have multiple Most Valuable Player award winners in their lineup to turn to when they need a big hit.  

But the best player on their roster this year has been Granderson. Granderson led the team this year in home runs (41), runs batted in (119), while finishing second in stolen bases (26).

3. Josh Hamilton—Outfielder, Texas Rangers

The Rangers make the postseason as one of the hottest teams from the second half of the season. This is in part due to a healthy Josh Hamilton. He missed 42 games this year, all in the first half, and it affected his overall numbers. 

Josh is coming into these playoffs with hits in nine of his last ten games, with three home runs and six RBI.

4. Justin Verlander—Pitcher, Detroit Tigers 

This Detroit Tigers team is made up of two players: Miguel Cabrera on offense and Justin Verlander in pitching. Both players led the team in every major category, both players are up for the MVP award in the American League, and both players are critical to a playoff victory over the Yankees.  

But Verlander can win Game 1, 3, and possibly 5 all by himself.  

5. Roy Halladay—Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies 

There have been two pitchers to throw no-hitters in the playoffs. One was the New York Yankees' Don Larson in the 1956 World Series and the other was Halladay in his first-ever playoff game last year.  

Halladay continued his stellar play this season leading the Phillies in wins and ERA. He will get the ball in Game 1 of this series and he will be looked upon to shut down the Cardinals offense throughout the playoffs. 

Twitter: @tjmcaloon