MLB Playoffs 2011: Nyjer Morgan and 5 Players Who Will Emerge as Mr. October

Every major league postseason has heroes. Some heroes are superstar players who live up to their billing. Others are players who no one knew about during the regular season. It’s these players who show up big for the playoffs who win their team a World Series Championship.  

Where would last year’s World Series Champion San Francisco Giants be without Cody Ross?  

Ross was a player traded by the Florida Marlins past the trade deadline. He went through waivers unclaimed by the rest of the league only to end up being a key part of the Giants' championship team. 

The 2011 playoffs start on Friday with the American League Divisional Series. Here are five players who will rise up and carry their team past the first round and all the way to a champagne shower with the trophy.

1. Nyjer Morgan, Outfielder, Milwaukee Brewers 

To describe Nyjer Morgan in one word, it would have to be “colorful.” He can pick the Brewers up when they’re struggling on offense—not with a big home run, but by getting on base.  

When Morgan is on the bases, he’s a threat to move from first to third before the batter behind him has three pitches thrown in his at-bat.  

His ability to generate runs with his speed will get him noticed by the MVP voters. But, it’s his ability to keep his teammates loose during these playoffs that will earn him the title of “Mr. October” with the Brewers fanbase.

2. Victor Martinez, Catcher, Detroit Tigers 

Lost in the stellar play this year of the leaders of this Tigers team, Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera, was the solid year by Victor Martinez. He had a solid .330 batting average, 14 home runs and 104 runs batted in.  

Teams facing the Tigers will look to shut down Cabrera on offense, but what they should be worried about is Martinez filling in for any voids. 

3. Lance Berkman, Outfielder, St. Louis Cardinals  

Lance has had a chance to play in the postseason before. He’s done it on two teams; three times with the Houston Astros and once with the Yankees. His career numbers in the postseason are a .320 BA, seven HRs and 30 RBI in 34 games.  

The year his Astros went to the World Series, Berkman carried the team with a .333 average, two home runs and 14 RBI.

4. Ben Zobrist, Second Baseman, Tampa Bay Rays 

The Rays are lucky to be in the postseason. It took a historic collapse by the Red Sox to get them in. If their lucky steak is to continue, they will need Zobrist to continue his exceptional play from the regular season.  

He led the team in hits and had a .353 on-base percentage. His 20 HRs and 91 RBI put him near the team leaders. He has power plus the ability to get on base to score runs. He’s a weapon not too many teams are aware of.

5. Justin Upton, Outfielder, Arizona Diamondbacks 

Upton led the resurgence of this Diamondbacks team this year from finishing in last place in ’10 to winning the division this year. He led his team in every offensive category and is the heart and soul of their offense.  

If he is able to continue this into the postseason, the Diamondbacks will be able to continue this storybook run to a World Series Championship. 

Twitter: @tjmcaloon