MLB Playoff Predictions: 3 Unheralded Players Who Will Lead Their Teams to LCS

While high-profile players are normally responsible for getting teams into the playoffs, there seems to be a few little-known or surprising players who contribute heavily to their teams' success while in the postseason.

The MLB postseason is capable of taking unknown players and making them household names. Here are three unheralded players who will perform well in their respective divisional series and help lead their teams to the league championship series.

Kelly Shoppach, Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay Rays catcher Kelly Shoppach was a colossal disappointment this season as he hit just .176 with 11 home runs and 22 RBI. The manager has stuck with him, however, and he seemed to be coming out of his season-long slump in the final few weeks.

Shoppach splits time behind the plate with John Jaso, but he should get the lion's share of the work against the Texas Rangers since the Rangers employ a number of left-handed starting pitchers. Shoppach hasn't made consistent contact this season, but he is perfectly capable of going deep.

Both Tampa's and Texas' ballparks are favorable for home run hitters, so Shoppach could have a surprisingly big impact on the series. Tampa Bay doesn't have a particularly deep lineup, so if they can get production down in the order, then it will be a huge help.

Phil Hughes, New York Yankees

In 2009, New York Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes came up huge all season long as a setup man. While Hughes' main trade is that of a starting pitcher, he finds himself back in the bullpen this season. Hughes missed a significant portion of the season before returning and pitching pretty well as a starter.

A back injury damaged his chances of earning a spot in the postseason rotation, but he can still make an impact out of the bullpen. Hughes likely won't have the pitfalls that other starters have upon being moved to the bullpen since it is already known that he can excel in that role.

While Rafael Soriano, David Robertson and Mariano Rivera will lock down the late innings, Hughes could come in very handy if a Yankee starter gets knocked out of the game early. Hughes will be able to go all out and pitch a few innings at a time out of the bullpen. I expect Hughes to stabilize a seemingly lost game for the Yanks at some point in the series.

Miguel Montero, Arizona Diamondbacks

Essentially the entire Arizona Diamondback roster outside of Justin Upton is unknown to casual baseball fans. One player who was a huge part of Arizona's success in the regular season and will continue to be in the postseason, though, is catcher Miguel Montero.

Montero had an outstanding season, especially by catcher standards, as he hit .282 with 18 home runs and 86 RBI. Upton doesn't have much protection in the lineup, so it will be exceedingly important for Montero to have a good series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Outside of his offense, Montero has been huge for the development of young pitchers like Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson. Neither pitcher has playoff experience, but both will be counted upon to win games if the Diamondbacks are to advance past the NLDS. Montero will need to have a calming influence on his young staff and call smart games as well.