MLB Playoffs 2011: Picking Each Team's Best Clutch Performer

After a turbulent ride of walk-offs, clutch pitching and huge meltdowns, the 2011 MLB postseason is finally here.

The Rays, Rangers, Yankees, Tigers, Brewers, Phillies, Cardinals and Diamondbacks have all joined together as this year's greatest teams to compete on baseball's biggest stage.

For some players, being put on the spotlight in the postseason is too much and causes them to play badly. But for others, the playoff spotlight is what makes them come alive. These are the players that come through with clutch hits and big plays to deliver their teams one step closer to the promised land.

(Note: These aren't in any specific order, it's not a ranking, only list of each team's best clutch player)

Detroit Tigers: Miguel Cabrera

Although Justin Verlander is a possibility here, Miguel Cabrera has a hot bat that can deliver the Tigers far along with Verlander's pitching.

He hasn't made an incredible amount of clutch hits in his career, but in his playoff appearance with the Marlins back in 2003, Cabrera hit .265 with 12 RBIs and four home runs in 17 games. That run was back in his rookie season, so who knows how many big hits he'll hit this year as a veteran in his prime.

He's a player that you don't want to see in a clutch situation and a guy you know will come through in a big way when called.

Milwaukee Brewers: Ryan Braun

Even though the Brewers have an outstanding team that's full of great talent, Ryan Braun still manages to stand apart.

Braun has come through for the Brewers all year and has emerged as one of the most feared hitters in the majors. In four games in the 2009 NLDS against the Phillies, Braun hit .313 with two RBIs. It's a small sample size, but Braun will more than likely be able to come through when he's needed the most.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Justin Upton

Justin Upton has been the best player on the Diamondbacks this year and will only continue to thrive come October.

He owns the most walk-off hits this season, including a walk-off home run against the division rival Giants back in June. He shines in clutch situations and even has some postseason experience.

At the ripe age of 20, Upton hit .357 with a .571 slugging percentage in the 2007 playoffs. He's only 24 and he's gotten better and will be one of the X-factors to help the D-backs' playoff push.

Texas Rangers: Josh Hamilton

Josh Hamilton is one of the most talented and feared hitters in the majors and is able to carry that talent into heated clutch situations.

He hit many home runs to put his team in the position to win this year and was key in last year's World Series run. In the ALCS against the Yankees, Hamilton hit .350 with four home runs and seven RBI en route to winning ALCS MVP honors.

Given the chance, Hamilton will come through when needed most.  

Philadelphia Phillies: Cliff Lee

Although it's difficult for a pitcher to be considered clutch, Cliff Lee does come alive in pressure games.

He lives up to that with a 7-2 playoff record in 10 starts with a fantastic 2.13 ERA and 80 strikeouts. It's extremely close between Lee and teammate Roy Halladay, but because of Lee's ridiculously amazing track record in the playoffs, he takes the spot.

St. Louis Cardinals: Albert Pujols

As an Astros fan, the first thing that comes to mind when I think about Albert Pujols was his dramatic walk-off home run in the 2005 NLCS that forever shattered closer Brad Lidge.

Pujols, along with being one of the greatest players of all time, is the most clutch player on the Cardinals.

Along with a lot of regular-season heroics that brought him and his team to the postseason six times during his career, Pujols gets even better come playoffs.

In 56 playoff games, Pujols has a .322 batting average, 36 RBIs, 13 home runs and a ridiculous 1.009 OPS. Expect him to make some key plays if the Cardinals have success this year.

Tampa Bay Rays: Evan Longoria

Evan Longoria basically earned this spot on Sept. 28, 2011, against the New York Yankees.

His team was down 7-0 entering the eight inning, and although it was Johnny Damon who started the rally, Longoria had the big hit when he blasted a three-run homer over the fence.

Then, after his teammates battled and brought the game to the bottom of the 13th inning, Longoria knocked a screamer over the left field fence, which gave the Rays the AL Wild Card and a playoff spot.

Even without that great game, Longoria still has great clutch hits on his resume, including six home runs and 11 RBIs in 11 games in the 2008 postseason.

Longoria is the team's leader both in the clubhouse and on the field, and always can come through with a big hit.

New York Yankees: Derek Jeter

As much as I hate Derek Jeter, there's no way one can avoid the fact that he is, if not the most, the best clutch player in game.

Of course, being on a team that is constantly winning helps him have more clutch opportunities, but Jeter still always seems to be able to come through when it matters the most.

Jeter has a big list of incredible hits and plays that sent the Yankees over the edge or sunk their enemies. 

Those included the clutch home run in Game 1 of the 1996 NLCS, the 2011 World Series in Game 4 game-winning home run that earned himself the nickname "Mr. November" and of course the "Jeter Flip" in which Jeter was completely out of place on the field and was able to make the backhand flip that sunk the A's in the clinching game of the 2001 ALDS.