MLB Playoffs 2011: 6 Most Important Players Left In the NLCS

We are now down to two teams in the quest for a World Series trophy in the National League: the Milwaukee Brewers and the St. Louis Cardinals

This has been one of the most exciting and surprising postseasons in recent history, and these series to come will surely provide some more excitement.

The Cardinals tied the series against the Brewers last night with a dominant performance in a 12-3 win with game three looming Wednesday night.

Like any postseason there are going to players that play a vital role in their team's success. If some of these players don't perform then their teams will have a hard time making it to baseball's promise land.

Here are 6 players that will be extremely important in the National League Championship Series.

Cardinals' First Baseman Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols is arguably the best player left in the playoffs.

The three time MVP, free-agent to be, has been the face of the St. Louis Cardinals for numerous years. The team's success is determined by his success.

When he goes the team goes, and when he is not in the lineup the team struggles. It's that plain and simple.

Pujols showed how dominant he can be by absolutely destroying the cover off the ball yesterday against the Brew Crew.

He went 4-5 with a homerun, three doubles and five RBIs and he showed that he can change the outcome of any game at any time.

He is currently hitting .414 so far in the postseason and the Cards will need more of that as the series progresses.

If Brewers' pitching continues to have a tough time getting Pujols out they will have a tough time, even with their array of hitters to win these series against the streaking Cardinals.

Cardinals' Third Baseman David Freese

Third baseman David Freese has played really well this postseason. So well that he has become another threat in the Cardinals' lineup.

Freese could be an important piece in the lineup if Pujols, Lance Berkman, or Matt Holliday ever struggle.

Although not many people would think that Freese could have such a big impact, his bat has helped change the outcome of a few games this postseason.

His two hit, four RBI performance is a huge reason why the Cardinals were able to pull out game four of the NLDS.

Without his performance in game four pitcher Chris Carpenter wouldn't have had that opportunity to pitch that masterful game against the Phillies in the final game of the NLDS. 

Freese then knocked a homerun and two RBIs last night against the Brewers.

If his impressive performance continues, the Cards lineup will cause even more fits for the Brewers pitching staff

Cardinals' Pitcher Chris Carpenter

Chris Carpenter will live in Cardinals lore for that gem he pitched in game five of the NLDS against the Phillies IN Philadelphia against future hall-of-famer Roy Halladay.

You can say that the odds were against him to win that game. That didn't matter to him.

His performance along with David Freese's clutch hitting are why the Cardinals are in the NLDS.

As the ace of the staff, the Cards will be relying on Carpenter to carry the team by trying to stop the Brewers' potent lineup.

This is not an easy feat, but the momentum of the series will depend on how he fares in game three.

With that said, depending on how long the series goes, he could be pitching in an important game six or seven if necessary.

Too much pressure? Carpenter doesn't think so.

Brewers' Right Fielder Corey Hart

Brewers' right fielder and lead-off man, Corey Hart has not fared well so far in the first seven games of the postseason.

Hart is only batting .207 with one HR and three RBIs. His only HR came in an 8-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

As the Brewers lead-off man he is a crucial part of their offense. If he gets on base then Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun has runners to drive in.

Their solo homeruns becomes two or three-run homeruns.

Consequently, Hart needs to get on base. If he gets his bat going in time then that adds a very dangerous bat in front of MVP candidates Fielder and Braun.

Brewers' First Baseman Prince Fielder

Prince Fielder is the heart of the Brewers' lineup. Like, Albert Pujols, when he goes the Brewers go. His success can ultimately determine how the Brewers will fare.

His ability to change a game with one monstrous swing has become a staple of his game.

He has become one of the most feared hitters in the MLB and Cards pitchers will have to be weary when he comes to the plate.

Fielder has the ability to make other players better. Pitchers will be more willing to pitch to Ryan Braun whenever they see Fielder lumbering on the on-deck circle.

In the postseason Fielder is batting .333 with three HR and and six RBI—including two bombs in the past two days. If he continues this hot streak it will be tough for Cardinals pitching to keep him in the ballpark.

Brewers' Pitcher Yovani Gallardo

Fourth year Brewers' pitcher, Yovani Gallardo will be facing the most pressure than he ever has in his career.

He fared extremely well against the Diamondbacks in the NLDS only allowing two runs in 14 innings of work.

Gallardo, who went 17-10 this year, will have a tough match up ahead of him against the Cardinals' ace Chris Carpenter in Game 3 and potentially Game 7 in the NLCS.

Chances are if the Brewers want to win the series they will have to win one of the games that Carpenter pitches. That means Gallardo has to step up.