Finally, the postseason is among us. A showcase of power-hitting, sound-defense, and emotion-drive-driven baseball, will surely be entertaining to say the least. Although each of those characteristics are embodied within every winning baseball team, the key to success lies with the strength of the starting rotation. Specifically, the one player that can become your workhorse, and dominate each time on the mound.
Last season, it was Madison Bumgarner, who carried his Giants to their third title in five seasons. Likewise, who will be the X-factor hurler for their squad this go around? I’ll note, for sake of any confusion, this breakdown consists of only divisional winners.
Now, let’s take a look at who sits on top of each playoff team’s rotation. No specific order or ranking here, but a listing of the “Ace in the hole” from MLB’s postseason clubs.
Zach Greinke- Los Angeles Dodgers
Regular Season: (19-3) 1.66 ERA
The guy has cemented himself as one of the leading candidates for the NL Cy Young award. Throughout the 2015 regular season, opponents only hit for a .187 batting average. Plus, he racked up 200 strikeouts in just over 220 innings pitched. Although Clayton Kershaw, in my opinion, still remains the leader of this LA rotation, Greinke is the key guy to a world series run for the Dodgers. A one-two punch of Kershaw and Greinke has been and should continue to be a nightmare for hitters down the stretch.
David Price- Toronto Blue Jays
Regular Season: (18-5) 2.45 ERA
The acquisition of David Price from the Detroit Tigers surged Toronto all the way into the 2015 postseason. Winning their first division title since 1993, the Blue Jays rely on their top gun, Mr. Price, to keep opposing hitters honest. The former Cy Young winner and current leader of the Blue Jays rotation shouldn’t feel too much pressure this postseason. Yes, he will be labeled the lead man of the pack, but with as much run support as he gets, there won’t be that much to worry about.
Matt Harvey- New York Mets
Regular Season: (13-8) 2.71 ERA
Does it come as a surprise to place Harvey over Degrom here? It shouldn’t. The “Dark Knight”, as most refer to him in the Big Apple, has awaited this opportunity since returning from the disabled list in 2015. Harvey maintains the sixth highest ERA in the National League this season, and ultimately holds the Mets' rotation together. Arguably, he is the leader of the team. I believe the Mets have a great shot at reaching the World Series, but it will all rely on Harvey’s efficiency.
John Lackey- St. Louis Cardinals
Regular Season: (13-10) 2.77 ERA
With the absence of Carlos Martinez and Adam Wainwright’s pitching ability questionable of return from an Achilles injury suffered months ago, Lackey is the main guy in this St. Louis rotation. Fortunately, the Cardinals have a veteran like John Lackey. He has won world titles twice, with Anaheim in 2002, and Boston in 2013. Obviously, if Wainwright fashionably returns without any issue, then he will be the rotation’s stud. But, for now, Lackey is their main piece in terms of pitching,
Cole Hamels- Texas Rangers
Regular Season: (13-8) 3.65 ERA
Like David Price in Toronto, Hamels was acquired to assist the Texas Rangers in reaching the postseason. The Astros controlled the AL West at the time of the trade, but with Hamels bolstering the rotation, the Rangers climbed back and won the West outright.
Now, just like his tenure in Philadelphia, Cole Hamels is the rotation’s ace. The numbers don’t supplement his ranking among top performers, but the experience is second to none. World Series MVP and champion with the Phillies in 2008, Hamels certainly knows what it takes to win in the postseason.
That’s exactly why I’m tagging him as the rotation’s foundation for their playoff run.
