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MLB Playoffs: The most important player on each team

By Pete Schauer

August 22, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) bats during the eighth inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Angels 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 22, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) bats during the eighth inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Angels 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 21, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter (48) doubles against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter (48) doubles against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers: Torii Hunter

I’m sure you were expecting this pick to be Miguel Cabrera or Victor Martinez, but I think Torii Hunter will play an extremely important role for the Detroit Tigers’ quest to make it back to the World Series after losing in 2012.

Hitting in the two hole, Hunter hits in front of Cabrera and Martinez and behind table setter Ian Kinsler, making his position in the batting order critical.

Hunter has done a good job of getting on base this season and putting Cabrera and Martinez in RBI positions, and that will have to remain consistent in the postseason for the Tigers to have success.

The 18-year veteran has been more productive average-wise in the second half of the season, and his solid defense continues to be a driving force behind his career production.

We know Detroit has the rotation to make it to the World Series, but Hunter’s postseason production will make or break the Tigers’ playoff run.

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