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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 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning of the 2014 American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning of the 2014 American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas City Royals: James Shields

You can’t win in the MLB playoffs without pitching, and that’s exactly why the Kansas City Royals went out and got a guy like big game James Shields.

Shields wasn’t his best in KC’s Wild Card victory on Tuesday night, but we all know what he’s capable of, especially in big games.

While Shields’ overall postseason numbers don’t appear to be on par with his reputation as a big game pitcher, all you need to do is think back to his Tampa Bay days in 2008 when he helped the Rays get to the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Kansas City’s offense isn’t going to open any eyes, which makes pitching all the more important. As the leader of the pitching staff and the guy who will be looked upon to take the ball in big situations, Shields is the man to watch for the Royals this fall.

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