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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 12, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Trevor Rosenthal (26) throws the ball against the Colorado Rockies during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Trevor Rosenthal (26) throws the ball against the Colorado Rockies during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

St. Louis Cardinals: Trevor Rosenthal

Among all of the key pieces the St. Louis Cardinals have, closer Trevor Rosenthal is the most important aspect of the Cards’ club here in October.

Rosenthal got his first taste of the postseason in 2012 at just 22, and he performed admirably. The righty pitched 8.2 scoreless innings, allowing a mere two hits and fanning 15 hitters in the process. He followed that up with an even better performance last postseason, striking out 18 batters and surrendering just four hits in 11.2 innings of work.

It’s been somewhat of a different story for Rosenthal this season. He has saved 45 games, but he’s also blown six of them and owns a 3.20 ERA, which is a bit high for a closer.

St. Louis is one of the best postseason teams of this era, and its no stranger to close games. Rosenthal has proven that he can handle the big stage in the playoffs, and his performance will define the Cards’ playoff future.

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