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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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Aug 29, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Rafael Soriano (29) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Rafael Soriano (29) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Nationals: Rafael Soriano

The MLB postseason is all about being able to close out big games, and that’s where Rafael Soriano enters the picture for the Washington Nationals.

Soriano–one of the league’s most electric closers–has had his share of issues this season, tying for fourth in the MLB with seven blown saves.

Among the closers who have blown at least seven saves this season–there have been 10 of them–Soriano owns the fifth-worst ERA, with a 3.19 mark. Maybe I’m used to the Mariano Rivera days, but that’s not exactly the type of ERA you want your closer to have, especially when there’s a championship on the line.

The Nationals have played in plenty of close games this season, and it won’t be any different for October baseball.

That’s why the focus will be placed on Soriano, who will be relied upon to close the door on a St. Louis franchise known for postseason excellence.

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