Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Who would be Nats' postseason hero?

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
Ryan Zimmerman has always had a flair for the dramatic. Could he do it in October?
It seems safe to say that the 2010 postseason will be remembered as the Postseason of Cliff Lee. Unless it's the Postseason of Roy Halladay. Or the Postseason of Tim Lincecum.

October creates baseball heroes, players who rise to the occasion and shine under the brightest spotlight, immortalizing themselves in the game's lore. Sometimes, these heroes are already-great players who become even greater legends with their postseason performances (Bob Gibson, Reggie Jackson, Curt Schilling). Sometimes, they're little-known role players who thrust themselves into the baseball pantheon with one epic feat (Bill Mazeroski, Bobby Thomson, Bucky Dent, Aaron Boone).

So here's the question of the day: If and when the Nationals ever reach the postseason, who is most likely to become D.C.'s postseason baseball hero?

Is it Ryan Zimmerman, who in his five big-league seasons certainly has shown a flair for the dramatic? Could Mr. Walk-Off pull another one off in late-October?

Is it Stephen Strasburg, who has all the qualities you want from a postseason ace ... provided he comes back 100 percent from Tommy John surgery, of course?

Is it Bryce Harper, who has yet to play an actual minor-league game (let alone a major-league game) but who's already touted as a star-in-waiting, an 18-year-old phenom who loves the spotlight?

Is it Drew Storen, the man who could have the ball in his hand for the ninth inning of a postseason clincher and would be at the center of a dogpile of delirious teammates?

Is it a role player like Ian Desmond or Wilson Ramos or Michael Morse, someone who could find themselves at the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning of a tie game with a chance to add his name to the list of unlikely postseason heroes?

Is it someone we've never even heard of, a low-level minor leaguer or a college player who has yet to be drafted but will come along right around the time the Nats actually are in position to play in late-October?

What do you think? If the day ever comes where the Nationals are enjoying their first-ever champagne celebration, what player will be most responsible?

16 comments:

NR Cody Ross said...

"It seems safe to say that the 2010 postseason will be remembered as the Postseason of Cliff Lee. Unless it's the Postseason of Roy Halladay. Or the Postseason of Tim Lincecum.

October creates baseball heroes, players who rise to the occasion and shine under the brightest spotlight, immortalizing themselves in the game's lore. Sometimes, these heroes are already-great players who become even greater legends with their postseason performances (Bob Gibson, Reggie Jackson, Curt Schilling). Sometimes, they're little-known role players who thrust themselves into the baseball pantheon with one epic feat (Bill Mazeroski, Bobby Thomson, Bucky Dent, Aaron Boone)."

What am I, chopped Liver?

Doc said...

Mr. Walk-Off--Zim, of course. It's time the rest of the country had a chance to watch one of the best players that they probably haven't seen.

Jim Hoy said...

Still holding out hope that it might be Adam Dunn.

Anonymous said...

Nationals Postseason hero: Aging Walter Johnson wins Game 7 of the '24 Series in heroic relief effort. Maybe an aging Stras will do the same in the next '24 Series.

Aaron F. Boone said...

The only real postseason heroes are the ones who gain a new middle name in the process.

Josh said...

It's truly impossible to tell. Outside of super aces like Halladay and Lee (and sometimes even then), you really don't know what you're going to get in the postseason from even your most productive players. Anything can happen in a short series.

Steve M. said...

Who knew Gene Tenace before his huge post-season in 1972?

I agree with Doc, Mr. Walk-Off Zim. I could see him doing what Brooks Robinson did with the glove in October 1970 and with Derek Jeter did with the bat in October 2000.

Steve M. said...

As I watched last night's game and they posted up the greatest ERA's in the post season with pitchers having at least 5 starts. #1 was Sandy Koufax's post season numbers, a 0.95 ERA overall. #2 Christy Mathewson #3 Cliff Lee with a 1.26 ERA.

Cliff Lee is a perfect 7-0 right now in the post-season.

If this Yankee/Rangers series go to 7 games, Cliff Lee will get to pitch game #7.

Sadly for the Rangers, if it goes 7 games they won't have Cliff Lee to pitch game #1 of the World Series!

NR Bill Mazeroski said...

Hey, bub, call me a role player when you've got a bust in Cooperstown.

NR Omar Minaya said...

I think it will be Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore, or Brandon Phillips.

Jim Kurtzke said...

Zim because he can win a game 3 ways: with the bat, with the glove, and on the bases

Dave said...

I can see it now, Nyger lays down a bunt for a single in a tie game in the 9th. Then proceeds to get picked off. . . oh wait, you said heros not goats.

N. Cognito said...

I do not understand the question.

Ken said...

Hypotheticals are the place where fools rush in. Talk about stupid questions.

Edward J. Cunningham said...

@Kenz aFan

Are you NoShoeJoe on the MLB Nats board? It's me, "eddiejc1".

Anonymous said...

Their is only one answer: Mike Rizzo. If the Nats get to the postseason in the next five years,it will be a result of efforts, past and future, by Mike Rizzo to turn this team into a contender. If that Nats make it, we can thank Mike.

Post a Comment