Baseball's Key Players

The playoff races are heating up. Everybody needs some sort of unsung hero. Anybody who is least suspected to step it up.

Here are some key players for contending teams.

Philadelphia Phillies

JC Romero, Chad Durbin, Ryan Madson: The three of them have struggled lately. They have had a few days rest, so hopefully that will help them.

Kyle Kendrick: has struggled a lot lately. Phillies need to get him going again.

Pat Burrell: In a month long slump after having a tremendous year. He has showed signs of coming out of the slump.

Brett Myers: Since coming back from the minor leagues, Myers is 7-2 with an ERA of 1.80. Myers needs to continue his dominance.

The obvious: Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Jimmy Rollins, Jayson Werth

New York Mets

The entire bullpen: With Wagner done, they need somebody to close the door at the end. Their guy for now is Luis Ayala. The problem is, they need to get to Ayala.

Pedro Martinez: has struggled lately.

The obvious: David Wright, Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado, Johan Santana

Milwaukee Brewers

Dale Sveum: After going 3-11, and losing their Wild Card lead, can the new manager give the Brewers a much needed spark?

Ben Sheets: Great all year, but suffered a minor injury a few starts ago. His last outing against the Phillies was shaky. He has to be healthy for the Brewers to contend.

The obvious: Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, CC Sabathia, J.J Hardy, Cory Hart

Chicago Cubs

Kosuke Fukudome: His numbers have been dropping. He started off great, but has been slumping. He has batted .141 in his last 10 games.

The obvious: Alfonso Soriano, Derek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden, Geovanny Soto

Los Angeles Dodgers

Brad Penny: Has only pitched a limited 94 innings, and has an ERA of over 6. This would be the perfect time for him to have a couple quality starts.

James Loney and Matt Kemp: Both have slumped over the past few weeks. Both are batting around the Mendoza Line.

The obvious: Manny Ramirez, Russell Martin, Greg Maddux

Arizona Diamondbacks

Brandon Webb: He had a few rough outings in a row, but put together a good start his last time out. He needs to build on that.

Adam Dunn: Has struggled since coming over from the Reds.

The obvious: Stephen Drew, Dan Haren

Houston Astros

Roy Oswalt: His last start he got knocked after holding a scoreless inning streak. He hasn't had a "Roy Oswalt" type year.

The obvious: Lance Berkman, Miguel Tejada, Hunter Pence

Tampa Bay Rays

Evan Longoria: He is fresh back from an injury. Perfect time to get back in the lineup.

Andy Sonnanstine and Matt Garza: Pitching is going to be very important for the Rays.

The obvious: Scott Kazmir, Dioner Navarro, Troy Percival

Boston Red Sox

Jonathan Paplebon: He has been roughed up lately, blowing a couple saves.

The obvious: David Ortiz, Mike Lowell, Jason Bay, J.D Drew, Dustin Pedroia, Josh Beckett

Chicago White Sox

Gavin Floyd: The former Phillie is having a breakout year. He needs to continue it.

The obvious: Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye, Aleixi Ramirez, Ken Griffey Jr.

Minnesota Twins

Francisco Liriano: Up and down with injuries. Twins need him to remain healthy.

The obvious: Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Joe Nathan

Los Angeles Angels

Already clinched playoff spot.

What they need in the playoffs: Starting pitching needs to stay dominant. They need to get to Francisco Rodriguez in the 9th innings. Teixiera to help provide some offense.

Afterall, "There is only ONE October."