MLB Playoffs: Cardinals’ postseason X-Factors

Sep 22, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher

(46) pitches to a Cincinnati Reds batter during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Reds 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Siegrist

Appearing in exactly half of the games this season for the Cardinals, this year was a career year for Kevin. He finished the season with 90 strikeouts, an ERA of 2.17, and a FIP of 2.91 (ERA independent of fielding)-which is not too much higher than his overall ERA which means Siegrist doesn’t rely on defense for his low ERA. Siegrist, really came into his own this season, he was a solid option in the eighth inning role once Jordan Walden went down early in the season. 

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Siegrist also filled in nicely for closer Trevor Rosenthal a few times this season notching six saves. The reason why I include Siegrist here, is that he is that guy this team needs to come in and get outs late in the ball game. Siegrist can be the guy that comes in the 7th inning and saves a starter or middle reliever from a jam with his keen ability to notch a strikeout. Siegrist can make the back half of the Cardinals’ bullpen absolutely lethal and an advantage the Cardinals’ can lean on in the postseason.