Milwaukee Brewers: Ranking 25 most important players in playoffs

#15 SS Orlando Arcia

Ever since coming back up from his brief stint in Colorado Springs, Orlando Arcia is looking again like he could be a long-term starter for the Brewers. His plate discipline still needs work, and his swing is a bit long, but few shortstops can do what he does in the field. That work alone gives him a spot on the playoff roster, and likely a majority of starts.

#14 LHP Gio Gonzalez

Since coming over to the Brewers, Gonzalez is looking more and more like the former All-Star that he is. He’s locating his fastball well and his changeup appears to be as good as ever. And with experience in a pennant race in Washington, Gonzalez is the perfect number three starter for this young team.

#13 RHP Joakim Soria

Yet another trade acquisition, Soria has started to round back into form after missing some time with an injury. And he’s another veteran presence who can close if needed. With the re-emergence of Corey Knebel, Soria is now the fourth option in the bullpen for a full inning of work, which is a great option.

#12 RHP Corey Knebel

Since his return from his mental break in AAA, Knebel has been absolutely lights out, on par with his work last season, which makes an already dangerous bullpen downright terrifying for opposing hitters. For Knebel, with his curveball working, he can be used in any situation, from the sixth to the ninth, and get that big strikeout. And he has the mentality to be a big time playoff pitcher.

#11 OF Ryan Braun

The only player left from the 2011 NLCS team (Craig Counsell was a player as well), Braun is starting to heat up at the plate, pulling the baseball effectively, showing that his thumb and back are starting to behave. If he can play like he’s shown in flashes this year and throughout his career, Braun is an X-Factor.