The List: Five most intriguing LCS figures

Brad Lidge has converted 43 saves in 43 chances in '08.

Mark Goldman/Icon SMI

These aren't the five best or most important names in each League Championship Series, but the ones whose storylines are most interesting. Here's our list of the five most intriguing LCS figures ...

1. Evan Longoria: In the first playoff game of his career, the Tampa Bay third baseman hit two homers and drove in three runs. And while everyone pays attention to his bat, he played lights-out defense against the White Sox. Will he deliver when more is at stake?

2. Manny Ramirez: It's been a lovefest between Manny and L.A. More important, he's still the best hitter among the players on the four teams still standing. At any point, Manny could put the Dodgers on his back and carry them to the World Series. Will he?

3. Brad Lidge: He hasn't blown a save in a Philadelphia uniform since coming over from Houston, converting 43-of-43 opportunities. Will he continue that amazing streak?

4. Jason Bay: He's not the most important or valuable Red Sox player, but it'll be interesting to see if he can deliver big hits and make the Nation completely forget about Ramirez's past postseason accomplishments. If he has a 2-for-18 series against the Rays, you can bet the comparisions to Manny will be brought up.

5. Joe Torre: What will Hank Steinbrenner do iF Torre makes it to the World Series? How much added pressure does Torre's run put on Joe Girardi next season? How big of a stamp does Torre put on his Hall of Fame career?

Who are the most intriguing figures going into the League Championship Series? Let us know below ...

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October 6, 2008 02:36 PM ET

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Eli Manning.

Riggs (McDUDD)

Total Comments (2205)

October 6, 2008 02:48 PM ET

Lebron's not on the list? Now true, he does bring the goods, but the way the media and the league coddles him is just unbearable sometimes... a player does a 360 from the freethrow line dunk in the same game as Lebron shooting a jumper, they'll probably show the jumper more than the dunk on the highlights... Lebron does a one-handed slam in traffic against the Celtics and that play becomes the poster of the 08 Playoffs!

Cyborg Spider

Los Angeles, CA

Total Comments (29)

October 6, 2008 02:55 PM ET

How is Eli Manning overhyped? He just won a Super Bowl and the Giants are the best team in the NFC

ChiMavrick

Evanston , IL

Total Comments (43)

October 6, 2008 02:56 PM ET

I would have added Terrell Buckley, Heath Shuler, Ryan Leaf or Todd Marinovich--both sensational in college but huge busts in the NFL

October 6, 2008 02:57 PM ET

David Beckham is probably #2 after Anna

pumpkineater76

Melrose , MA

Total Comments (7)

October 6, 2008 02:59 PM ET

Freddie Adu. For a guy who was supposed to be as good as Pele (largely regarded as the best of all-time) he certainly has disappointed. Most haven't even heard of him since the hype-machine helped land him millions upon millions as a teenager.

westie4235

New Providence , NJ

Total Comments (1)

October 6, 2008 03:00 PM ET

drew bledsoe

WHAT?

Total Comments (3627)

October 6, 2008 03:01 PM ET

david carr,
david clyde

October 6, 2008 03:02 PM ET

brien taylor
todd vanpoppel

October 6, 2008 03:04 PM ET

I have to disagree with the Drew Bledsoe comment. The guy played well on some really horrible teams. When NE let Curtis Martin go, it was Drew's arm or bust.