Best Catches in the 2012 MLB Postseason

In October, every play is incredibly important. Key pitches and big-time at-bats play integral roles, but game changing defensive plays often can shift the outlook of a game and even a series.

Here are my top five best defensive plays of the 2012 Postseason thus far:

5. Hunter Pence (SF) – NLDS Game 3

In this elimination game, every out was huge for the Giants. The margin for error remained very small throughout the game; so, this play by Pence paid major dividends in a game that was decided by a single run in extra innings.

4. Jayson Werth (WSH) – NLDS Game 1

Werth robbed Descalso of incredibly important insurance runs that the Cardinals could have used late in the game. That catch helped open the door for the Nationals’ eventual comeback.

3. Jason Heyward (ATL) – NL Wild Card Game

In this all-or-nothing game, Heyward made his best defensive play of the season. Robbing a homer to right field that was hit by a right-handed batter is hard enough, but the fact that he had to battle the sun directly in his face made this catch just that much more impressive.

2. Jon Jay (STL) – NLDS Game 2

Jay made a plethora of game-changing catches during this season, but this one might have been his masterpiece. Jay robbed Espinosa of extra bases in a game that was a relative must-win for the Cards. He gave up his body for the out, and he was paid off with a Busch Stadium standing ovation.

1. Coco Crisp (OAK) – ALDS Game 3

This is the biggest defensive play of the Postseason so far for two main reasons: 1) Crisp robbed a Fielder home run that would have tied the game in an elimination game, and 2) Crisp’s error in Game 2 helped the Tigers put the A’s on the ropes. I am so happy that he was able to put his Game 2 disappointment behind him to make this highlight-reel grab.

Tweet to @MLBFanCave and @KyleOKC to let us know what the best defensive play of the #Postseason has been thus far.