Rendon and Roark could be the difference-makers in 2014 postseason

One of the differences between the Nationals' 2014 postseason appearance versus their 2012 run is the emergence of a pair of sophomores.

Ray Knight and I discussed this on "Nats Xtra" pregame Thursday night and I asked him about the importance of Tanner Roark and Anthony Rendon to this team.

Roark has been on a tear, continues to be consistent and has the ability to go seven innings every outing. On Sept. 16, otherwise known as clinching night, he defeated the Braves 3-0 by twirling seven innings, allowed no runs on five hits, walked none and struck out four. He continues to have the ability to mix his pitches to baffle hitters and is one of the best at locating his fastball at different spots in the strike zone so the hitter can't guess exactly where it will be each at-bat.

Rendon has been more than expected at third base. Not only has he shown great agility and fielding ability, but he has been a catalyst on offense. He is now second all-time in Nationals history with 110 runs, tying Ryan Zimmerman (2009) and trailing Alfonso Soriano's high water mark of 119 in 2006.

He also has been able to just hit the baseball, and as Knight said on Thursday, it is hard to believe he is hitting only .286, but Rendon does have 20 homers and 80 RBIs. With his amazing ability to make good contact, it appears its only a matter of time before Rendon starts a season challenging for a batting title.

With Rendon and Roark this season, the Nationals are a stronger team then the 2012 version that won 98 games. There is still a question where Roark will pitch in the postseason, but it would definitely be a boost to the pitching staff to have him pitch. It is just a question of his innings - he is up to a career-high 192 1/3 innings. But he would be the first to tell you that doesn't matter because October baseball is coming up, the ultimate final stretch for any baseball player.

Rendon would play third or second base in the postseason. Roark will be a starter or long reliever. Either way, they will make their mark for the Nationals in their second seasons and just might be the key to getting this team past the first round for the first time in club history.