The Division Series were riveting and full of surprises. New stars emerged. Expected stars performed to their full potential. The 2011 MLB Division Series encompassed 19 out of a possible 20 games, marking the most games played in the opening round since its inception in 1995. In addition, three Division Series played a decisive fifth game for just the second time in Division Series history, joining 2001. Look for the excitement to continue as we head into the League Championship Series. Here are the top 10 players to watch in the ALCS on FOX.

Many questioned Tigers manager Jim Leyland when he wouldn't make superstar pitcher Justin Verlander available to pitch in Detroit's Game 5 ALDS matchup against the Yankees. Now, the Tigers ace, who won a season-high 24 games this season, is ready to take the bump vs. the Rangers in Game 1 on Saturday. Verlander's four-seamer sometimes cracks 100 mph, something that certainly shouldn't be missed.

Napoli's unexpected superstar turn in the ALDS prompted Rays manager Joe Maddon to declare this the "Year of the Napoli." What did he do to earn such praise? Well, he went 5 for 14, scored three runs, had a homer, four RBI and a .357 avg. Oh, and he risked life and limb to block the plate and prevent a run from scoring in the clinching Game 4 vs. the Rays. This tough-as-nails slugger could very well be the surprise star of the postseason — a 2011 version of last year's Cody Ross.

Known for his on-mound histrionics, Jose Valverde backs up his big talk and diamond theatrics with a bevy of wicked fastballs. During the ALDS Valverde guaranteed a series win for the Tigers, and made good on his guarantee by getting the save in two contests. More brash talk and strong outings are to be expected from "Papa Grande."

Texas' reliable reliever pitched in three of the four ALDS games vs. the Rays, logging 2.2 innings. He gave up just one hit and zero earned runs for a non-existent ERA and the opponents could only muster a skimpy .111 avg. against him. Expect to see a lot more of him in the ALCS. Manager Ron Washington isn't afraid to use him early and often.

In Game 3 of the ALDS vs. the Rays, a game the steely Rangers owner Nolan Ryan called “as stressful a game as I’ve sat through,” Lewis had the steadiest pulse at sometimes-raucous Tropicana Field. Lewis didn’t permit any of the first nine Tampa Bay hitters to reach base. Then Desmond Jennings turned on his first pitch of the fourth inning to put the Texas Rangers in a 1-0 hole. Lewis effectively shrugged. He stayed on the mound for two more innings — and didn’t give up another hit. The Rangers prevailed, 4-3, to move within one victory of advancing to the American League Championship Series for a second straight year. What will he have in store for the Tigers?

Austin Jackson, Detroit's fleet-footed center fielder, is a highlight reel both in the field and on the basepaths. Jackson possesses the range and speed to rob teams of extra bases on defense, and steal them on offense. With runs a precious commodity in the postseason, skills like that are a huge bonus.

Cabrera didn't have an exceptionally hot bat in the ALDS, going 3-for-15 with 3 RBI in the series. But, the big first baseman did have a keen eye for the strike zone, drawing five walks against the Yankees. If Cabrera can maintain his plate discipline, look for his bat to wake up against the Rangers.

In the Rangers ALDS-clinching Game 4 on Oct. 4, Beltre smacked three homers, posting one of the greatest home-run hitting feats in postseason history. Swing No. 1: Second inning. A four-seamer from Jeremy Hellickson. Inside corner. Thwack. Home run to left. Swing No. 2: Fourth inning. Another four-seamer from Hellickson. Outside corner. Wham. Home run to right. Swing No. 3: Seventh inning. A heater from rookie sensation Matt Moore. Up, over the plate. Boom. Home run to left. There were no foul balls in between. There were no swings-and-misses. Will we see more power hitting from him in the ALCS?

Victor Martinez didn't post stellar numbers in the ALDS against the Yankees, something the Tigers are surely hoping he corrects. After hitting .330 during the regular season, V-Mart hit just .222 in the Tigers' playoff series. As the Tigers' designated hitter, look for Martinez to turn it around and get back on track.

The reigning AL MVP didn't have a bad ALDS, he was just overshadowed by his less-heralded teammates. In the four games of the ALDS, he went 4 for 15 wtih two RBI and a .333 slugging percentage. Something or someone will surely rouse the sleeping giant in the next round of the playoffs. Expect big things from the Rangers' biggest star.