Despite splitting a four game series in Pittsburgh, the Milwaukee Brewers are still the hottest team in baseball. With only 30 games remaining in the regular season, the Brewers hold a massive 10 game lead over division rival St. Louis.

Given they have such a substantial lead with so few games left on the schedule, it’s time for the fans to start planning their October calendar around postseason baseball in Milwaukee. This will mark the team’s second playoff appearance in the last 28 seasons, and if they hope to make a deeper run than 2008, they’ll need contributions from every player. But 10 stand out above the rest.

10. Nyjer Morgan

Nyjer Morgan and his alter ego, Tony Plush, have earned quite a following in his short stay so far with the Brewers. He’s arguably the most popular Brewers player not named Braun or Fielder. The trio will grace the upcoming cover of Sports Illustrated next week, the first time the Brewers have done so in over 20 years.

Morgan’s value to the team is felt on and off the field. Whether it be roaming center field, coming up with a clutch hit at the plate or morphing into Plush for an interview, he keeps the team loose and having fun while in the heat of a pennant race.

Although his role on the field will diminish once Carlos Gomez returns from the DL, Morgan will still be counted on at some point to drop down a bunt or steal a critical base.

9. Rickie Weeks

One might suspect that Rickie Weeks isn’t very valuable to the team since they’ve gone on an astounding hot streak since his ankle injury. That would be a gross underestimation of Weeks and his talents.

Weeks made his first All-Star game appearance this season and was on pace to set career highs in every major statistical category until the injury. Jerry Hairston, Josh Wilson, Craig Counsell and Felipe Lopez have all seen time at second trying to fill his void.

Whether he returns to the leadoff spot or bats lower in the order to protect Braun and Fielder, Weeks’ most important job will be to make sure the offense stays as consistent as possible to support the pitching staff.

8. Francisco Rodriguez

K-Rod has solidified the back end of the Brewers bullpen. Along with John Axford, he gives the Brewers a dynamite one-two punch to close out games.

Although there was some speculation at the time of his trade to Milwaukee that he wanted to close games, Rodriguez has been the ultimate team player and served his role well as primary set-up man.

As good as Axford has been this season, he doesn’t have the experience of postseason baseball like Rodriguez does. It will be critical for Rodriguez to serve as a mentor to Axford these last few weeks in order to prepare him as best he can for the pressure of postseason games.

7. Casey McGehee

2011 has been an utter disappointment for Casey McGehee. After back-to-back very good seasons in 2009 and 2010, McGehee has struggled mightily at the plate just to make his batting average somewhat respectable (.241). He has turned things around since the All-Star break, and he is a key reason as to why the Brewers have gone on their current hot streak.

Teams will do their best to pitch around Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder as much as possible, which means McGehee should have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs.

If he is successful, the Brewers’ offense should be able to dominate just about any pitching staff in the game. If he fails, the Brewers may have a very short stay in the playoffs.

6. Shaun Marcum

Shaun Marcum has been everything the Brewers hoped for when they traded away top prospect Brett Lawrie for him last winter. He is on pace for a career high in wins and should post the best ERA of his career as well.

Given his past of pitching in the AL East, Marcum would make a great candidate for a Game 1 starter, or Game 3 on the road. He shouldn’t be affected much by a pressure situation since there are few more stressful times in baseball than facing the Yankees or Red Sox line-ups.

5. Yovani Gallardo