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MLB: Key to success for all 30 teams heading into 2015

By Robby Sabo

Oct 15, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Greg Holland throws a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the 9th inning in game four of the 2014 ALCS playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Greg Holland throws a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the 9th inning in game four of the 2014 ALCS playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 11, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) warms up before a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) warms up before a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas City Royals

  • 2014 Finish: 89-73, 2nd in AL Central, Lost in World Series
  • 2015 Key to Success: An offensive leader must stand up

What if I told you the team who finished last in baseball with 95 home runs won the AL Pennant last season? What if I told you they knocked off the team with the most big league home runs in the ALCS last season?

Well, that’s exactly what Ned Yost’s speedy, defensive and energetic Kansas City Royals team did last season.

What the Royals are up against this year is the frightening fact that bullpens are such a crapshoot from year to year.

For example, the leader in bullpen ERA in 2014 came from the arms in the Seattle Mariners pen. Their guys put up a phenomenal 2.59 ERA. In 2013 they finished in the less than stellar spot of 29th with a 4.58 mark.

This is such a drastic change for a bullpen that didn’t change much from one year to the next – and it’s such a familiar theme around the bigs.

While Kansas City’s pen has been solid over the past three seasons, they must balance the team out a bit in anticipation of a drop off.

Royals Bullpen ERA last 3 Seasons:

  • 2012: 6th in MLB, 3.17
  • 2013: 2nd in MLB, 2.55
  • 2014: 10th in MLB, 3.30

The Royals will need an offensive leader to step up.

Granted, there were so many contributors during the Fall last year. Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Salvador Perez – all came up with timely hits and incredible clutch moments.

Speed and pitching cannot be the only weapon relied upon in Kansas City this year. The odds against them winning in the playoffs the same way they did last year are stacked against them.

Having that one reliable offensive performer is of the utmost importance this season.

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