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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 15, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) runs to the dugout against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) runs to the dugout against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Seattle Mariners

  • 2014 Finish: 87-75, 3rd in AL West
  • 2015 Key to Success: Robinson Cano must power-up

One of the top AL suitors to make a big push this season will be the Seattle Mariners.

The addition of Nelson Cruz was all it took. And oh yeah, the acquisition of Robinson Cano the offseason prior won’t hurt either.

For Cano, his first season in Seattle didn’t take off as many imagined.

Like he’s done his entire career, Cano played almost the entire schedule (157), but only hit a poultry 14 HR and 82 RBI. His batting average stayed solid at .314 as well as showcasing an on-base percentage of .382.

There’s no reason to worry about Cano. He’s still only 32-years old and stays in pretty fantastic baseball shape.

Still, for the Mariners to achieve that goal of winning the AL West, Cano will need to revert back to the Yankees Cano, “don’t you know.”

Starting pitching? Check, with Felix Hernandez, Hisashi Iwakuma, James Paxton and youngster Taijuan Walker.

Bullpen? Check, with Fernando Rodney and power arm Danny Farquhar.

Cano will need to be that monster presence in the three-hole for his team to reach elite status. Finishing only 19th last year in total runs scored with 634, the Cano-Cruz-Kyle Seager combination needs to be lethal.

The top players in the game must be their team’s best players.

Next: Oakland Athletics

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