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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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Aug 20, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Mets infielder Lucas Duda (21) is congratulated by catcher Travis d
Aug 20, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Mets infielder Lucas Duda (21) is congratulated by catcher Travis d /

New York Mets

  • 2014 Finish: 79-83, 3rd in NL East
  • 2015 Key to Success: d’Arnaud, Duda and the boys forming a real lineup

It’s finally happening New York Mets fans. I know, you can finally see that long awaited light at the end of the tunnel.

Granted, Sandy Alderson’s plan is taking longer than anybody was willing to wait around for. Still, it looks like it’s going to end up sweeter than anybody could have imagined.

Let me explain.

There is no question that starting pitching still reigns supreme in the game of baseball. The position still represents the most valuable asset in the sport and the Mets are the richest pitching team in the majors.

One through 10 they are loaded. Not even a Zack Wheeler injury could derail that. And oh yeah, Matt Harvey is already back to his wizardry in Spring Training.

The Mets finished sixth in the NL in 2014 with a 3.49 ERA. They did this while winning only 79 games and showcasing a brutal offense (22nd in the majors).

The all important factor for New York will come down to this everyday lineup and their daily productivity.

Mets Projected Lineup:

  1. CF, Juan Lagares, R
  2. 2B, Daniel Murphy, L
  3. 3B, David Wright, R
  4. 1B, Lucas Duda, L
  5. RF, Michael Cuddyer, R
  6. LF, Curtis Granderson, L
  7. C, Travis d’Arnaud, R
  8. SS, Wilmer Flores, R

Admittedly, Mets fans were once frustrated with the lack of spending during the offseason. However, the acquisition of Michael Cuddyer does something for this lineup in 2015. It makes it feel whole.

The three guys who’ll be essential for this club will be Juan Lagares, Lucas Duda and Travis d’Arnaud. The optimism surrounding all three of these guys is fantastic at the moment.

New York does not have a leadoff hitter. While Lagares is arguably the best defensive outfielder in the game, he’ll need to improve his plate presence in 2015. Lucas Duda duplicating his 30 HR season last year will loom large and whether or not Travis d’Arnaud takes that next step could be the difference in this team flourishing or failing.

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