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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 21, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jason Heyward (22) signs autographs before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Roger Dean Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Braves 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jason Heyward (22) signs autographs before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Roger Dean Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Braves 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

St. Louis Cardinals

  • 2014 Finish: 90-72, 1st in NL Central, Lost in NLCS
  • 2015 Key to Success: Jason Heyward’s further development

Can anybody ever bet against the St. Louis Cardinals ever again?

People try, and lose. Don’t try anymore, they just don’t know how to do anything but win. Even the transition to manager Mike Matheny couldn’t stop them.

Entering 2015 the team looks as solid as ever.

Yadier Molina is still behind the plate, completely owning his pitching staff and working his magic. The starting staff looks solid with Adam Wainwright, Michael Wacha, John Lackey and burgeoning star Carlos Martinez. The bullpen promises to be good with Trevor Rosenthal and company.

Even the lineup produces reasons for optimism.

The number one reason is the Cards put their stamp of approval on Jason Heyward – who could transform a really solid overachieving team into world champions.

It feels like ever since the guy was being talked about in high school, he’s been around forever. But Heyward is only 25.

Because of his once phenom status, he’s sort of slipped into baseball oblivion. Only once has he hit 20 home runs in a season (27 in 2012), and his career batting average is .262.

Will you bet that the Cardinals can’t get Heyward’s max potential out of him? I won’t.

Next: Arizona Diamondbacks

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