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

By Robby Sabo | Mar 29, 2015

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 13, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Sanchez (41) throws a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Blue Jays

2014 Finish: 83-79, 3rd in AL East
2015 Key to Success: Aaron Sanchez turning into a stud

This is the team who always seems to be on the cusp of big things, yet can never officially get over the hump.

This year it is possible, thanks to some key pieces. One of these guys will be 22-year old phenom Aaron Sanchez.

Sanchez was called up late last season and worked out of the bullpen to the tune of 1.09 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 3 saves (S), 37 strikeouts (K) in 27 innings pitched (IP). So, the question became natural heading into this season: would Sanchez pitch out of the pen, or join the staff?

The debate raged on for a very short time due to Marcus Stroman’s early spring training injury. Should Sanchez make the team he will be a starter.

Pitching is exactly what’s needed north of the border.

Not only is it important to improve upon their overall 4.00 ERA (22nd in MLB) from last season, but Toronto is in desperate need of a young stud pitcher with R.A. Dickey and Mark Buerhle on their last legs in the top two rotation slots.

Buerhle is now 36. Dickey is 40, and hasn’t exactly impressed in the AL the same way he did with the Mets on the senior circuit.

The addition of slugger Josh Donaldson adds even more to a club who’ll be exciting offensively.

Next: New York Yankees

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