MLB: Key to success for all 30 teams heading into 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
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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Sep 26, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Oswaldo Arcia (31) hits a two run home run in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Oswaldo Arcia (31) hits a two run home run in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Twins

  • 2014 Finish: 70-92, 5th in AL Central
  • 2015 Key to Success: Youth coming to age quickly

Let’s be honest with one another shall we? While most teams on this list can claim a respectable shot to make a postseason run, there are a few who have very little shot.

The Minnesota Twins are one of these clubs.

Therefore, their top key to success is going to naturally be a tad skewed.

The Twins will need a few youngsters to arrive quickly in order to contend in 2015.

For a long time the Minnesota fanbase had the luxury of supporting a genius front office to go along with the steady hand of Ron Gardenhire. Now that the magic has fizzled – and they’ve lost many games during the past four seasons – the thirst for a winner is strong.

What’s even tougher to swallow for Twins faithful is their team’s payroll isn’t in the tank. They rank 18th in the majors with a current total of a little over $88 million, via Spotrac.

Hiring Paul Molitor to manage the team he ended his career with was a first step in the right direction. He’ll be needed too as he brings along some of the guys in the farm.

Young Twins to Keep Tabs On in 2015:

  • LF, Oswaldo Arcia
  • SS, Danny Santana
  • DH, Kenny Vargas
  • OF, Byron Buxton
  • 3B, Miguel Sano
  • RHP, Alex Meyer
  • RHP, Jose Berrios

Perhaps June and July will be the months to really target in on these Twins. Buxton, Sano and Meyer are coming through the system fast. There are many more as well for the number two ranked farm in baseball according to Baseball Prospectus.

Any success Minnesota enjoys in 2015 will be directly attributed to a few of these young Twins producing after the call to the majors. 2016 and beyond will undoubtedly see many of these guys step into the MLB spotlight.

Next: Chicago White Sox