By Pete Schwichtenberg @schwick26_pete on January 8, 2015
10 MLB Teams That Will Take A Step Back In 2015
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There were plenty of teams that surprised in MLB last year. While nothing is certain, here is a look at 10 teams that will take a step backwards in 2015.
10. San Francisco Giants
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10. San Francisco Giants
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In an odd-numbered year, the San Francisco Giants may find it tough to contend yet again. Though they still have enough talent to compete for a playoff spot, another World Series run is unlikely to happen without the presence of Pablo Sandoval.
9. Cincinnati Reds
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9. Cincinnati Reds
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Though they did not contend for much of last season, expect the Cincinnati Reds to be even worse this year. Losing both Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon will be too much to overcome to get back into the race in the always improving National League Central.
8. Los Angeles Angels
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8. Los Angeles Angels
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The Los Angeles Angels' second half surge last season was highly impressive, but without the presence of a dominant starter, they will struggle to be the best team in the American League again. Their offense has plenty of firepower, but this may finally be the year where the Seattle Mariners are too much to overcome.
7. Washington Nationals
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7. Washington Nationals
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The Washington Nationals still have plenty of talent to be playoff contenders, but winning the National League East may be much harder this season. Though the Atlanta Braves will not be as strong, the Miami Marlins are quickly becoming the team to beat in the East.
6. Atlanta Braves
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6. Atlanta Braves
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Instead of making trades to improve the current roster, almost all of the Atlanta Braves' offseason moves are focused on the future. With Justin Upton and Jason Heyward gone, the Braves will fall to the middle of the pack in the NL East.
5. St. Louis Cardinals
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5. St. Louis Cardinals
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The St. Louis Cardinals have owned the Central over the past two seasons. While their four-year playoff string will not end, they will not win the division title in 2015. With too much all-around talent in the Central, expect the Cardinals to take a step backwards.
4. Baltimore Orioles
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4. Baltimore Orioles
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The Baltimore Orioles will return Matt Wieters and Manny Machado, but the other losses this offseason will greatly hurt their chances to repeat as division champs. The Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees are all improved and ready to reclaim the division title.
3. Kansas City Royals
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3. Kansas City Royals
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The Kansas City Royals' second half run was very impressive last season. While some claimed it was a fluke, the team could flat out execute. However, every team in the division has made moves to improve, and getting back to the postseason may be a struggle.
2. Detroit Tigers
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2. Detroit Tigers
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When the Detroit Tigers signed Prince Fielder, some wondered how many titles they would win. Though they added offense this offseason, they have lost pitching in the rotation and their bullpen needs have not been filled. It could be another long October in Detroit, if they are able to even get back to the postseason.
1. Oakland Athletics
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1. Oakland Athletics
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Billy Beane has done some crazy things before, but trading away most of his All-Stars this winter will not help them to have a successful 2015. The team has now beefed up their minor league system, but realistically they do not have enough talent to get back to the postseason in 2015.
Pete Schwichtenberg is a MLB writer for Rantsports. Follow @schwick26_pete, Like him on Facebook, or Add him to your Google Network.