10 Major League Baseball Storylines to Follow in 2014
Will Derek Jeter end his Yankees career on top?
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10 Major League Baseball Storylines to Follow in 2014 - Many questions and ever-evolving storylines are filling the spring air with the start of Major League Baseball’s 2014 season. Here, BET.com takes a look at 10 of the most compelling storylines for this season. Play ball!
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What Will Derek Jeter’s Farewell Tour Bring? - He already has one for the thumb, so in his final season as a pro Derek Jeter is trying to get one for the road. We bared witness to Mariano Rivera’s magical farewell tour last year. This year, it’s the New York Yankees captain’s turn to bid farewell to baseball fans across the nation. If Jeter gets the Hollywood ending, he’ll go out with a World Series win, the sixth of his illustrious career. (Photo: Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
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Can Robinson Cano Live Up to Mega Contract? - With Jay Z serving as his agent, Robinson Cano bolted from New York to sign a 10-year, $240 million deal with the Seattle Mariners. Will his bat back up his buck? Now, it’s time for the second baseman to show and prove in a new city. (Photo: RocNation via Instagram)
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Will Miguel Cabrera’s Landmark Deal Land the Detroit Tigers in the World Series? - Simply stated—Miguel Cabrera may just be the best player in baseball today. Fresh off signing a mammoth $292 million contract extension, the former Triple Crown winner and two-time MVP can elevate his name in the annals of baseball history further by leading the Detroit Tigers to the World Series…and winning it. (Photo: AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
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Are the Kansas City Royals for Real? - The Kansas City Royals haven’t made the playoffs since 1986, yet a handful of prominent baseball writers are picking them to win the American League Central Division. Will this finally be the year that the Royals return to postseason play…and perhaps be good enough to take a step beyond? (Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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How Will Masahiro Tanaka Pitch? - Early reports from spring training indicate that Masahiro Tanaka’s pitching repertoire is filthy. Well, spring training is over, and the Yankees are counting on the pitcher, who they signed to a seven-year, $155 million contract to be a solid part of the pinstripes’ rotation.(Photo: Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
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How Will Ryan Braun Rebound? - Following being shamed and suspended for the final 65 games of the 2013 season for PED use, Ryan Braun is back. The Milwaukee Brewers has been quite apologetic since his ban, but putting up big numbers in 2014 is the only way he’ll be able to redeem himself with fans.(Photo: Rob Tringali/Getty Images)
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Will Washington Nationals Play to Expectations? - Sports Illustrated picked the Washington Nationals to win it all last season. They didn’t even make the playoffs. Will they put together the kind of season that’s expected of them in 2014? New season, new chance, but if the Nats find themselves plagued by injury, especially to their two young stars Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper, this season could be a repeat of the last.(Photo: Elsa/Getty Images)
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Can Billy Hamilton Steal 100 bases? - Longtime ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian predicted that Cincinnati Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton will steal 100 bases this year. Imagine that. Can Billy make it happen?(Photo: Rob Tringali/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Rob Tringali/Getty Images
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How Will the New Instant-Replay System Turn Out? - Baseball fans got what they asked for with the implementation of an instant-replay system. Will the replays be smooth enough to not lengthen already-long games? That remains to be seen. (Photo: AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Photo By Photo: AP Photo/Richard Drew