MLB

Last year, the Kansas City Royals were playoff contenders for much of the season.

After winning 86 games during the 2013 campaign, KC is looking to build on that in 2014.

In order to get there, the Royals will need several players to step up and play at a higher level this season.

Here are five players the Royals need big contributions from this year.

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Last June, the Pittsburgh Pirates received a booster shot that they may reap the benefits from for years to come.  That insurance was the debut of the first pick in the 2011 amateur draft, starting pitcher Gerrit Cole.  

Hyun-Jin Ryu emerged as one of the top rookie pitchers in the National League in 2013, serving as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ third starter for the entire season and making all but one scheduled start. 

The Detroit Tigers have won three straight American League Central titles, as they have sandwiched ALCS eliminations around an AL pennant in 2012 that saw them swept by the San Francisco Giants in the World Series.

With the Detroit Tigers’ romp over Florida Southern, 12-0, on Tuesday, MLB spring training is officially under way.

Over the next month, MLB’s 30 teams will be split into either the Cactus League or Grapefruit League. Each team will battle it out, attempting to get its players into shape for the beginning of the season.

Last season was a rough one for the New York Yankees.

The beginning stages of spring training led to a rather ominous development for the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, as star outfielder Josh Hamilton suffered a strained left calf during baserunning drills.

MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez reported news of the injury and noted that Hamilton was on crutches:

It may not count in the standings, but all eyes were focused on George Steinbrenner Field on Tuesday afternoon as the New York Yankees played host to Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston and the Florida State Seminoles. 

For many, the 2014 Major League Baseball season won't be just another season. It will also be a time to bid farewell to one of the most beloved players baseball has ever known: Derek Jeter.

Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, however, won't just be bidding farewell to a beloved player. In seeing the New York Yankees captain out the door, he'll also be bidding farewell to a fellow shortstop and a man he's "very proud" to call a friend.

Optimism is in heavy supply as spring training action gets underway around Major League Baseball. Teams that made the playoffs last season have a plan to get back and a vast majority of those that missed out hope things align perfectly for their own postseason run in 2014.

Ultimately, there are numerous factors that come into play over the course of 162 games. Everything from injuries to unexpected seasons, both good and bad, alter the direction of the season.