Marlins back Hechavarria as #ASGWorthy
MIAMI -- When the Marlins acquired Adeiny Hechavarria from the Blue Jays in November 2012, the organization repeatedly said the Cuban-born shortstop had the makings of a future All-Star.
In his third season with Miami, the 25-year-old's career is certainly tracking in that direction. Although Hechavarria was not included among the National League All-Star reserves announced on Monday night, he's opening eyes with his all-around play.
On Sunday, it was revealed that Miami second baseman Dee Gordon and right fielder Giancarlo Stanton were voted in as starters by the fans. Stanton will not be able to participate due to the broken hamate bone in his left hand. If a roster opening is created for the 2015 squad, the organization feels Hechavarria is deserving of being named a replacement.
"In my opinion, he's the best shortstop in baseball," Marlins manager Dan Jennings said. "Every night, people that watch us see something he does, and you just go, 'Wow!' He is definitely All-Star-worthy."
Jennings said the start of Hechavarria's career reminds him of when longtime MLB great Omar Vizquel broke into the big leagues. Jennings noted Vizquel needed a few seasons before his offense developed.
"All of a sudden, as he grew as a player, he developed into Omar Vizquel," Jennings said. "He's was a perennial All-Star every year."
According to Fangraphs, Hechavarria's WAR (Wins Above Replacement) is 2.1. The only NL shortstop with a higher WAR is Brandon Crawford of the Giants (2.9).
The greatest strides Hechavarria has made have come at the plate, as he is batting .288 with four home runs and 33 RBIs.
The fans did their part to vote in two Marlins as starters, and they will have a say in who will make the final roster spots for each league. Voting is open now at MLB.com to select the final player for each League's 34-man roster via the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote. Fans can cast their votes from a list of five players from each League until 4 p.m. ET on Friday.
And the voting doesn't end there. During the Midsummer Classic in Cincinnati on Tuesday, July 14, fans can once again visit MLB.com to submit their choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. Voting exclusively at MLB.com, online and via their mobile devices in the 2015 All-Star Game MVP Vote presented by Chevrolet, the fans' collective voice will represent 20 percent of the overall vote that determines the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.
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