Andrew Heaney Named Top Left-Handed Prospect

Feb 22, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins player Andrew Heaney (82) poses for a picture during photo day at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Marlins’ rookies keep garnering accolades. After Jose Fernandez earned the Rookie of the Year award in 2013. The Marlins may have another pitcher who will be competing for one when he makes his debut in the big leagues. On Tuesday, Teddy Cahill of MLB.com issued his top-10 prospect list of left-handed pitchers for MLBpipeline.com. Topping the list was Miami Marlins’ very own Andrew Heaney

Here is what Cahill had to say about Heaney:

"A strained lat kept Heaney from making his season debut until May. It was worth the wait, however, as he reached Double-A and ended the year by dominating the Arizona Fall League. Heaney’s advanced pitchability and three-pitch mix have helped him quickly move through the Minor Leagues and give him a chance to make an impact in Miami soon."

Heaney’s talent is something that Marlins’ fans are well aware of at this point. While it may be easy for some analysts to overlook Heaney due to the hype surrounding Jose Fernandez, Heaney is starting to get the recognition that he deserves. When he finally makes it to Miami, the Marlins will be able to showcase a formidable one-two combination of young all-star pitchers. The front end of the rotation could rival virtually any team in MLB.

If there is one prospect that is “off-limits” in the Marlins organization, it should be Heaney. His talent would require a big name hitting prospect coming back, and due to the Marlins affection for stockpiling young arms, I don’t see Heaney going anywhere else anytime soon.

Keep your eye on Heaney this spring. With a good start to the season, Heaney could find himself throwing in big league games by mid-season, just to get a taste of what is to come for the talented left-hander. For Marlins’ fans, the excitement is building.