Miami Marlins Rookie of the Year

Aug 25, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Chris Hatcher (41) throws during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Here at Marlin Maniac, we have already given you the Miami Marlins MVP and Cy Young award winners. Both of those were pretty obvious choices. The Marlins Rookie of the Year may not be so obvious. When we polled the MM writers, we came up with names as diverse as Justin Bour and Sam Dyson. Unfortunately, this decision wasn’t made difficult due to the many talented rookies, it was a result of the rookies largely underperforming.

Going into the season many, including me, thought that Andrew Heaney would run away with this award for Miami. However Heaney struggled during his brief appearances in the major leagues, and unfortunately for him, we don’t count AAA statistics.

Jake Marisnick would have been an interesting possibility, but he couldn’t crack the Marlins starting outfield, and was eventually traded in a deal that brought Jarred Cosart to Miami. Various other rookies had opportunities to make a statement, including Brian Flynn and Anthony DeSclafani but were unable to make their mark.

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For me, the Marlins top rookie of 2014 was Chris Hatcher. Hatch made appearances in 52 games after being a midseason call-up. He pitched 56 innings posting a 3.38 ERA and a FIP of 2.56 indicating that he could perform even better in the future. His record was 0-3, but he managed to strikeout hitters at a 9.64 K/9IP rate. He averaged less than 2 walks per 9 innings, and was an integral part of the Marlins excellent bullpen.

Interestingly enough, Hatcher’s major league campaign almost ended before it even started. A fist fight with fellow rookie Sam Dyson while both were at AAA New Orleans sent Dyson to the sidelines with a broken jaw for 6 weeks. April 29th seems like a long time ago though, as the hatchet was buried and both pitchers joined to aid the Marlins down the stretch. Interestingly enough Dyson was my runner-up choice for Marlins Rookie of the Year.

Hatcher will likely begin next season in the Marlins bullpen and could find himself in the same role as before, one in which he is called on to get difficult right-handers out, or a much-needed strikeout.

What do you think about this selection? Let me know in the comments below!