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Fish Face of the Franchise

By Phil Kimmel

Apr 14, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich (21) connects for an sacrifice fly to score Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (not pictured) during the first inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich (21) connects for an sacrifice fly to score Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (not pictured) during the first inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The face of the Miami Marlins has long been debated. Who should really hold that distinction of the face of the franchise?

For many years the Miami Marlins have been viewed has having Jose Fernandez and Giancarlo Stanton as the future and faces of the franchise.

After Fernandez’s passing in October, Stanton stood up on the mound and rallied the troops for their first game back.

The Marlins inked Stanton to a long term, high dollar deal as originally reported in a feature by ESPN’s Tim Keown. At that moment, the world viewed Stanton as the face of the franchise.

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Troubled by injury and extreme hot and cold streaks, Stanton is hard to pick as the face due to pure lack of consistency. Sure, it’s great to see him smash bombs farther than any human should. But, at what point do we need more?

Why not someone who maintains and embodies consistency? A player that can shine for the Marlins day-in and day-out. Another Marlin who has inked a long term deal, but was not nearly as publicized.

I would argue that there is a new candidate coming up and lobbying for that spot. He isn’t flashy, he’s normally a quiet individual. But, his bat and glove do the talking for him.

Who could that be?

Christian Yelich. Yes that’s right. Tall, lanky, goofy-looking Yelich. Yelich has flown under the radar for so long to the outside world that few are aware of his talents.

Those talents were put on display for an international audience during the WBC. Yelich has quietly worked his way to a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and 19th in the MVP race last season.

Sure, Stanton has the Silver Slugger and a few All-Star games. But, Stanton cannot seem to stay healthy. Yelich had his back issues in 2015, but those seem to have gone by the wayside considering his 2016 numbers. Yelich saw his numbers skyrocket last year slashing .298/.376/.483 and a career best 21 deep balls.

“But that’s not nearly as many as Stanton can hit.” Wrong, Stanton only hit 27 homers last year. Yelich finished the season behind by six long balls and put up better numbers in every category except for slugging. By the way, he was .006 lower in slugging than Stanton.

The power that scouts and those close to the Marlins have said was there is finally becoming apparent. Will Yelich knock lights out of the scoreboard in Marlins Park?

Probably not, but he will get on base, score runs, and make mind blowing plays. Just look at the sacrifice he made in center against the Mariners.

Next: Miami Marlins Lose Highly Touted Prospect To Injury

The only thing that Yelich is missing are endorsements. Give Yeli a protein powder deal and watch him go!

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