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Miami Marlins: Adeiny Hechavarria Named Player of the Week

By Ehsan Kassim

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When he opened the season just 1-for-20, a lot of Miami Marlins fans started to grew impatient with short stop Adeiny Hechavarria and wondered if he’d ever be able to put it all together at the plate. 

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What a difference a week makes. Adeiny Hechavarria was named the NL player of the week on Monday by Major League Baseball.

In 6 games this past week, Hechavarria went 12-for-24 (.500), with one double, one triple, eight runs, and 10 RBI, and most surprisingly, one home run (his second of the season). Without him, the Marlins likely don’t reel off 5 straight victories like they did.

Hechavarria had a very humble reaction to winning the award, which is great to see from someone with such a beautiful bat flip on home runs.

"“First and foremost I want to thank God for this great honor and for making m the big leaguer I am today,” Hechavarria said via a translator. “It’s a great honor to be a professional baseball player. I’ll thank him for it. I’m just going to keep working hard and be the best player I can be.”"

Hechavarria owns a .320/.342/.480 slash line on the season, with a 128 wRC+ and 2 home runs, which is actually one short of his career high. Hech’s numbers rank second on the Miami Marlins in 2015, behind only Giancarlo Stanton, who has posted a .274/.376/.575 slash line with a 162 wRC+.

Hech’s numbers sit on an unsustainable .367 BABIP, but that does not mean his early season success does not show signs of future performance.

As Michael Jong points out on Fishstripes, Hechavarria’s power could be something to watch the rest of the season.

"Neither slap hitter is going to continue their insane early season run. Both players are on unsustainable tears. However, Hechavarria’s early power surge is something to keep track of. He may lose all of his hits starting tomorrow, and this past week and change could end up a mirage. However, if there is a glimmer of hope that Hechavarria has found some power, that may vaunt his value into “average-or-better Major Leaguer.” As for Gordon, he need only continue to stay aggressive at the plate as long as pitchers continue to attack him in the strike zone. Let’s see where his chips fall as we continue this season."

Hechavarria owns a career .303 BABIP, including a .323 one last season. Even if his BABIP numbers fall to the levels of last season, his numbers would dip down dramatically. Because he’s walking in less than 4% of his plate appearances, his on base percentage would dip low as well.

However, if he can maintain his power stroke, he can become an above average regular, with his defense and power, even with a low on base percentage.

Hechavarria’s hot start is likely a fluke. But that doesn’t mean nothing good can come out of it long-term for the Miami Marlins.

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