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Miami Marlins History: All-Time Top 20 OPS (an in-depth look, 20-11)

ByKevin Kraczkowski|
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 1: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the Miami Marlins walks to the dugout striking out in the ninth inning of play against the Atlanta Braves, ending his bid for 60 home runs for the season at Marlins Park on October 1, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Skipper/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 1: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the Miami Marlins walks to the dugout striking out in the ninth inning of play against the Atlanta Braves, ending his bid for 60 home runs for the season at Marlins Park on October 1, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Skipper/Getty Images)
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Miami Marlins
15 Aug 1999: Bruce Aven #29 of the Florida Marlins stands ready to bat against the San Diego Padres at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Padres defeated the Marlins 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport

16) Bruce Aven (.814)

Bruce Aven may not be a guy you think of when going over Florida / Miami Marlins history, but in 1999, he had a pretty good season for a pretty bad team.

Aven was drafted in 1994 by the Cleveland Indians, in the 30th round. He worked his way up through their system, eventually going four-for-19 as a pinch-hitter in 1997. Aven did not factor in the Florida Marlins’ World Series Title in any way, as he was not with the Indians through the playoffs.

After a 1998 season spent in the minor leagues, the Indians waived Aven, and the Marlins gladly claimed him.

Aven ranked second on the 1999 Marlins with a .289 average. He hit 19 doubles, two triples and 12 home runs for 70 RBI. He also drew 44 walks in 440 plate appearances. Aven slashed .289/.370/.444 in his short time with the Marlins.

After his “pretty good” season, the Marlins traded Aven to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Brant Brown. Aven would also go on to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers before ending his career back with the Indians in 2002. His career WAR of 1.8 was entirely due to his season with the Florida Marlins. His collected WAR outside of 1999 you ask? 0.0. That’s right, the Marlins squeezed a near-2.0 WAR out of an otherwise replacement level-player.

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