Few players in the history of Major League Baseball have entered in like they owned the place like Jose Fernandez did. The new National League Rookie of the Year was the best player on the Miami Marlins roster overall this season and really was a runaway pick for this year’s top rookie. There were other good rookie seasons as well but no one had the impact that Fernandez did for the Marlins and on the entire National League.
Whether it was the first out of the game, a rare home run he gave up or a shut down performance of a tough opponent, Fernandez did one thing better than anyone in 2013. He had fun playing baseball. There was something very refreshing about the excitement he displayed not only from the mound but also from the dugout when it wasn’t his turn to pitch. His infectious attitude brought the fans of Miami out when literally nothing else could get them to the ballpark.
That doesn’t even touch on his stats. How does 12 wins, 2.19 ERA, 187 K and 0.98 WHIP sound to you? It should sound like Cy-Young numbers. If it weren’t for the dominance of Clayton Kershaw, Fernandez would surely be in the discussion for winning that award as well. As it stands he deserved the top rookie honor and he should be in the top five of the Cy-Young voting as well. Apologies to Yasiel Puig fans but Fernandez deserved this honor.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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