Time To Meet The Best Kept Secret In Major League Baseball!

The hottest topic about the Marlins during Spring Training was the battle for first base.  The question Marlins fans were debating about was whether Gaby Sanchez or Logan Morrison should win the job? Believe it or not, the former University of Miami star ended up beating out Logan Morrison for the team's first base rights.

Gaby Sanchez has been the biggest surprise and the ultimate Wildcard this season. Raise your hand if you thought Gaby Sanchez would arguably be the Marlins best pure hitter? How many of you thought he would be one of the best rookies in baseball?

The Gaby Sanchez story is an amazing one that has barely been discussed at any length this season. Looking back at the Rookie of the Year preseason predictions and rankings, he is absolutely no where to be found. He was not on any baseball expert's radar before the season began.

The only time anyone ever mentioned Gaby Sanchez's name was when they were talking about Sanchez getting in Morrison's way from getting his first cup of coffee in the Majors.

 This season it has been the Gaby Sanchez show for the Florida Marlins. Based on his remarkable and very impressive numbers, I strongly believe he must be in the conversation for the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

 Gaby Sanchez leads all National League rookies in the Batting Average department at .303 on the season. While, Jason Heyward's batting average is currently sitting at .261.

Also Gaby Sanchez has more hits 114 compared to Heyward's 74. In addition, Sanchez has a higher slugging percentage and a higher on base + slugging percentage mark. He has shown more patience at the plate by walking more often than Heyward.

What you must love about Gaby the most, is his patience and discipline at the plate. He is walking in nearly 10 percent of his plate appearances. Most rookie hitters don't display that kind of plate discipline this early in their career. He is very mature beyond his years for a rookie.

The one advantage Heyward has over Sanchez is the fact that he has put up slightly better power numbers. However, both players power numbers are still pretty compatible.

 My prediction is, Heyward will definitely finish ahead of Gaby Sanchez in the Rookie of the Year voting.

Regardless, why is Jason Heyward getting so much more hype and attention than Sanchez? Both Heyward and Sanchez's overall numbers happen to be very similar, believe it or not.

Stephen Strasburg and Jason Heyward are the two most over-hyped rookies I have ever seen burst onto the scene. Yes they are both very talented players but they have barely accomplished anything so far in their respective careers.

Instead of them being treated like rookies, they are already being regarded as future hall of famers.  Now that is really blowing things out of proportion. Lets wait until they get some more Major League playing time and experience first before we start thinking of them as legendary players.

The most likely scenario is that Heyward will finish in second place right behind the amazing Stephen Strasburg. Gaby should finish third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.

The point is, Gaby Sanchez deserves a lot more respect and recognition for what he has accomplished so far this year. Gaby Sanchez should no longer be considered as a  placeholder for Logan Morrison. If Sanchez continues putting up these impressive numbers, he should be considered as a staple at first base for the Florida Marlins for many years to come.

Its time for baseball writers and pundits to wake up and start talking about one of the best young rookies in the game of baseball. Whatever you do, don't fall asleep on this super talented young player. He is definitely in the Marlins future plans.

Imagine this, they could still call up Logan Morrison and move him into the outfield. Another option the Marlins have is that they could even move Gaby Sanchez to third base, since he played a little bit of this position in the minors.

Of course this possibility could only become a reality if Jorge Cantu is traded at the deadline. Hypothetically, Morrison could play his natural position which is first base.

I guarantee you as time goes on, this young rookie is going to definitely turn some heads and impress many people around baseball.   Gaby Sanchez is this year's Chris Coghlan.