Read the opposing arguments from Sports Geek and Babe Ruthless.
My fellow write have often heckled me over the past few months regarding my infatuation with Atlanta Braves rookie sensation Jason Heyward. While I am not as smitten as they indicate, I still think he’s a special kid who is going to lead the Braves into the post-Bobby Cox era. He’s also the guy under the age of 25 in the game today who I would choose to build my team around.
The 20-year old Heyward has put up solid numbers in his rookie season for the FIRST PLACE Braves, though Babe Ruthless and Sports Geek would have you believe he belongs in the minor leagues. Heyward is currently hitting .282 with ten home runs and 38 RBI. His OBP is .411, and his OPS is .964 – both of which are good enough for fourth in the National League. Another stat I personally love is that he has walked 33 times. I’d say that shows pretty good plate discipline. He currently sits fifth in the latest All-Star voting for outfielders. I feel pretty confident in saying that if All-Star reserves were announced today, Heyward would be one of the guys chosen by National League manager Charlie Manuel.
Heyward, who grew up about 25 miles south of Atlanta in McDonough, is trying to become the star that former hometown hero Jeff Francouer couldn’t be. And it’s showing in the attendance at Turner Field. In a town where attendance is minimal during April and May, the Braves have averaged just under 29,000. Assuming the Braves get the normal bump in attendance that most teams get in the summer, and assuming the Braves stay in contention throughout the summer, the attendance numbers should show an even bigger jump.
All these numbers are great and clearly prove Heyward is around to stay, but he has the intangibles that separate him from the rest of his brethren. He’s a five tool player who was taught by his father to respect the nuances of the game. The maturity he shows in interviews and around the clubhouse is phenomenal. This cliché gets thrown out there WAY too much, and I know I am only adding to it, but he is “wise beyond his years.” The way he carries himself around others has won him the respect of his peers already.
You can’t go wrong by building your team around Heyward. He’s off to a solid start on the field and has shown maturity off the field. I also think that it is relevant to mention that he could be someone who draws more African Americans to baseball, which is something that is lacking in today’s generation according to public statements from other current MLB stars like C.C. Sabathia and Jimmy Rollins. I remember watching Heyward standing on first base talking to Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard during Tuesday’s game. I sat there thinking, “Now there are two guys who are bringing, and who will bring, new fans to the game.” It’s a win-win for everyone.
I’d certainly build my team around Jason Heyward. And it won’t be long before Heyward will be one of the top players chosen in fantasy baseball drafts. The time is coming! And he’s only getting better.
