The expectations for Jason Heyward were unfair. Analysts on ESPN actually mentioned that he could be a darkhorse candidate for the MVP this year. There was no way he could live up to the hype. 20 year olds in the Major Leagues rarely achieve much sucess and definitely not at the level that some were predicting for Heyward. Well, guess what, Heyward has lived up to the hype. Sure, he may not win the MVP award, but he is already a star who has produced in the pressure situations. Take opening day for example. Heyward’s first at bat, at home, on national television, and what does he do? He hits a line drive over the fence that is still probably traveling. Through 13 games, Heyward is hitting just a shade under .300 with 4 homeruns and 16 RBI, the same amount as the last two NL MVPs, Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard. It will be interesting to see if Heyward will be able to maintain this level of play over the long 162 game season, but I would not bet against him. Normally, veterans are a little salty towards a young phenom who shows up and gets all the hype without proving anything. This was not the case with Heyward, who endeared himself to his teammates instantly. The players have cited his maturity level and said he is one of the most composed kids that they have ever been around. These are the reasons why I think Heyward will be able to maintain his level of play throughout the season and forward. Often times in baseball, makeup is just as important as talent, and Heyward seems have both the makeup and talent to be a star in the league for years to come.

by Josh Weiner at the Sports Fan Blog Network