Hechavarria, Mathis reflect on deal that sent them from Toronto to Miami
TORONTO -- Adeiny Hechavarria doesn't remember much about the 2012 blockbuster trade that sent him to the Miami Marlins from the Toronto Blue Jays.
But the memory that does stick with the Gold Glove finalist during his 41-game stint with the organization is simple.
"When I left Cuba, I never played in a stadium like this where the field is turf," Hechavarria, 26, said from inside the visitor's clubhouse on Monday. "Never. When I saw it in Toronto I said, 'In Toronto, in the big leagues, the field -- I like the field.' When I played here, it was my best memory."
Hechavarria signed as a free agent from Cuba in 2010. He made his major-league debut on Aug. 4, 2012. By season's end, he hit .254 (32 for 126) with 10 runs, eight doubles, two homers and 15 RBI. The Blue Jays bounced him around the infield at second base (eight games), shortstop (17) and third (18).
Hechavarria, who has been taking English lessons, moved to a country whose main language he didn't understand. He leaned on friends like Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion.
"It was different only for the weather," Hechavarria said. "I don't like the cold, but in Miami I feel good because it's very, very hot. I would go to my friend's (place) every day and that's it. He talked for me. 'What do you want? Chicken?' That's it."
Eleven other players swapped organizations in the trade, including backup catcher Jeff Mathis, on the evening of Nov. 19, 2012.
With eight seasons of experience, the last of which came in Toronto, Mathis heard the news while on an annual hunting trip in Illinois with his dad and brother.
"It threw a wrench in things just mentally," Mathis said. "Me thinking about where I'm going to be, new teammates, spring training. All those things that go into that. It definitely made me closer to home. That was a huge positive in the whole ordeal. Trying to wrap my head around what had all happened. It was a process.
"When I'm up there it's to get away. It was the middle of November. We do it the same time every year my dad and brother. Same week every year. I was up there with them and we talked about it that night and day, but after that it was back to hunting. Focusing on bucks."
Like Hechavarria, Mathis played just one season in Toronto. He hit .218 with eight homers and 27 RBI after spending seven years in Los Angeles with the Angels. He had just gotten used to the Canadian customs and currency.
Just like that, the Marianna, Florida, native had to switch gears and mentally prepare for a new team, teammates and setting.
"Whatever decision is made in this game you've got to continue to be a pro and do your job," Mathis said. "That was the case back in the offseason 2012. 'Alright, I'm with another team, start to go get ready for another season and try to earn everybody's trust.'"
Manager Dan Jennings, at the time a member of the front office, said the organization felt the need to reset after the failed 2012 experiment. The Marlins monitored the Blue Jays farm system for young talent that was either close to being major-league ready or already was.
The process began at the general manager meetings in California and it carried over into winter meetings in Nashville. Many people within the organization gave input.
When it finally became official, Miami also acquired right-hander Henderson Alvarez, who had 41 big-league starts under his belt between 2011-12. He has since made the All-Star team and tossed a no-hitter for the Marlins. Lefty Justin Nicolino is a top prospect. Outfielder Jake Marisnick and right-hander Anthony DeSclafani were traded within the past year for righties Jarred Cosart and Mat Latos. Yunel Escobar was dealt to the Tampa Bay Rays for infielder Derek Dietrich.
Lefty Mark Buehrle, who starts Tuesday night's game at Rogers Centre, made the 2014 All-Star team. Jose Reyes has a .293 average with 60 doubles, four triples, 20 homers and 104 RBI as a Blue Jay. Righty Josh Johnson is trying to come back from a second Tommy John surgery with the San Diego Padres. John Buck has retired, while Emilio Bonifacio has worn four other team jerseys since his time with Toronto.
"If you look at it now, it can truly be judged as a fair baseball trade that helped both teams," Jennings said. "Their help was quicker and more immediate than the help we got back, but now if you look at Adeiny and Mathis and Nicolino who has been an MVP in two leagues and (Jake) Marisnick, who turned into Cosart. Just weighing the whole volume of that trade and how the players turned out, I think it has to be assessed now as a very fair baseball trade for both sides."
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
