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MLB announced its 2009 Rookies of the Year today. The A's closer Andrew Bailey took home the award for the American League, while Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan was named the National League's representative.
A's right-hander Andrew Bailey's rise from Minor League obscurity to Major League limelight turned historic Monday when he was named the American League's 2009 Rookie of the Year.
Moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen at midseason 2008 while with the Double-A Midland RockHounds of the Texas League, Bailey didn't just make a successful transition to relief work.
He made the transition look like a breeze, dominating during the second half of the 2008 season at Midland, following suit in the prestigious Arizona Fall League and doing the same in his first trip to big league Spring Training to make the A's roster.
Coghlan had a similar rise from obscurity, originally coming up as an infielder.
The franchise with a knack for producing some of the best young talent in the Major Leagues has another gem to add to its resume -- Chris Coghlan.
That fact was evident through the rookie sensation's first season in the big leagues this year, but it was a point that was driven home on Monday afternoon - when the 24-year-old infielder-turned-outfielder took home National League Rookie of the Year honors from the Baseball Writers' Association of America. [...]
Coghlan's victory continues the Marlins' streak of three: three winners in club history, with each coming in three-year spans.
Bailey beat out Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus, while J.A. Happ finished just 11 points behind Coghlan.
Follow SB Nation's Athletics Nation and FishStripes for more on Bailey and Coghlan, respectively.
How Coghlan Won ROY: Batting Average
Chris Coghlan's selection as the N.L. Rookie of the Year was surprising to most (and dumb to others). After all, this was a 24-year playing a new position and batting leadoff for the first time in his career. Even his manager Fredi Gonzalez called it an "unbelievable feat." So how did he win, and beat out Pirates' Andrew McCutchen in the process? Walkoff Walk has the answer: with batting average, of course.
But all of that won't stop FishStripes from enjoying this one.
Nov 16 4:17p by Ryan Hudson - 0 comments