2009 NL Rookie of the Year

Winner: Chris Coghlan, Marlins -- Story | Voting Results
User Choice: J.A. Happ, Phillies
Scott Miller's prediction: Chris Coghlan, Marlins.
What Coghlan did was historic: First rookie since Kirby Puckett in 1984 to bang out 150 or more hits in 130 or fewer games. He had more post-All-Star break hits (113) than any NL player -- player, not rookie -- since Juan Pierre (also 113) in 2004. Coghlan became the first rookie ever to lead the NL in hits after the All-Star break, and that and the fact that he's an everyday player, I think, separates him from Philadelphia pitcher J.A. Happ and Atlanta's future ace Tommy Hanson in Rookie voting.

The candidates J.A. Happ, , SP, Phillies Happ's journey this season started during the spring where he was in competition to be the fifth starter. He ended up beginning the season in the bullpen but finished as one of the Phillies' most consistent starters. His 2.93 ERA was eighth in the NL and he threw a complete game shutout vs. the Blue Jays on June 27, 2009. IP W-L SV ERA Ks BB 166.0 12-4 0 2.93 119 56 Chris Coghlan, Leftfielder, Marlins It's surprise call-ups like Coghlan who out-perform expectations and leave everyone wondering how the Marlins stay in contention with such a small payroll. He was promoted on May 8 to replace Cameron Maybin who, in his third season in the majors, faltered in the first half. Coghlan hit the ground running and solidified the leadoff spot and successfully converted from second to left field (Maybin's old post). Coghlan's second half was even more impressive when you consider his 110 hits since the All-Star break are the most by any NL player since Juan Pierre (113 in 2004). Some more food for thought -- he's the first rookie since Kirby Puckett in 1984 to tally 150 or more hits in 130 or fewer games and the first rookie ever to lead the NL in hits after the All-Star break. AB HR AVG RBI R SB 504 9 .321 47 84 8 Tommy Hanson, SP, Braves It's hard to imagine a player with such hype living up to those expectations, but that's exactly what Hanson did. He has the makings of a future ace for the Braves or any place else he lands. Hanson made 21 starts and is the first Atlanta rookie to make at least 20 starts and finish a season with an ERA under 3.00. He also tallied an impressive 8.18 strikeouts per nine innings. IP W-L SV ERA Ks BB 127.2 11-4 0 2.89 116 46 Andrew McCutchen, Centerfielder, Pirates McCutchen stuck to his roots and successfully transferred his combination of power and speed to the majors. He even threw in some improved defense with an impressive 10 outfield assists. He arrived on June 4 and like Coghlan, fought his way to the everyday leadoff hitter. He led the club in triples (9) and steals (22) and was second in just about every other offensive category. AB HR AVG RBI R SB 433 12 .286 54 74 22 Honorable mention: Colby Rasmus, Cardinals, Dexter Fowler, Rockies

Select Award AL - Most Valuable Player NL - Most Valuable Player AL - Cy Young Award NL - Cy Young Award AL - Rookie of the Year NL - Rookie of the Year AL - Manager of the Year NL - Manager of the Year Poll Who will be the NL Rookie of the Year?   39%  J.A. Happ PHI     20%  Chris Coghlan FLA     20%  Tommy Hanson ATL     15%  Andrew McCutchen PIT     6%  Other     Total Votes: 557 Past Results Year Winner 2008 Geovany Soto, Chicago 2007 Ryan Braun, Milwaukee 2006 Hanley Ramirez, Florida 2005 Ryan Howard, Philadelphia 2004 Jason Bay, Pittsburgh Complete list