Just Call Him ROY

Congratulations. We now prepare to squander your talent.

By JANIE CAMPBELL

Updated 5:28 PM EST, Mon, Nov 16, 2009

Print Email Share TWITTER FACEBOOK

Getty Images

You'll either cheer, tear your hair out, or both: Marlins left fielder -- and "Song of the South" lover -- Chris Coghlan is the National League Rookie of the Year.

The award is spot-on, though Philly fans are predictably declaring it "dumb" and others think Andrew McCutchen got shafted: Coghlan led all big league rookies in runs (84), hits (162), total bases (232), doubles (31) and on-base percentage (.390), while putting up a .321 average with nine homers, 47 RBIs and eight stolen bases.

Our boy wouldn't just finish the season as one of the hottest rookie bats -- he was one of Major League Baseball's best hitters, period. Coghlan earned the distinction of being the first player since 1978 with 94 hits in a two-month period, and his 113 hits after the All-Star Break tied him for most in the National League in 45 years (with 1980 Bill Buckner and 2004 Juan Pierre).

The accomplishment is even more impressive because Coghlan wasn't on the team until May 8, a full month after Opening Day. He was also asked to transition from infield to left field (finishing sixth in the National League at .977), and bounced around the batting lineup a bit before settling in leadoff, an unfamiliar position. There are seasoned professionals who can't handle all that and still produce (though there are a few that rock their redneck music as shamelessly).

Phillies pitcher J.A. Happ was the only other player to appear on all 32 ballots (take that, McCutchen-lovers!). Coghlan, however, received 17 first-place votes, and scored 105 points to Happ's 94. A's reliever Andrew Bailey got the nod for the American League.

Oh, yeah - the tearing your hair out part? Coghlan is the third Marlin to win Rookie of the Year in a three-year cycle. Hanley Ramirez won in 2006, and Dontrelle Willis in 2003. The Fish consistently produce top-tier young talent, but then what? Florida hasn't seen October since winning the '03 World Series.