By Mike Fitzpatrick
Associated Press
New York -- Florida Marlins left fielder Chris Coghlan won the National League Rookie of the Year award in a close vote Monday, and Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey took the AL honor.
Coghlan edged Philadelphia Phillies pitcher J.A. Happ, receiving 17 first-place votes and 105 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Happ, the only player picked on all 32 ballots, had 10 first-place votes and 94 points.
Bailey, an All-Star in his first major league season, was selected first on 13 of 28 ballots and finished with 88 points. Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus was the runner-up with 65 points, one more than Detroit Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello.
Coghlan dug himself out of an early slump and had a superb second half. Emerging as pesky leadoff hitter for the Marlins, he batted .321 with nine homers and 31 doubles in 128 games. He scored 84 runs and drove in 47.
Called up from the minors in May, the 24-year-old Coghlan topped NL rookies in batting average, runs, hits (162), total bases (232) and on-base percentage (.390). He became the third Florida player in seven years to win the award, joining shortstop Hanley Ramirez (2006) and pitcher Dontrelle Willis (2003).
Happ's versatility was a huge plus for the Phillies, who won their second consecutive NL pennant before losing to the New York Yankees in the World Series.
The left-hander went 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 35 games, including 23 starts. He led NL rookies in innings (166), strikeouts (119) and complete games (three).
Atlanta Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson finished third in a competitive field with two first-place votes and 37 points. Pittsburgh outfielder Andrew McCutchen, who came in fourth, also was chosen first on a pair of ballots. Milwaukee infielder Casey McGehee received the other first-place vote.
Bailey went 6-3 and saved 26 games, 24 more than any other American League reliever. He also led the league's rookie pitchers with a 1.84 ERA.
He is the eighth A's player to win the award, tying the New York Yankees for most in the AL.
Bailey made the Oakland roster out of spring training and got an opportunity to close due to injuries. He took advantage of it, earning a surprise trip to the All-Star game in July as Oakland's lone representative.
The 25-year-old right-hander struck out 91 and walked 24 in 83 1-3 innings. He yielded only 47 hits, holding opponents to a .167 batting average.
Bailey became the third Oakland player in six years to win the award, joining closer Huston Street (2005) and shortstop Bobby Crosby (2004).
The AL Cy Young Award winner will be announced Tuesday.
