Chris Coghlan has earned a well deserved recognition after being named the National League Rookie of the Year. Coghlan’s rookie year started in May and took off after the All-Star game when he lead all of baseball in hits and batting average.

While this year’s NL rookie crop was very strong, Coghlan’s record setting run in August and September combined with his overall .321 average (as well as 9 homeruns and 47 RBIs) pushed him over the edge. Coghlan’s patient and consistent approach at the plate made him a strong presence in the Marlins’ lead-off spot. He quickly began to accumulate multi-hit games and avoided long slumps. He recorded 47 his in both August and September, the most the league has seen in 30 years.

Coghlan edged out J.A. Happ of the Phillies 105-94 after receiving 17 first-place votes, 6 second-place votes, and 2 third-place votes. Amazingly, he still won even though he wasn’t named on 7 ballots (while Happ was named on all 32).

Coghlan is the third Marlin to win the ROY aware, joining Dontrelle Willis and Hanley Ramirez.

Looks like Chris Coghlan is on his way to the Majors. Coghlan will take Anibal Sanchez’s spot on the roster and will likely play second, third and outfield. The Fish need to kick start their offense and some of the biggest gaps are at second (Uggla), third (Bonifacio) and the entire outfield.