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.
How Coghlan Won ROY: Batting Average
Because Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan hit .321 on the season, highest among NL rookies and in the top five overall, the good folks at BBWAA decided to award him with the 2009 National League Rookie of the Year award. Nevermind the fact that Pirates rookie outfielder Andrew McCutchen outplayed him in every single important aspect of the game: smacking more taters, recording more outfield assists, covering more range in the field, stealing more bases, drawing more walks and doing a far better hip bump. All this with 70 fewer plate appearances.
Because, you see, Chris Coghlan had a decent batting average. Above .300. That’s really good and doesn’t require any voter to look past the most basic of statistics to really evaluate who the better player was in 2009. You can accuse me of tilting at windmills here, but upon hearing that McCutchen did not win this award, my first reaction is to go mount my horse and take on those horrid giants.
But all of that won’t stop FishStripes from enjoying this one.
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