Bailey, Coghlan Named MLB Rookies Of The Year

MLB announced its 2009 Rookies of the Year today. The A's closer Andrew Bailey took home the award for the American League, while Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan was named the National League's representative.

A's right-hander Andrew Bailey's rise from Minor League obscurity to Major League limelight turned historic Monday when he was named the American League's 2009 Rookie of the Year.

Moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen at midseason 2008 while with the Double-A Midland RockHounds of the Texas League, Bailey didn't just make a successful transition to relief work.

He made the transition look like a breeze, dominating during the second half of the 2008 season at Midland, following suit in the prestigious Arizona Fall League and doing the same in his first trip to big league Spring Training to make the A's roster.

Coghlan had a similar rise from obscurity, originally coming up as an infielder.

The franchise with a knack for producing some of the best young talent in the Major Leagues has another gem to add to its resume -- Chris Coghlan.

That fact was evident through the rookie sensation's first season in the big leagues this year, but it was a point that was driven home on Monday afternoon - when the 24-year-old infielder-turned-outfielder took home National League Rookie of the Year honors from the Baseball Writers' Association of America. [...]

Coghlan's victory continues the Marlins' streak of three: three winners in club history, with each coming in three-year spans.

Bailey beat out Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus, while J.A. Happ finished just 11 points behind Coghlan.

Follow SB Nation's Athletics Nation and FishStripes for more on Bailey and Coghlan, respectively.