Andrew Bailey's storybook 2009 season ended in fitting fashion Monday, when the Oakland A's closer was voted the American League's Rookie of the Year.
The award caps an improbable ride for Bailey, a roster long shot back in spring training who wound up making the All-Star team and setting an Oakland rookie record with 26 saves. Many considered Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus the favorite for the award. Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello also had strong credentials. Both played instrumental roles on teams that challenged for the postseason, unlike the last-place A's.
Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey and Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan have been named the Jackie Robinson Award winners as the top rookies in the American and National League, respectively, as voted on by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Twenty years ago, the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A's faced off for baseball's biggest prize. But today, the players -- on the field and in the front office -- have changed, and so has the prize: Now it's Bill Neukom vs. Lew Wolff competing for the city of San Jose.
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