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The National League and American League Rookie of the Year Awards were handed out this afternoon, both of which had most baseball fans asking, "Who the heck is that?"

The National League honors went to Florida Marlin outfielder Chris Coghlan.

Coghlan hit .321 during his first season, with 162 hits, nine home runs, 47 driven in, and an .850 on-base plus slugging percentage in 504 at-bats.

The Florida native finished with 17 first-place votes.

Reading as much as I could find on the subject over the past month or two I came to only one conclusion:

Andrew McCutcheon, J.A. Happ and Tommy Hanson were considered by many writers and bloggers throughout the nation as the top candidates for the 2009 NL Rookie of the Year Award.

The Springfield Cardinals have promoted from within their community, a feature that not only builds a bond with their organization, but also reinforces relations with the fans.

Kim Inman, who has been a member of the Springfield community for the past 14 years, has joined the team as Vice President of Sales.

“The Cardinals are a strong part of this community and baseball has such great tradition,” Inman said. “I can’t wait to share my excitement and passion with all of our great fans and supporters.”

Michael Bourn is now amongst the cream of the crop in terms of MLB defensive talent.

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Bourn was named as a Gold Glove winner; and he’s the first Houston Astros outfielder to win the award since Cesar Cedeno (1972-1976).

According to mlbtraderumors.com , the Seattle Mariners signed SS Jack Wilson to a two-year, $10 million contract. Wilson is known as best defensive shortstop in the MLB as he posted best UZR among all shortstops, but his 2010 option was bit expensive($8.4 million) so the Mariners were trying to rework his contract.

This deal gives the Mariners a decent everyday shortstop as they played Yuniesky Betancourt on the opening day last year. The Mariners' already impressive defence looks even better with this move.

The Pittsburgh Pirates bid to get a Single-A team in Bradenton, FL has been approved by the Florida State League’s upper echelon.

Approved is the purchase of the Cincinnati Reds Class A team in Sarasota, FL. Pittsburgh already has their Spring Training facility and Gulf Coast League team in Bradenton as part of Pirate City.

The Lowell Spinners, Class-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, are joining forces with FOX 25 personalities Kevin Lemanowicz and Ryan Asselta to spread cheer this holiday season as they search for a local elementary school to visit for a Holiday Party.

Building off the popular "Spread the Love" Tour, which visits one local elementary school, selected based on essays submitted by students detailing why their school should be selected, to make cards and gifts for the residents of the Bedford Veteran's Hospital.