Freddy Gonzalez should have finished higher on this list when you consider the payroll he was working with. He led the Marlins to a 87-75 record (53.7%) during the regular season. He has now compiled a 242-243 (49.9%) record during his three seasons as manager of the Marlins. He’s a better manager than Joe Girardi is or was so it’s puzzling as to why he doesn’t garner at least the same level of respect. Maybe he will win the award in 2010 as the Marlins are likely to pare down the payroll even more once again.

24-year old lefty swinging OF/2B Chris Coghlan won the National League Rookie of the Year Award. He played in 128 games for the Marlins last season and he was 162 for 504 (.321 avg, .850 OPS) with 84 runs scored, 9 homers, 47 RBIs and 8 stolen bases. Coghlan’s future could be at 2B for the Marlins if they trade Dan Uggla this winter (which is very likely). Coghlan has a good upside but it might be hard for him to repeat the kind of batting average he put up last year for the Marlins.

UPDATE: Coghlan also finished tied with Jeremy Affeldt and Brad Hawpe for 28th in the N.L. MVP Voting.