Happ named Rookie of the Year by Sporting News

PHILADELPHIA — J.A. Happ has been tabbed as the favorite to win Major League Baseball's Rookie of the Year honors in the National League. He's taken the first step.

The Phillies lefthanded rookie pitcher out of St. Bede Academy, along with the White Sox third baseman Gordon Beckham, has been named as the Sporting News' 2009 rookies of the year, as selected by a panel of 338 major league players.

TSN announced the award winners Tuesday. MLB will announce its award winners upon the conclusion of the World Series, its Rookies of the Year are selected by the Baseball Writer's Association of America.

Happ started the season in the bullpen, but pitched his way into the rotation in late May to stay. He led all N.L. rookie pitchers in wins (12) and strikeouts (119) and was second in ERA (2.93) while making 35 appearances, including 23 starts. He pitched two complete games, including a 1-0 shutout on June 27 in Toronto.

The 26-year-old lefty was used in both relief as well as starting (Game 3) in the NLDS vs. the Rockies. He has pitched twice in relief in the NLCS as the Phillies are on the brink of returning to the World Series for the second straight year.

Orioles scout Bob Szymkowski, who signed Happ with the Phillies in 2004, told Sporting News Happ wasn't the typical pitching prospect because he didn't necessarily put the numbers up on the radar gun.'

"Most times, he threw 86 to 88 (miles per hour). But Jay had very good mound composure and competed very well," Szymkowski said. "His best qualities were a very deceptive delivery in terms of his arm slot and the ability to mix all of his pitches and locate them on the perimeter of the strike zone. While he didn't have a power approach, he still had a great feel for pitching."

Beckham hit .270 with 28 doubles, 14 homers and 63 RBIs in 103 games for the White Sox after his recall from Triple A on June 4.

Visit www.philadelphiaphillies.com for video highlights of Happ's rookie campaign.