Indirectly because another one of the Marlins' highly touted young players, Cameron Maybin, wasn't producing consistently in the Majors, Coghlan was called up from Triple-A New Orleans on May 8 and never looked back. From the All-Star Game until the end of the regular season, the infielder-turned-outfielder helped keep the low-payroll Marlins in contention with an ML-leading 113 hits and .372 batting average. Coghlan beat out loads of promising first-year players in a rookie slate that really offered no single favorite for the award. On the list of contenders were Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson (11-4, 2.89 ERA), Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (.286 AVG, 22 SB), Phillies lefty J.A. Happ (12-4, 2.93 ERA), Brewers infielder Casey McGehee (.301 AVG, 16 HR, 66 RBIs) and Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus (.251 AVG, 16 HR, 52 RBIs).

Hanson proved to be one of the few top prospects who actually lived up to the big expectations that followed him to the bigs. The 23-year-old fireballer seemingly only needs to hone his control to take the next step forward to becoming an ace.

After generating big expectations in the Minors, Hanson has lived up to the hype and then some in the bigs, putting forth a dominant second half that makes him someone to target in 2010. Overall, his 11 wins in 15 decisions and 2.89 ERA rank second among all National League rookie hurlers. Still, it appears that Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan and Phillies left-hander J.A. Happ will provide stiff competition in the balloting for the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

Hanson won for the second time in three starts despite permitting four earned runs for the second straight contest. He hasn't been nearly as stout as he was in two outings from Sept. 9-15 when he pitched 15 scoreless innings, but he still provides consistent fantasy value. The K total on Saturday represented the fourth consecutive outing in which he fanned at least seven batters. Start the rookie with confidence on Oct. 1 when he faces off against the Nationals again, this time at Turner Field.

The Braves have one too many starters, and as long as they remain mathematically alive in the postseason standings, there is no reason to rest right-hander Tommy Hanson, who is on the short list for NL Rookie of the Year honors.

There are several credible NL Rookie of the Year candidates, but none more overwhelming than Hanson, who hasn't allowed a run in his past 17 innings. More impressive is the fact that the 23-year-old right-hander has given up just two earned runs in his past 24 innings. "He's been everything that everybody thought that he would be," Braves manager Bobby Cox said of his highly touted rookie hurler, who sports a 10-3 record, a 2.65 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP since making his Major League debut on June 7. Continue riding the hot hand when Hanson plays host to Cliff Lee and the first-place Phillies on Sept. 20.

It marked the longest start of Hanson's big league career, an outing that would have earned him his 10th win were it not for the Braves bullpen. The big righty sent the Braves into the ninth inning with a 1-0 lead, but closer Rafael Soriano squandered those gains as he gave up two runs for the loss. Win or lose, what's clear is that Hanson is only improving as the season comes to a close: He's allowed no more than three earned runs in his last seven starts, dropping his ERA to 2.83. That makes him something of a must-start down the final stretch, especially next time out, when he faces the injury-riddled Mets.

Hanson showed his incredible strikeout ability with the four K's in such a short time frame. He brought a four-game quality start streak heading into Friday, so it's too bad the weather interfered with what could been his fifth straight quality outing. Hanson could reach double-digit strikeouts when he faces the K-prone Marlins at Land Shark Stadium on Sept. 2.

Hanson continues to cruise, and has now earned the win in each of his last four starts. It's always nice when a highly touted prospect meets expectations, and Hanson's all-around excellence in August -- the perfect 4-0 record, the 28 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings, the 2.81 ERA -- has easily done that. He'll face a tough test in his next start, when he faces the Phillies in Philadelphia on Aug. 28.

That's three straight wins for Hanson, who continues to make a strong case for NL Rookie of the Year honors with a 3.05 ERA, a 1.28 WHIP and 62 strikeouts over 79 2/3 innings. The big righty throws heat, but command has made the biggest difference of late. He issued no walks Monday, improving his K/BB ratio to an impressive 37/9 mark. Hanson will look to keep rolling when he squares off against Chris Volstad and the Marlins next time out.

Hanson is quickly establishing himself as one of the more exciting young power arms out there. "That's the most fun that I've had pitching since I've been up here," the rookie phenom said afterward. Hanson's excitement stemmed from the fact that he'd found great comfort with his fastball, slider, changeup and curveball, mixing up all four pitches with quality command. The fact that he fanned nine without a walk is telling. With a 7-2 record and a 3.05 ERA over 73 2/3 innings, the 23-year-old righty is just scratching the surface. He'll look to continue his momentum against a middling Diamondbacks offense next time out.

Another good turn for Hanson, who has now turned in quality starts in six of his last nine appearances. The rookie’s control is still spotty at times, but he has also shown the ability to overpower big league hitters and increased strikeout totals should come with more experience. Owners in all formats should use him with confidence his next time out, Aug. 11 at home against Washington.

Hanson wasn't at his best here, and registered just one strikeout, but there's something reassuring about the fact that he can pitch this well -- against a very good offense -- when he's feeling under the weather and not blessed with his usual deadly stuff. No, the loss isn't anything to cheer about (it never is), but Hanson looks more like an ace -- on the field and in fantasy -- with every start. His next turn comes on July 31, when he'll face the Dodgers in Atlanta.

Granted, the Giants aren't known for tearing the cover off the ball these days, and Hanson did also cough up three walks. Still, Monday night's dominance shows just how effective the hard-throwing righty can be when he's operating on all cylinders. With his ERA down to an even 3.00, Hanson faces a much tougher opponent next time out against Yovani Gallardo and the Brewers.

On the surface, Hanson is dominating big league hitters in his first go-around in the bigs. A closer look shows trouble could be looming unless the rookie right-hander improves his control. The Braves optioned Hanson to Triple-A Gwinnett on July 10, but he's expected to rejoin the big league rotation after the All-Star break.