Former Bear Named Best NL Rookie

Second baseman Dan Uggla (Bears 2001) not only impressed the Marlins with his 2006 performance. He also earned the praise of his peers.

On Wednesday, Uggla was named the National League's Outstanding Rookie in voting for the annual Players Choice Awards.

Uggla received more votes than the other two finalists: Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder and Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman.

Voting among major-league players was conducted Sept. 12 and 13.

Uggla hit .282 with 90 RBI and established a major-league rookie record for a second baseman with 27 home runs.

Uggla and Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez are expected to be among the top vote getters for the NL Rookie of the Year Award as determined by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

That award will be announced Monday. Ballots for the BBWAA awards were received at the end of the regular season but before the playoffs.

Other Marlins named as finalists in the Players Choice Awards were third baseman Miguel Cabrera and closer Joe Borowski.

Cabrera was one of three finalists for NL Outstanding Player, which was won by Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard. Borowski was one of three candidates for NL Comeback Player of the Year, which was won by Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Nomar Garciaparra.