Willis wins NL rookie award

NEW YORK, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- To no one's surprise, southpaw Dontrelle Willis of the world champion Florida Marlins he been named National League Rookie of the Year.

Willis was a comfortable winner over centerfielder Scott Posdenik of Milwaukee and pitcher Brandon Webb of Arizona.

Willis, 21, was a phenom almost from the minute he made his major league debut.

"It means a lot because you work hard and want people to appreciate it," Willis said. "My teammates helped me through the good and bad."

Willis began the season at Double-A Carolina of the Southern League before get called up to the parent club. He started 11-2, tailed off, then finished 14-6 with a 3.30 ERA in 27 starts.

Willis easily outdistanced centerfielder Scott Posednik and Arizona pitcher Brandon Webb.

Posednik batted .314, scored 100 runs, had 175 hits, and was second in the league in stolen bases with 43.