No surprise here.

Hanley Ramirez was chosen as the Marlins' Most Valuable Player for 2009 by members of the Miami chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Ramirez becomes the first three-time winner of the annual award.

The shortstop leads the National League in hitting, has driven in more than 100 runs and has improved defensively.

``It's not about one guy,'' said Ramirez, who also won the team MVP award for each of the two previous seasons. ``I feel happy with how we've done as a team, and I feel happy I could help.''

The local chapter of baseball writers also honored left fielder Chris Coghlan as the Marlins' Rookie of the Year. Coghlan has emerged as one of the top newcomers in the majors since his call-up in May.

Coghlan began the season as the second baseman for Triple A New Orleans and said he figured his best chance of making it to the Marlins this year was as a September call-up.

``I just figured there was nowhere for me to go with Uggs [Dan Uggla] playing second, and him doing the great things that he does here,'' Coghlan said. ``So I just went down to Triple A and tried to prepare myself for September.''

Also receiving recognition by the chapter were backup infielder Wes Helms and outfielder Cody Ross.

Helms was honored with the Jeff Conine ``Mr. Marlin'' Award, which is given to the player who best embodies the spirit of the game with integrity and unselfish play. Ross was honored as the Charlie Hough ``Good Guy,'' which goes to the player who fosters a positive working relationship with the media.

The four players will be honored in an on-field ceremony before Sunday's home finale against the New York Mets.

THE COST OF TUITION

Manager Fredi Gonzalez was hit with a $700 fine by Major League Baseball after being thrown out of Wednesday's game for arguing balls and strikes. It marked his fourth ejection as Marlins manager.

``Every time my wife writes the check, she says `That's books for the semester,' '' said Gonzalez, whose daughter is a college freshman. ``I betcha [Braves manager Bobby Cox] has written checks worth four years of college tuition.''

Cox has been ejected 159 times, which is a major-league record.

-- CLARK SPENCER

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