Montoyo wins Coolbaugh award

Former Biscuits manager Charlie Montoyo has won the Mike Coolbaugh award, given by Minor League Baseball in recognition of someone's work ethic, baseball knowledge and mentoring skill.

It's the second year for the award, which is named for Mike Coolbaugh, the minor-league coach killed after being struck by a line drive during a game. Montoyo will be honored at the winter meetings next month in Indianapolis.

Niemann fourth in AL rookie voting

Former Biscuits pitcher Jeff Niemann finished fourth in the American League rookie of the year voting.

Oakland reliever Andrew Bailey won with Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus -- brother of former Biscuits outfielder Erold Andrus -- second and Detroit pitcher Rick Porcello third. White Sox infielder Gordon Beckham, the former University of Georgia All-American who started the year with the Birmingham Barons, was fifth, behind Niemann.

Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan won the National League's rookie award. Coghland played last year for Double-A Carolina in the Southern League. Alabamian Colby Rasmus of the St. Louis Cardinals received one third-place vote.

Longoria wins AL Gold Glove

Former Biscuits third baseman Evan Longoria won an American League Gold Glove today for the Rays.

"It’s the one award that I’ve wanted to win since I started pro ball," Longoria said in a release. "I take a lot of pride in my defense, so this award is very special to me."

Longoria, who recently turned 24, is the second Tampa Bay player to win a Gold Glove: first baseman Carlos Pena in 2008. He's also the youngest Gold Glover since Oakland's Eric Chavez won it in 2001 as a 23-year-old.

Lookouts win award for promotions

The Chattanooga Lookouts have won the Larry MacPhail Trophy, which recognizes the team with the top promotions in the minor leagues. They'll receive the trophy next month at the winter meetings in Indianapolis.

Rays exercise option on Crawford, pick up Ramirez

All-Star outfielder Carl Crawford will be with the Rays in 2010 after the team today exercised its $10 million option for next season.

The Rays also claimed right-handed pitcher Ramon Ramirez off waivers from Cincinnati. The 27-year-old appeared in 11 major-league games this year with a 3.65 ERA in 12.1 innings. He was 6-7 with a 4.03 ERA at Triple-A Louisville.

The team also declined its options on relief pitcher Brian Shouse and catcher Gregg Zaun. Zaun came to Tampa Bay this year in a trade that sent former Biscuit Rhyne Hughes to the Orioles.