Jimmy Rollins Wins NL MVP

Philadelphia Phillies Shortstop Jimmy Rollins won the 2007 MVP award. He deserved it in a close ballot with Colorado Rockie Matt Holliday.

Rollins had astounding numbers out of the lead off hole:

Rollins became the first player in history to collect at least 200 hits, 25 homers, 15 triples and 25 steals in a season. Overall, the switch-hitter batted .296, with 38 doubles, 20 triples, 30 homers, 94 RBIs, 41 stolen bases, 212 hits and 139 runs scored.

The 139 runs scored and 88 extra-base hits were league records for a shortstop. He also set a Major League record with 716 at-bats, and became the third shortstop in history to have at least 30 homers and 30 stolen bases in a season, after Barry Larkin in 1996 and Alex Rodriguez in 1998.

Holliday had better power numbers but Rollins previously won a Rawlings Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger award. To play at the high level Rollins did the entire year as a lead off guy and at a demanded defensive position was a great accomplishment and I'm glad he followed last years winner Ryan Howard in bringing the ward to Philly.