NewsRollins seeks third straight Gold Glove
Teammates Utley, Howard up for Silver Slugger Awards
By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com
11/09/09 6:32 PM EST
PHILADELPHIA -- Most of the Phillies have scattered across the country for the winter, but they could be picking up some postseason hardware in the coming weeks.
National League Gold Glove winners are announced Wednesday. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins won Gold Gloves in 2007 and '08, and had a Major League-best .990 fielding percentage this season. He is a candidate again this year. Center fielder Shane Victorino won a Gold Glove last season. The Fielding Bible ranked Chase Utley as the best second baseman in the league in '09. Catcher Carlos Ruiz, third baseman Pedro Feliz and right fielder Jayson Werth also had good years defensively.
Silver Slugger awards are announced Thursday. Utley, who hit .282 with 31 home runs and 93 RBIs, is a favorite to win his fourth consecutive Silver Slugger. First baseman Ryan Howard hit .279 with 45 home runs and a Major League-leading 141 RBIs. He is a candidate, but might lose to Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols.
Left-hander J.A. Happ has a chance to be named NL Rookie of the Year on Nov. 16. He went 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 35 games (23 starts) this season. He might have been the team's most consistent pitcher this season, but there are other strong candidates in the field.
Howard, who won the 2006 NL MVP Award, should receive some MVP votes. The award is announced Nov. 24, but Pujols is considered the favorite.
Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
