Rollins continues to excel on defense

ATLANTA -- The Phillies clinched the 2008 National League East championship on a remarkably difficult double play.

Well, at least it looked remarkably difficult.

Phillies at a glance 2009 record: 93-69 2008 record: 92-70 NL East champs NLCS matchup: Phillies at Dodgers Postseason tix: Information WHO ARE THESE GUYS? • Madson: Back in business • Werth: Heart of the order • Rollins: Awaiting breakout • Focus: One game at a time • Manuel: Mix & match • Howard: Ready for lefties • Stairs: Shot reverberates • Manuel: New rules for 'pen • Blanton: Arm around team • Pedro: Return to spotlight • Ibanez: Eyes on prize • Rollins: '07 irrelevant • Lidge: Still an option • Lidge: Killer cutter • Roster: Mulling options • Ibanez: Perfect fit • Hamels: Path of the pros • Amaro: Bold decisions • Pedro: Elated to play part • Rollins: No more predictions • Hamels: Back in business • Pitching: Staff in flux • Manuel: Keeps 'em focused • Hamels: Aims for dominance • Lineup: Imperfect but solid • Lee: Ready for playoff debut • Howard: The evolution • Rollins: Excelling on defense • Rotation: Not just big two • Manuel: Steady as she goes • Rollins: Eyes on '09 drama • Howard: The 'Big Piece' • Lee: Lifting Phils' hopes More Phillies coverage • Howard ties Gehrig's postseason RBI record Bats, Lee team up for rout in Game 3 Howard's RBI streak sets playoff mark Postseason going brilliant-Lee for lefty Blanton seeks return to clutch form Upbeat Moyer happy to rejoin club Phils rounding into title form Manuel committed to Lidge Cold temperatures will be a challenge Pedro brilliant, but Phils falter late in Game 2 Pedro masterful in return to big stage Utley at center of defensive struggles Phillies turn to Lee for Game 3 Phillies warmed by return to chilly home Bullpen woes return in Game 2 loss Bodley: Utley error opens door Phillies' power capitalizes on free passes Mix-and-match relief works vs. LA Phils edge Rockies for 2-1 NLDS lead Lidge finds redemption in crucial spot Umps admit missing call on Utley hit Given extra day, Phils to go with Happ Phillies glad to see Game 3 postponed Extra off-day alters clubs' options Winter-like weather forces Game 3 postponement Postponements a postseason tradition Myers feeling good after playoff outing Hamels to rejoin Phillies after birth of son Moyer in hospital with blood infection Phils rally, but must settle for split Clubs trade places for Game 3 Pedro, Blanton, Happ up for Game 3 nod Chilly reception awaits in Denver It's not sunny in Philadelphia for Hamels Hamels leaves to be with wife in labor Kalas still a presence in Phils' house Utley battling past late-season struggles Phillies, Rockies fill familiar roles Lee masterful in opening victory Phillies show patience, break through Running shoes put to good use Wind makes for wild afternoon Hamels unhappy with starting times Phils will use all bullpen options Avenging '07 not on Phils' minds Reserves shine in regular-season finale With loss, Phils plan ahead for NLDS Phils remain one back for home-field Phils fall game back for best record Phils clinch third straight NL East crown Eyeing historic postseason run NLDS opponent to be determined Phils power way closer to clinch Moyer exits game with left groin strain Manuel talks to Phils behind closed doors Phils hold on, lower magic number to 3 Walk-off slows Phils in Milwaukee Two mistakes cost Lee, Phillies dearly Pedro scratched, Kendrick to start Happ strong as Phillies pound Brewers After twin-bill split with Fish, Phils focus on finale Phils wait out rain, win finale over Braves Phils have hard road to repeat glory Manuel wants Phillies to turn it up a notch Finishing strong motivates Phillies Kendrick shines in first start Lidge endures roller-coaster week

The Washington Nationals had the bases loaded with one out in the ninth inning on Sept. 27, 2008, at Citizens Bank Park. Brad Lidge had allowed a run to cut the Phillies lead to 4-3, when Ryan Zimmerman hit a ball up the middle.

Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins dove to his left, made the catch and flipped the ball from his knees to second baseman Chase Utley, who was standing on second base. Utley threw to first baseman Ryan Howard to complete the double play.

It is one of the greatest and most memorable double plays in Phillies history.

But Rollins, whose defense will be incredibly important to his team's success again this postseason, downplayed its difficulty.

"It was a perfect ball to double him up on," Rollins told reporters. "When the ball came off the bat, I knew I had it covered. The only thing kind of in the back of my mind is that it hits the heel of your glove and it sticks there and you only get one and the ballgame is tied."

He said the flip was no big deal because they practice it all the time.

Of course, he smiled when he said that.

Rollins has won two consecutive National League Gold Gloves at shortstop, and for good reason. He makes plays and catches the ball. He has a career .983 fielding percentage at shortstop, which is the second-best fielding percentage at shortstop in baseball history.

Only Omar Vizquel is better, at .985.

"He's the best shortstop in the National League defensively, and there's just no question about it," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said about Rollins. "And maybe in baseball. The thing about him is ... Dallas [Green] says it best. He's a two-out shortstop. If the ball is caught, the guy is out."

Rollins played a franchise-record 86 consecutive games this season without an error. His six errors this season are tied with the Orioles' Cesar Izturis for the fewest among Major League shortstops.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has worked with both Rollins and Vizquel.

"Jimmy has a stronger arm than Omar," Manuel said. "Jimmy is a little stronger backhanding the ball in the hole, but Omar is quicker at getting in position to throw the ball across the diamond. Omar's first-step quickness, damn, he was good in his prime.

"But when Jimmy is right offensively, with the way he plays defense, that's what makes him one of the best players in the game."