Phils' Rollins edges Holliday for NL MVP award

Last update: November 20, 2007 - 7:31 PM

Philadelphia's Jimmy Rollins won the National League MVP award Tuesday, edging Colorado's Matt Holliday in a close race after propelling the Phillies to their first playoff berth in 14 years with his speed and steady all-around play.

The Gold Glove shortstop received 16 of 32 first-place votes and finished with 353 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

"I had a real big smile on my face, to make it simple. I was excited, but I wasn't quite sure what to feel," Rollins said. "I never really thought about winning an MVP. If I won a Gold Glove, then that was the MVP for a shortstop."

Holliday, the left fielder who led Colorado's surprising charge to the World Series, got 11 first-place votes and 336 points. Milwaukee's Prince Fielder was third with 284 points.

Rollins batted .296 with 30 homers, 94 RBI and 41 stolen bases. Holliday hit .340 with 36 homers and 137 RBI.

Indians land closer

The Cleveland Indians agreed to a $6.25 million, two-year contract with free-agent closer Masahide Kobayashi of Japan.

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