While Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins is nearing his return from the disabled list (sprained ankle), three other players from the National League East, including teammate Chase Utley, are duking it out with Lance Berkman and Rafael Furcal for early NL Most Valuable Player honors. Rollins, last year’s MVP, went on the DL for the first time in his career with a sprained ankle, but looked plenty healthy in going 6-for-8 in two extended spring training games at Class-A Clearwater this week.

Rollins is expected to make his return to the parent club Friday in San Francisco. A native of the Bay Area, Rollins told the Philadelphia Daily News that he would like to play at AT&T Park on Mother’s Day. The Phillies have been cautious with Rollins so far, and a three-game weekend set in San Francisco would be an ideal time to return. Diamondbacks ace Brandon Webb is scheduled to take the mound in Thursday’s series finale against the Phils, and Monday is an off day.

Rollins was hitting .308 with two home runs, six RBIs and two stolen bases in 12 games before hitting the DL on April 20. He was eligible to return on Monday, but general manager Pat Gillick had stated publicly that he would like his star shortstop to make at least four minor league appearances before coming back. Defensive specialist Eric Bruntlett has regularly taken Rollins’ place at shortstop, batting .232 with seven RBIs in 28 games.

While Rollins helped lift the Phillies to a division title with Utley nursing a broken hand in 2007, the two have reversed roles in 2008. Utley has been among the game’s hottest hitters, batting .362 and leading the league with 13 home runs. Despite missing 30 games last season, Utley still eclipsed 100 RBIs for the third straight season and established new career-highs with a .332 average, 48 doubles and a .566 slugging percentage.

Utley is the early front runner for MVP consideration, leading strong candidates Berkman, Furcal, Hanley Ramirez and Chipper Jones. The American League is a little trickier to figure with pitchers Cliff Lee, Ervin Santana and Jonathan Papelbon leading the way. Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton (.300, 6 HRs, 33 RBIs) has been the class of the position players, but the lowly Rangers don’t show any signs of crawling out of the American League cellar.

Look for familiar faces Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero, as well as a B.J. Upton or Carl Crawford from the upstart Tampa Bay Rays to throw their names into the hat.

It is worth noting that the last three MVPs in both leagues have been infielders, and the last two in the NL have come from the Phillies roster. Rollins won the award last season, and first baseman Ryan Howard won it in 2006. Utley has a realistic chance to make it three in a row, though the Phils could end up missing the playoffs in two of those three seasons.

More thoughts …
The Sports Hernia says Rollins will return from the DL as Sisqo.

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Dustin Hockensmith is editor of ImaginaryDiamond.com. He can be contacted at dhockensmith[at]fantasysports101.net.