Second baseman Brandon Phillips, deprived of a Gold Glove last year when he believed he deserved it, was rewarded with the award this year, emblematic of being the best defensive player at his position in the National League.
"Brandon Phillips works hard," manager Dusty Baker said. "He practices making catches over his head, and I've never seen a player practice that." Phillips lost the award last year to Arizona's Orlando Hudson
"To tell you the truth, it hurt me last year when I didn't win," he said. "I was really angry. Now that I've finally won one -- well, it's great the people are finally recognizing my defense."
Phillips was a 30/30 offensive player in 2007 (30 homers, 32 stolen bases), but only a 21/23 player this year, losing 27 points off his batting average (.288 to .261).
"To me, winning the Gold Glove is more important and more satisfying than the 30/30," he said. "Defense is my passion, and I take pride in it. I'm all about defense. Defense wins games, and this is the best thing to happen to me."
