Pressed for an outright guarantee, Rollins said: “I guess after 162 games we’ll know that answer.”

J-Roll certainly hasn’t lost his swagger. He’s confident as ever, and he’s still stylin’ like usual. Rollins carried a fresh pair of sneakers, featuring his nickname on the side, MVP printed on the bottom shoelace and a Liberty Bell on the tongue.

“As you can see, my style is still immaculate,” Rollins said.

Rollins looks good and wants to play even better. He’s coming off an outstanding all-around season in which he set several career highs on offense and earned his first Gold Glove award.

Batting mostly out of the leadoff spot, Rollins finished with a .296 batting average, 38 doubles, 20 triples, 30 homers, 41 steals, 94 RBIs and scored an NL-best 139 runs. He became the first player in major league history to have 30 doubles, 20 triples, 30 homers and 30 steals in one season.

No shortstop in the NL ever had more extra-base hits (88) and only Alex Rodriguez had more (91) in 1996 with Seattle. The durable Rollins, who’s only 5-foot-7 and 170 pounds, played every game, becoming the first NL shortstop in 34 years to do so.

Rollins helped the Phillies overcome numerous injuries, including losing Ryan Howard and Chase Utley at different times during the season.

“You know there’s always room for improvement,” Rollins said. “I’m still learning the game, still learning myself. I never become satisfied with what I’ve done.”

Rollins took advice from Howard on handling the offseason after winning the MVP award. Howard, who won it 2006, admits now that he wasn’t ready for spring training because the banquet circuit took its toll. The slugger struggled at the start of last season, but still finished with 47 homers and 136 RBIs.

“I definitely learned don’t do every dinner you can,” Rollins said. “Those steaks and potatoes and vegetables taste good, but they can make you lazy. I stayed under the radar.”

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more. more photos

When he goes to Shea Stadium, the 29-year-old Rollins has nowhere to hide. He was booed there all of last season, and expects the same treatment this year. Rollins loves the pressure, even thrives on it.

He batted .346 with six homers and 15 RBIs against the Mets, helping the Phillies go 12-6 in the season series. Philadelphia won the last eight meetings, including a three-game sweep at New York in mid-September.

“I love it,” Rollins said. “You can come off a three-game losing streak and get to New York and it’s like a brand new season because of the intensity.”

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Cuban ‘not on prowl’ for Dodgers, or any team Sosa’s skin undergoing color change Blyleven: Pitching to be had beyond Halladay Damon, Matsui and Pettitte all could return Yankees’ Jeter, Teixeira win Gold Gloves Scully to broadcast in 2010, then decide future Baseball GMs pass on expanding instant replay Martin, Herzog, Murtaugh and Mauch on Hall ballot Free agents Circling the Bases: Blogging on news, rumors, buzz Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: