July 5 -- J-ROLL DOES THE TWO-TAP (AND THE MOONWALK?)

BY SCOTT LAUBER

Jimmy Rollins tried everything else to break out of the worst slump of his career.

So, at last, he listened to his hitting coach.

For about a month, as Rollins' batting average plummeted and his on-base percentage sagged, Milt Thompson advised him to revert to the "two-tap," a timing mechanism in which he steps twice with his front leg as he strides toward the plate. Rollins used the technique in 2007, when he was crowned NL MVP, but as his slump deepened over the past two weeks, he resisted Thompson's suggestion.

"He was stubborn," Thompson said yesterday.

But Rollins' slump grew to 0-for-28, and finally, before last Thursday night's game in Atlanta, he relented. He inched closer to the plate and stepped twice with his front leg, giving himself a longer look at the pitch. The result: A two-hit game against the Braves, followed by another two-hit game Friday night against the Mets. And yesterday, he reached base three times (two walks, two-run double). Rollins has five hits in his last 12 at-bats.

"When you hit rock bottom," Thompson said, "usually you figure it out."

Said Rollins, "At times I get away from [the two-tap] because it's just not working. A stride is just a stride. It's a move forward to me. That's what I really lost. I've been able to find something, so hopefully, I can hold it."

***
Within the game story, we look at the most positive element of yesterday's 4-1 win over the Mets: The five-up, five-down performances of Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge.

***
For the past two days, Rollins has been using some of Michael Jackson's greatest hits, specifically "Billie Jean" and "Smooth Criminal," as his walk-up music before each at-bat. And while that's a perfectly nice tribute to the King of Pop, I humbly suggest that Rollins step it up a notch today by moonwalking to the plate. Or, perhaps, he can wear a silver sequin batting glove? Could be a good, new look for J-Roll, don't you think?

***
Wondering about Raul Ibanez's status? Join the club. Ibanez was supposed to start a rehab assignment Wednesday at Class AA Reading, but that was pushed to Thursday. On Thursday, it was pushed to Friday, and on Friday, it was delayed indefinitely. Meanwhile, the Phillies continue to say that Ibanez's strained left groin is improving, and an examination by team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti confirmed that.

So, what gives?

"The big thing with a situation like this is you're trying to not have it reoccur," Ibanez said yesterday. "They have a big-picture mentality, and so do I. That's what we're striving for, to make sure I stay on the field, not just for a couple weeks or a month. We're thinking about three months."

Asked if he expects to play in minor-league games this week, Ibanez said, "I hope so."

***
Reserve catcher Paul Bako, who has started three of the last four games, said something interesting yesterday: "I'm just giving Chooch [Carlos Ruiz] a break. Once Chooch gets feeling good again, I'm sure he'll be in there. I'm just here to help out and complement him, if you will."

So, is there something wrong with Ruiz?

Through a team spokesman, Ruben Amaro Jr. said Ruiz is physically fine. He is, however, batting .123 (7-for-57) since June 7.

***
Big day today, with the AL and NL All-Star rosters slated to be announced at 1 p.m. We know Ibanez and Chase Utley will start for the NL, but will Ryan Howard be selected to play in the All-Star Game in his hometown of St. Louis? Will Shane Victorino make the team? Within our Sunday MLB notes, Charlie Manuel said he will give strong consideration to his own players.

Please check back here later for a full list of 2009 All-Stars, and most of all, enjoy your Sunday.