sorry to use an entry on this, but I couldn't find it addressed in any of the other recent posts.  

In today's SF Chronicle, Susan Slusser writes that the umpire ruled that "Ellis intentionally dropped the ball, so only Cabrera was out." (This on the play with Figgins on first -- he later scored.)  Because I'm in Alabama, I wasn't able to watch the game.

First of all, in 30 years of watching baseball, this is the first I've ever heard that it is "illegal" to intentionally drop a baseball. In fact, I'm pretty sure this is not an illegal play.  Why would Figgins be allowed to take second base if this were intentional and illegal?

It seems more likely to me that the umpires ruled Ellis actually caught the ball ... however, why then would Figgins not be doubled up?

Again, because I was unable to watch or listen, please enlighten me on this play.  Thanks.