Say goodbye to Jimmy Rollins.
I suppose the Phils’ longtime shortstop could have a change of heart. Or maybe there’s a team out there that will give him a new, big-money five-year deal. But I don’t think it will be the Phillies.
Just days after the Phils’ bitter exit from the post-season, J-Roll met the media. He didn’t mince words. He indicated that while he would like to finish his career here in Philly, he wants those five years. Rollins also indicated that money and winning will be a factor. In other words, he's not going the Jayson Werth route.
Money and winning have not been a problem around Citizens Bank Park. But not many people believe Rollins is going to get five years out of the only team he’s played for in major league baseball.
Rollins is going to be 33 next year. He wants one more big contract.
He’s also been increasingly injury-prone, with stints on the disabled list for a variety of leg ailments the last two years.
Rollins has never been what you would call a prototypical leadoff man, where he has spent the bulk of his Phillies career. He doesn’t take pitches. He doesn’t work counts. He has a tendency to swing for the fences. But he was one of the few offensive bright spots for the Phils in the NLDS against the Cardinals and remains a superior defensive shortstop.
Rollins said he is leaving his options open. So will the Phillies. There is a chance they could still reach a deal.
I wouldn’t bet on it.
You can read Ryan Lawrence’s coverage of the Rollins press conference here.
And make sure you check out Jack McCaffery’s take on G.M. Ruban Amaro’s view of the Phils’ offensive problems and what the team can do about them. It’s good stuff.
Comments