Jimmy Rollins married his wife Johari in 2010, and the couple welcomed a daughter in 2012. While Rollins' family is young, they aren't that young, and you would figure if anyone knows Rollins, it's his family. However, his family's knowledge of him probably pails in comparison to that of his long-time double-play partner Chase Utley, who Rollins has played with in parts of 13 big-league seasons.
So naturally, Utley was asked about his long-time teammate's future today at Dodgerfest.
Chase Utley said he expects Jimmy Rollins will be in camp with some team. "He should be. He can still play."
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) January 30, 2016
The two, of course, are the greatest double-play duo in Philadelphia Phillies' history, and were briefly re-united in Los Angeles last season after the Dodgers traded for Utley in mid-August. After the season, the Dodgers re-signed Utley to a one-year/$7 million deal, while electing to let Rollins walk in free-agency as they permanently usher in top prospect Corey Seager.
Must read: 7 Phillies named in MLB Pipeline top 100 prospects
Rollins' first ever free-agent stint has been rather quiet, after a disappointing season in Los Angeles saw him bat just .224 with 13 homeruns and 74 RBI's. Rollins also took a step back in the field, as the four-time gold-glove winner posted a -6.2 UZR, which was the second time the once sure-handed shortstop posted a negative UZR in three seasons. He also posted a negative dWAR for the first time since 2001. This, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, has prompted some teams to show interest in the 37 year-old as a second-baseman, rather than a shortstop. Rollins did rebound from a negative UZR in 2013 to post a positive one in 2014, though, so Rosenthal also noted that while Rollins wasn't against the idea of changing positions, he was going to allow the market to play itself out before making any decisions.
That report from Rosenthal came over two weeks ago, and the market is still waiting on former Washington Nationals' shortstop Ian Desmond to sign. Desmond is a below-average fielder, but posted a higher UZR and dWAR than Rollins last year, and is a better hitter than Rollins at this point in both of their careers.
Once Desmond does eventually sign, it should open up more opportunities for Rollins, who still figures to be a starting middle-infielder for some team on Opening Day.
Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) is the Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com, focusing on news and features
