The Phillies are ready to rebuild, but the team has some mainstays in shortstop Jimmy Rollins, second baseman Chase Utley, and first baseman Ryan Howard. If the team wishes to rebuild, something has to give to clear spaces for young players that the Phillies could acquire. While Rollins and Utley with full no-trade projection have frequently balked at deals, one of them has changed his mind.
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports:
Longtime Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins is said to be willing to consent to be traded to the Dodgers if the teams could work things out. It isn't known how likely a Rollins deal is with the Dodgers, but a person familiar with the situation said there's at least some chance it could happen.
Rollins, the Phillies alltime hit leader who has 10-and-5 veto rights, is said to be approving very few teams. The Mets were one team he is known to have turned down, and sources say he also would not approve his hometown Oakland A's.
The Dodgers lost shortstop Hanley Ramirez to free agency.
The Dodgers were also rumored to be willing to trade shortstop/second baseman Dee Gordon. Gordon, son of former Phillies closer Tom Gordon, is a superb defender with a low on-base percentage. At the very least, Gordon could keep the position staffed while the Phillies load up on young options, or wait for shortstop J.P. Crawford.
