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| "Damn dude, this sucks." "Yeah dude, I know." |
Let me just state my complete admiration for Jimmy Rollins. The 2007 NL MVP has provided Phillies fans with so many great moments, so many proud moments, that it goes without saying that someday he'll be honored by this team. He very well may have his 2,000th hit this season. He's got Gold Gloves. He's got All-Star games. Yes, he has that MVP. Of course, he has that World Series ring.
Let's live in the present though, shall we, since the games are? Jimmy Rollins and his team are about 55% (or $6 million and change) into a three year, $38 million guaranteed deal, which is actually four years at $44 million in reality. He's 33 now, and will be 36 at the end of his deal. He's still a productive player, and his contract is not that bad. If he plays out this season, or for that matter the whole deal, it's not the end of the world. The contract's also not that cheap either, and Jimmy seems very intent to occupy two very premium spots on this team- lead-off hitter and shortstop. Jimmy's been less than a perfect fit at lead-off for a couple years now, and while he's still outstanding at shortstop, will that hold up?
The Dodgers have an interest in the $32 million guaranteed Rollins. The Phillies would be smart to at least pick up the phone and take the call.
I'm not saying give him away- not at all. I'm saying take the call and consider the offer. Jimmy's a productive player, sure, but will he be for the whole deal? Is that $11 million in the best possible place for it to be, if this team wants to be contenders in 2013, 2014, and 2015? Would the Phillies be better off getting a couple of young, cheap, controllable players instead of Jimmy, and having that money available for free agents who are entering or are in their primes? I think the answer to the final question is yes, however the first two are minimally in question, if not flat out "no's."
The Dodgers, one potential suitor, are flush with pitching in their top ten prospects. While Zach Lee would be the goal, getting several top ten talents would not hurt. The Giants, also interested players here, have a more diverse top ten, flush with catching, shortstops, outfielders, and pitchers. Gary Brown is their top prospect, and he's also very worth the look. Obviously the money is a huge road block, as is getting back a good haul, but it's not insurmountable.
I'm not saying pack Jimmy's bags and ship him off. I'm saying take the call, listen, and see what you can do.
