Former Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins once said that someone would have to "rip the jersey off his back" for him to retire. Rollins, who had not played in the Major Leagues since a June release from the Chicago White Sox, went to camp with the San Francisco Giants to try again. Word broke Tuesday night that Rollins will not make the San Francisco Giants Opening Day roster.
Andrew Baggardly of the Mercury News got the word from Giants manager Bruce Bochy:
Giants manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged that the veteran shortstop had been informed about his status with the team.
“We’ve talked to Jimmy and he knows the scenario and the situation,” Bochy said. “We’re just waiting to hear back from him.”
The "situation" is an opt-out clause Rollins can choose to exercise from his minor league deal. But, the choice to opt out may not be so easy for Rollins.
Despite apparently not making the Giants roster, the Giants have three exhibition games scheduled for the San Francisco Bay area. If Rollins does not use his opt out, the Giants have invited him to play in those three games. If perhaps Rollins decides that it is time for him to retire, he could retire having played three games at home, as Rollins is an Oakland native.
The Giants never had much of an opening for Rollins, with Gold Glove and All-Star shortstop Brandon Crawford occupying shortstop. Rollins got a good look at shortstop while Crawford was in the World Baseball Classic for Team USA, and Rollins increased his versatility by playing some second base for the Giants this spring. But with a .125 batting average, it would be hard to justify Rollins' existence on the Opening Day roster, particularly with veteran infielder Aaron Hill outplaying Rollins.
Should Rollins look to latch on with another team, he might have some trouble. Rollins received no offers after being released by the White Sox last year. So, this very well may be the end for Rollins.
