Former Philadelphia Phillies' shortstop Jimmy Rollins' career appears that it will continue in 2016.
Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura told Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune that barring an injury, Rollins is likely to make the team’s roster.
Robin Ventura on Jimmy Rollins: "I expect him to make the team, unless something happens physically where it wouldn’t work."
— Colleen Kane (@ChiTribKane) March 2, 2016
Rollins agreed to a minor-league deal with the White Sox on February 22. The deal included an invite to big-league camp, giving him an opportunity to make the team’s Opening Day roster. Rollins, who will make just $2 million if he makes the White Sox roster, reportedly turned down guaranteed major league opportunities for a chance to potentially start at shortstop for the White Sox.
Rollins, 37, batted just .224 with 13 home runs and 41 RBIs in 2015, his lone-season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fangraphs also ranked the four-time gold-glover as the 20th best fielding shortstop out of 23 ranked, a far cry from what fans in Philadelphia became accustomed to with Rollins.
A season ago, Rollins began the season as the starting shortstop for the Dodgers, essentially keeping the seat warm for top prospect Corey Seager. Before the regular season ended, Seager usurped Rollins as the team’s starting shortstop. While White Sox prospect Tim Anderson isn’t as highly touted as Seager, he’s considered one of the organization’s top prospects, so Rollins will likely serve as just a place-holder for the second consecutive season.
Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) is the Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com, focusing on news and features.
