2011 Fantasy Baseball Bounce Back Player Alert: Jimmy Rollins

Until baseball starts, this column will be highlighting players I’m looking at for a significant jump in stats over last year.

 Week 1’s Selection: Jimmy Rollins

 J-Roll is coming off his worst statistical season since becoming a full time major leaguer. He’s 32 years old, had a rash of leg injuries last season and his game is heavily dependent upon speed.

Right about now, you’re probably wondering why I would pick him as a bounce back player for 2011.

Well, I have 3 good reasons:

1)  He’s healthy again after a full offseason of workouts and his new found fondness for yoga.

2)  He’s extremely likely to be hitting in the #5 spot, which will give him a lot of RBI chances in the Philadelphia lineup.

3)  IT’S A CONTRACT YEAR! He knows he has to produce to get paid. Isn’t it funny how that always seems to help?

With those factors and the lack of quality depth at shortstop, I’d safely bet on Rollins being a top five shortstop again this year, with the potential to end up as high as third.

2011 Fantasy Forecast: 85 R, 18 HR, 90 RBI, 25 SB, .265 Avg

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com