Philadelphia Phillies: The Great Debate over Jimmy Rollins

When the clock ticked past the start of free agency, it may have also began the countdown toward the end of the career of a Philadelphia Phillies cornerstone and fan favorite.

With veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins about to test the waters of free agency for the first time in his 11-year career, the front office is facing one of the most difficult decisions in recent memory.

Rollins’ value to the team over the past decade has been immeasurable, as he has managed to combine outspoken leadership with confident play on the diamond. Though he has hit his speed bumps with fans and managers over the years, J-Roll has worked his way into the hearts of historically hard-to-please Philadelphians. 

However, the question is not how much to pay the infielder for his services that crowds have flocked to see on a nightly basis.

The debate centers around if the team should even keep him on the payroll next season at the risk of committing to a declining player who relies on his body to fuel his game.

Rollins will be 33 years of age when the 2012 season opens, playing in the first year of a new deal. All that remains to be seen is whether General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. will open up his checkbook and reward the loyalty of a Philadelphia mainstay or allow him to chase greener pastures.

There are legitimate reasons on both sides of the argument concerning the future of the face of the Phils. Is Rollins nothing more than an aging athlete falling out his prime, or is he an indispensable piece of a team that is on the cusp of another title?

Should he stay or should he go?

You decide.

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