Report: Los Angeles Dodgers Have Interest in Jimmy Rollins at Short
July 16, 2012 by Zak Schmoll
Filed under Fan News
The Los Angeles Dodgers have some interest in Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, “sources said Monday,” Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reports.
The topic is surely going to generate some controversy among Phillies fans.
On one hand, Rollins is the emotional leader of the club. He has always shown confidence and swagger. He began his career when the Phillies were just beginning to get their act together, and he has been a part of all the success since then.
Since Rollins is a homegrown talent, it would obviously be difficult to imagine the shortstop hole filled by anyone else at Citizens Bank Park. However, Rollins is not without critics. Most of this negativity stems from his contract, which many people feel is far too high for what he has produced.
This past winter, Rollins signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the club. For a team with such a huge payroll already, this move was somewhat controversial, as many believed the money would be better spent elsewhere (particularly, getting younger).
In exchange for this contract, Rollins has hit .261 with eight home runs, 33 RBI and 14 stolen bases thus far in 2012. Those aren’t bad numbers, but for an average of $11 million a season, Philadelphia was hoping for a little more production.
Now, keep in mind that the only thing that we have heard is that the Dodgers have “interest” in the shortstop. The Philadelphia Phillies have not addressed this story or situation, and Rollins has been absent in the rumor-mill flurry thus far.
However, if there is legitimate interest from Los Angeles and the Phillies decide to become sellers, these rumors will surely intensify. Currently locked in a battle with the San Francisco Giants for the NL West crown, the Dodgers need offense, and the Phillies may want to cut payroll and begin building anew with younger talent.
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