MLB Free Agents: Jimmy Rollins Deal a Steal for Philadelphia Phillies

For all the mounting criticism directed at Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.—he traded Cliff Lee, overpaid Ryan Howard, failed to extend Cole Hamels (so far)—he and the franchise made out beautifully in the just-announced re-signing of incumbent shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

The Phillies gave Rollins a three-year deal worth $33 million with a vesting option fourth year. From the get-go, Rollins wanted a five-year deal and the Phillies felt they couldn’t go higher than three.

In the end, the Phillies got their man at their price. For a team with scant alternatives, the deal validates Amaro’s hard line and keeps Philadelphia’s window for a third championship open for the next few years.

And for those preoccupied with Rollins’ shortcomings—pops up too much, doesn’t see enough pitches, takes plays off—the stats tell the story.

Here are Rollins’ ranks among major league shortstops over the last five seasons in the major player value categories:

WAR: 5th

HR: 5th

RBI: 5th

Walks: 7th

SB: 2nd

 

SLG%: 5th

OPS : 5th

The argument against Rollins is largely one of passion and inference. But looking at the numbers, it’s clear Rollins is one of the best at his craft.

Add to all that the fact that Rollins has been one of the league’s most valuable defenders and efficient base runners, and I’d say the Phillies just got one of the league’s better shortstops for a mighty reasonable price.

Even accounting for the indignities of old age, Rollins figures to be one of baseball’s ten best at his position over the life of his contract.

All of it amounts to tremendous value for a team built to compete for a World Series over the next few seasons.

The Phillies made sure his talents stayed planted in South Philadelphia and secured a franchise great through the waning years of his decorated career. Bravo.

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Why the Philadelphia Phillies Can Win World Series Behind Roy Halladay

Another year, another clinch.

While securing the Philadelphia Phillies‘ fifth straight playoff appearance with a complete-game, shutout victory over the Houston Astros (the same route taken to last year’s division championship), Roy Halladay proved again why he’s the best pitcher in the National League.

An ace among aces, the veteran hurler ranks among the NL’s top five in every major statistical category (ERA, strikeouts, innings pitched, wins) and looks poised to lead his Phillies back to the World Series.

There is no safer bet in the chaos of playoff baseball than Roy Halladay on the mound in October. Here’s why.

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Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Big Trends as the Phillies Chase the Pennant

A ninth consecutive winning season is already secured, a 90-win campaign is a mere formality, and 100 wins looks more and more likely. So what’s left for these Philadelphia Phillies?

A little fine tuning, that’s what.

The goal for the rest of the regular season is clear: Stay healthy and secure the best record in the National League.

Ignore what head-to-head history or gut tells you, the Phillies would much rather play whatever weakling comes out of the NL West than the presumptive NL Central champs from Milwaukee. First place in the division would all but guarantee a showdown with the Diamondbacks or Giants.

After that it’s a crap-shoot; so if I’m the Phillies I do what I can while the sample size is still big.

With that goal in mind, let’s look at the five key areas of concern as the Fightin’ Phils wind their way toward October.

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