Analysis: Jimmy Rollins trade rumors likely won't evolve
Let's travel back to July 28. ...
Analysis: Jimmy Rollins trade rumors likely won't evolve Let's travel back to July 28. ... Check out this story on delawareonline.com: http://delonline.us/1bLJxSg
The News Journal Published 11:23 p.m. ET Dec. 16, 2013
Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins has a no-trade clause and has spent his entire MLB career with the team. (Photo: Steve Mitchell)
Let's travel back to July 28.
The Phillies were shuffling to pack bags in Detroit, mercifully heading home after a mauling at the hands of the Tigers. Detroit swept the three-game set by a combined score of 24-5. The weekend featured Raul Valdes making a spot start and delivering an 85-mph fastball waist-high to Miguel Cabrera in his first at-bat.
Not the best weekend for the Phillies.
Jimmy Rollins, much like he became Monday, saw himself the subject of trade rumors. ESPN's Buster Olney reported Monday that the Phillies were "very willing" to move the 2007 NL MVP.
The trade deadline was three days away on that July day, and the Phils were seven games below .500. The playoffs seemed – and were – a distant, unattainable goal.
Rollins could have brought a nice haul back in return, should Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. wanted to blow things up. But Rollins – who has a no-trade clause – was frank about his goals and ambitions as his career winds down.
"There are still a couple of things I'd like to be No. 1 in for this organization, so until those things are done, I'm not going anywhere," Rollins said.
The shortstop already holds the career Phillies record for doubles. He's 59 hits away from the team record held by Mike Schmidt. Barring injury, he should get that before the 2014 All-Star break. He's third in triples but is 50 shy of the top spot.
Rollins, 35, has been in the majors for 14 years, all of those with the Phillies. Per Major League Baseball rules, any 10-year vet who has played with the same team for five consecutive years qualifies for a full no-trade clause.
Thus, unless his mind has changed in the last six months, Rollins isn't heading to another team anytime soon. If the Phillies fall out of contention once again and Rollins has that hits record by the 2014 trade deadline, the subject may be worth revisiting.
He has one year left on his contract at $11 million, with a $11 million vesting option for 2015. The option vests if Rollins has 600 plate appearances in 2014, something he's done each of the last three seasons.
Contact Chris Branch at cbranch@delawareonline.com.
Vote for Delaware Online Athlete of the Week for Week 7 of the winter season
Why can't the Eagles find an offensive coordinator?
Why is Doug Pederson taking the blame for Eagles' season?
Two new boys hoops teams break into Delaware Online high school sports rankings
Delaware Basketball Hall of Fame to induct 8
Meet Delaware's Coach of the Year