Once the face of the franchise, Jimmy Rollins may now be on his way out of Philadelphia.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, there is a strong sentiment within the Philadelphia Phillies organization that the team would be better off trading away Rollins, and doing so as soon as possible.
Sources: There is strong sentiment within PHI organization right now that the team would be better off trading shortstop Jimmy Rollins ASAP.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 18, 2014
The news comes just days removed from Rollins’ recent tussle with Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, and perhaps the organization is siding with management over the veteran shortstop.
Last week, Sandberg gave Freddy Galvis the start at short over Rollins in the team’s Grapefruit League game against the Baltimore Orioles and announced he would do the same Thursday against the New York Yankees. Despite Rollins being fully healthy and the projected starter, Sandberg reportedly favors competition and is very high on the young Galvis.
Here’s what CSN Philly reported on the situation.
Sandberg likes competition within a team. Given that, he was asked whether Galvis could be creeping up on Rollins, the Phillies starter at shortstop for 13 seasons.
“Freddy’s a guy that will get playing time at various positions,” Sandberg said. “He’s a guy that I like in the lineup. I felt good about what he brings to the table. The biggest thing I like is his energy and his positive influence, his positive influence on everyone around him.”
Sandberg was asked what he would say about Rollins in that regard.
“No comment,” the manager said.
Rollins does, however, have 10-and-5 rights, which allows him to veto any trade he is placed in. At 35 years old, Rollins is due $11 million this season and includes an $11 million vesting option for next season.
Rollins is on track to become the Phillies’ all-time leading hitter this season, and over the weekend said he had no plans to agree to a trade before reaching that pinnacle. Rollins is currently fourth on the franchise’s all-time hit list at 2,175. Standing between him and the record is Ed Delahanty (2,212), Richie Ashburn (2,217) and Mike Schmidt (2,234). In fact, Rollins said only “a disaster” would cause him to end is pursuit of the record.
“There’s only 30 guys that are their team’s leader in hits,” Rollins told Comcast Sportsnet. “It’s a pretty high honor.”
