Jimmy Rollins vs. Wilson Valdez
A two-year comparison of Jimmy Rollins and Wilson Valdez.
Jimmy Rollins vs. Wilson Valdez
Bob Vetrone Jr.
It sure looks as though Jimmy Rollins will be swinging at the first pitch for another major league baseball club next season. And, if those in the know are right, the Phillies think Freddy Galvis is going to need a full Triple-A season under his belt before he sees the bright lights at the big show.
So, while those covering the Hot Stove leagues bandie about names like Jose Reyes and Rafael Furcal, we thought we'd take a look at how Rollins' 2010-11 numbers compare to the Phillie who mostly filled in for him at short when Rollins missed games those two seasons.
And while the numbers for Wilson Valdez don't quite stack up to those of Rollins over that time, they are probably a lot closer than most people think. Remember, it's not the 2007 MVP Jimmy Rollins we're talking about any more. The numbers are below.
Noteworthy: The Phils had a better record over the last two seasons when Valdez started at shortstop than when Rollins did. Even if you throw out the seven games Rollins started during the eight-game "hangover" this season, his win percentage (.622) is lower ... Rollins has slight edges in the three averages, but none by a whole lot ... Rollins scored more often, about 12 more runs per 700 PA, a direct result of Valdez having a lower on-base percentage ... Although Valdez has had some fielding problems at short (four errors in 91 chances this season), their percentages are fairly close over the two stations and Valdez actually had more chances per nine innings than Jimmy.
| Two-Season Totals | Rollins | Valdez |
| Current Age | 32 | 33 |
| Record (as SS Starter) |
150-98 .604 |
45-25 .643 |
| BATTING (All Games) | ||
| Batting Avg. | .258 | .254 |
| On-Base Pct. | .331 | .300 |
| Slugging Pct. | .389 | .351 |
| Runs/700 PA | 92 | 80 |
| FIELDING (SS only) | ||
| Fielding Pct. | .986 | .981 |
| Chances/9 IP | 4.2 | 4.5 |
Comment removed.
Bye Jimmy— beefbre- Another plus for Valdez is he can pitch relief.— scribbles
- FINALLY!!!!!! I have been saying that Wilson may be the answer for MONTHS and no one ever gives the guy any credit! One thing I always can't believe is that Wilson is actually OLDER than Jimmy, but he plays like a much younger guy!!! I'll really miss Jimmy if he leaves, but I do think Valdez is the answer over young Galvis (at this point anyways). Plus...when the game is tied in the 11th inning...we all look forward to Wilson coming in a surprise relief pitcher, don't we?...— bingbangbong
- Comment removed.
- Fielding percentage comparison is interesting given that WV moved around the infield so much. Probably would improve if he stayed at shortstop. His OBP is lower, so he hits out of the 7 or 8 spot and doesn't make a big deal out of it. My biggest concern with WV is his uncanny ability to end innings when there's only 1 out: should change his number from 21 to 643.— philorchphilsphan
- Agreed. My gut has been telling me that WV has been a suitable replacement for JR...glad to see it in the numbers.— sw2surf
- that is what i have been saying all along........ I don't know why no one likes Valdez, he has a great arm above average fielding and has come up with some clutch hits. I'm betting he would even listen to some coaching unlike mr. all-ego rollins— your_mom_says_hi!
- POP UP JIMMY NEVER DID LEARN SINGLES WIN GAMES TOO !! IT'S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT HOMERUNS...............— JIMMAC6
- Check out BA with runners in Scoring Position..— FABER
- Phillies will have an identity crisis. SS is heart of the infield, Valdez doesn't speak English.— gho_matt
- valdez has no power, show us rbis and runs scored and jimmy will surely blow wilson out of the water— cheezaliciouz
- Rollins will be the Ginats shortstop very soon.— kelprod2
- Runners in scoring position: Rollins .322; Valdez .370.— bmack
- Rollins good for 35 steals 15-18 HRs 70 RBIs in leadoff role. Valdez a good back up man does not compare with those figures. Phills biggest minus is inconsistent hitting they would be worse with Valdez for Rollins. Putting teams losses on one persons shouders is rediculous. Rockies under 500 as team is that Tulowitski fault.— Don w
