The lines harden in Rollins negotiations
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The lines harden in Rollins negotiations
Matt Gelb and Bob Brookover
DALLAS — The line was drawn more than a year ago when Ruben Amaro Jr. flatly said he was comfortable with Jimmy Rollins entering 2011 without a new contract. There has been posturing back and forth ever since and it will bubble over at these winter meetings, where the Phillies and Rollins may decide there are no compromises to be made.
Shortly after the season, the 33-year-old Rollins said he wanted a five-year contract. The Phillies, Amaro said, were content to let the market take shape. They want to re-sign Rollins, a priority stated by Amaro ever since the offseason started.
But here in Texas, where emotions can determine roster moves in an electric setting with all of baseball present, there is some doubt about Rollins' future in Philadelphia.
The Phillies met with Dan Lozano, Rollins' agent, late Sunday night. Early Monday morning, rumors circulated the lobby of the Anatole Hilton of the Phillies' interest in third baseman Aramis Ramirez, a free agent. The Palm Beach Post first reported those rumors and FoxSports.com later added that Placido Polanco was being "actively shopped" by the Phillies.
Those rumors, it appears, were a direct effect of the meeting between Amaro and Lozano. While Rollins is the top shortstop remaining on the market after Jose Reyes' six-year, $106 million deal, his known potential suitors are limited. A five-year deal could be a dream, especially considering Reyes is five years younger and signed for six.
But a baseball source who spoke with Rollins said the shortstop is standing firm on his demand. The source said, if anything, the Reyes deal made the Rollins camp believe his value increased.
"I gave the Phillies a discount the first time," Rollins told the source.
Then again, Rollins may not find an option more attractive than the Phillies' offer. Milwaukee is interested in Rollins, but their top priority is re-signing Prince Fielder. Other teams that need shortstops like St. Louis, Atlanta and San Francisco have expressed a desire to fill the position on the cheap.
It's all part of the negotiating process. No one said it would be amicable, and these meetings are proof. The staring contest will continue.
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
No way Jimmy truly believes he will get 5 years. Marked, progressive drop-off since his MVP season (forgetting the small upswing last year), age, increased chance for injuries (how many leg problems has he had?), and an ego that says he will never do what the team feels is best. The, "I am a leadoff hitter...period" argument is draining.
Yes, Jimmy has certainly helped the team throughout his career, but if he thinks a team with a huge cash outlay already will willingly OVERPAY now, just because he "gave them a discount" earlier...well, he is probably dreaming. I cannot see Amaro offering anything more than 2 years with an option. I've heard that very few teams are legitimately interested in Rollins, Cardinals and Brewers, perhaps. That's a lot of teams that do not feel you are worth it, Jimmy. Maybe take that hint in your negotiation tactics.— MrPhillie
i'd go with freddy galvis at SS and spend the money somewhere else. he can't be any worse than kevin stocker, and that team won a pennant— oliver north- Jimmy, if it weren't for your approx 57 1st pitch pop ups in the infield, the lack of attempts in stolen bases and the fact that a true leader would tell the team, guys follow my lead and prove to the owners that you know how to get it done, why would any team offer u a 5yr gig? Be realistic, go for a 3yr with incentives that if your as good as you think u are, the 4th would be a gimme.— 98supra
- "I gave the Phillies a discount the first time", give me a break. Always have been over rated in my book. If you feel the grass is greener on the other side, go and take the money. Have fun watching us win championships while you are sitting home with all your money.
— PhillyFan1969 - I would offer JRoll at the very most 3yrs for 33mil. No more. Im sure there are other ss out there who hit 235 to 250 with a half descent arm and speed.
— 98supra - Rollins will probably get his best offer from Amaro. Doubt if anyone's going to give him a "Werth" contract. If someone offer the years that Rollins is looking for, he's gone. No way are the Phils going to give him 5 years.— Boru
- Who is better than Rollins even at his advanced age? Five years is little much at his age. Rollins may want to rethink his position as look quickly Rowand eroded and took the Giants money without delivering.— jpelle36
- Who is better than Rollins even at his advanced age? Five years is little much at his age. Rollins may want to rethink his position as look quickly Rowand eroded and took the Giants money without delivering.— jpelle36
- That's the end of JStoll - Reuben knows it's time for the Phillies to move on. Utley will be a considerable upgrade as a leadoff hitter.— jimclements
- Good riddance!! I don't how RAJ can even consider bringing him back if he's serious about wanting the team to play more small ball. I'd rather they get Aramis Ramirez to play 3rd, and let some glove to bat 8th and play SS until Galvis is ready to play every day.— Only in Philly...
- Rollins is history. Reyes is but a fleeting memory. Time to move onward and upward. The talk of acquiring Aramis Ramirez makes for interesting speculation. Placido Polanco has played a significant number of games at shortstop over the years, and although he may lack the lateral range of a Rollins or Reyes, he is still a Gold Glove infielder who could probably do a very nice job for the Phils at shortstop. Acquiring Ramirez and moving Polanco to shortstop would be a major upgrade.— onthebucks
- Onthebucks, you are thinking correctly. If they did this and brought up Galvis, they could play Galvis part time and feature his glove while he adjusts to MLB pitching. If he progresses well, Polly's your supersub in the mold of guys like Duncan/Roberts/Phillips (but with a better glove) from the last 20 years.— Bobby G
- Everyone bounce on J Roll. People, you don't just decide to do away with a shortstop, then snap your fingers , and think one is just waiting on your doorstep who's just as good, or better.
J Roll, should ask for a guaranteed 2 year contract with an option year. If he doesn't take it, then it's time to bring up a rookie. There isn't a shortstop out there that's available, who can perform as well as Rollins. The Marlins have a head case, they'd like to dump, but what would you have to pay just to get more trouble. Rollins has lost a step, no doubt about it; but right now, he's the best option.— phineas - Rollins isn't 20x better than Galvis or Valdez or anyone, but he would be paid 20x more. As long as they have a reliable glove, I'd rather see them spend money on a legit slugger. — jtj06
- Can Ramirez play 2nd?— Astro Jones
