Willis expects reunion with Rollins
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Willis expects reunion with Rollins
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
Jimmy Rollins and Dontrelle Willis grew up in the same town, attended the same high school and both had mothers who played professional softball. They have long traded barbs about who is better — Rollins, for the record, is only a career .239 hitter in 63 at-bats against Willis — and fostered a kinship as two Bay Area African Americans playing baseball.
But they've never been teammates until now.
Well, maybe.
OK, probably.
"He was probably more excited about the deal than I was," Willis said of Rollins.
Willis officially became a Phillie on Thursday when he passed his physical. The Phillies signed the former rookie of the year to a one-year deal for $850,000. Performance incentives could push his salary above $1 million.
For the first time in his career, Willis will be a reliever, one the Phillies hope can successfully retire lefthanders. The soon-to-be 30-year-old said he had interest from a handful of other teams and could have possibly remained a starter elsewhere.
The allure of Philadelphia — and a possible reunion with Rollins — was too enticing.
"I wanted to win," Willis said, "and what better ballclub to be with than Philadelphia? So at this point in my career, that's what it's all about; enjoying the game and having fun."
Playing with Rollins would be a bonus. The longtime Phillies shortstop remains unsigned, but indications are that the two sides will eventually reach an accord. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has engaged Rollins' agent, Dan Lozano, in negotiations since last week's winter meetings. Both sides are steadfast in their demands, despite the market all but evaporating for shortstops.
Willis said he talks to Rollins often. At Encinal High in Alameda, Calif., the two were never teammates. Willis played with Rollins' younger brother, Antwon. But Willis remembers shagging for Rollins during batting practice and watching Rollins learn to switch hit with instruction from his father.
Willis spoke Thursday like it's all but guaranteed he'll play alongside Rollins in 2012.
"It's pretty surreal to come full circle," Willis said. "I think our families are more excited for this than we are."
With Willis' signing, the Phillies have committed $124 million to 15 players for 2012.
Read more in Friday's Inquirer about Willis' role next season.
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
Maybe Willis can teach Jim me a thing or two about hitting and to run, not jog, to first base. Good signing.— Short Circuit 3- I hope that Willis' OBP is not higher than JRoll's in 2012!— Phillyfan among the NYers
- C'mom! I'm dyslexic, and even I can see that typo in the headline.— AreaMan
Comment removed.- Jimmy is already signed ! Wouldn't it make sense if you were working with limited cap space and were trying to make other moves to try to make it seem like they were still negotiating with Jimmy. Keep the deal secret and deal to get, say Cuddyer, for less. I'm not convinced it is Cuddyer but you get my drift.
— DUDESKINS - "I wanted to win," Willis said, "and what better ballclub to be with than Philadelphia?" This team has come a long way since the days of JD Drew and Scott Rolen. Nice to be considered by most players as one of the top destinations in the league.
— JimG - Willis is a good guy, always positive and upbeat..he will fit in with the great group of guys on the Phillies.— frank105
- ruben, if you sign jroll, you will be sorry. dont do it!— zwarte piet
- Although his arm slot makes him so potentially nasty to lefthanded batters, I was leery about Willis because of his command issues...Not just walks, which statistically to lefties have not been a problem, but the fact that when command is off, the pitcher ends up throwing hittable pitches right down Broadway.....We've all heard about his electric personality and passionate presence in the clubhouse,yada,yada...But when I heard this guy talk on WIP today, he made me a believer!....Totally rooting for this guy to find himself as a situational lefty..just a breath of fresh air. Good Luck Dontrelle.— bearsfriend
- "Willis spoke Thursday like it's all but guaranteed he'll play alongside Rollins in 2012." Dontrelle obviously spoke before he had the chance to review Section 101 of the Phils Players Handbook. Section 101 clearly states: "Nothing is guaranteed in Philadelphia." With Rollins still a holdout and the Rangers favored to acquire Prince Fielder, the Phils could still acquire Michael Young from the Rangers. A former Gold Glove shortstop, Young can play any infield position. He hit .338 last season and drove in 106 runs. You'll remember that Rollins hit .268 last season. Young is under contract for 2012 and 2013 for $16 miilion a year. That's a lot of money for the Rangers to pay a DH/utility player. The Rangers infield is already set for 2012 with Beltre, Andrus, Kinsler and Moreland. If Fielder joins the team, he and Moreland would probably split time at first base and DH. A need to free up salary could force the Rangers to trade Young for very little in return. The Rangers failure to win the world series last season as well as Young's disagreement with the Rangers front office could encourage Young to agree to a trade with a bona fide contender like the Phils. Adding a shortstop who is a former Gold Glover at the position and who is coming off a .338 batting average and 106 RBI season would be a significant upgrade at shortstop for the Phils. Hey, Dontrelle, would you settle for Michael Young's autograph?— onthebucks
- Ruben if you DON'T sign Rolins'your a damn fool!— Lynnwood
- if Willis can get the lil' slugger to drop the attitude, hustle again, and stop being a diva than I'm all for it. hmmmmm.....— Sam Crow
- I'm not sure why so many people always complain about Rollins. Even if he's not always giving his best effort he's still better then every other SS that was available, by a good margin, except for Reyes. What's your alternative people? Starting SS Wilson GIDP Valdez? Their AAA SS is not ready. It's either Rollins or forget about any offense from SS in 2012.— wildbill99
- remember when we traded one of the leaders and the top offensive power on the team, bobby abreu, and then got BETTER? THAT is why rollins does not need to be re-signed.. he is considered one of the leaders of this team, yet he constantly acts in his own self interest with regard to hitting approach in the leadoff spot and is easily upset with charlie when moved out of the leadoff spot. is that good for morale? is it good for young players to see that behavior from team leaders? — zwarte piet
- Thank You for pointing out that they are African Americans...— sillybilly
