Rollins has goals, but few predictions
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Rollins has goals, but few predictions
Matt Gelb
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Jimmy Rollins says he is out of the prediction business.
Just like the countdown to pitchers and catchers, Rollins' prognostications are an annual rite of spring. This spring, he would only go so far as to say Roy Halladay is the best pitcher in the National League East rather than the Mets' Johan Santana.
When asked if he had any predictions about the Phillies, Rollins treaded lightly.
"We do have a chance of doing something special," Rollins said. "Actually, Frank (Coppenbarger) came and told me National League champs that go to the World Series three years in a row win two out of three. Sounds like some pretty good odds."
A TV reporter followed up with, so what's your prediction?
"You just got it," Rollins said.
Rollins said he has some goals of his own. The first one is to steal 50 bases, something he has never done in his career. He came close in 2008 (47 steals) and 2001 (46 steals). He said he already talked to first base coach and base stealing guru Davey Lopes about attaining 50 steals.
"Will it happen? Let’s see," Rollins said. "But that’s my goal. It’s a place I’ve never been before. So it gives me something to shoot at."
He went beyond the steals, too.
"I’m trying to keep the errors under three this year," Rollins said. "That would be nice. Still trying to score 150 runs. I never hit .300. I’m still working on 200 hits. So there are a lot of things for me to do. If I do those things, hopefully I’ll be doing a good enough job to help us bring another championship."
Rollins said he was pleasantly surprised the Phillies picked up his $8.5 million option for 2011 in December.
"That’s cool," Rollins said. "That’s real cool. I’ll just go out there and relax and play. I’ve only been in this organization. It’s never dawned upon me to leave. Seems like if you’ve been a part of winning and have been a good person they pick your option up. It’s definitely a blessing."
As for any other predictions, Rollins said they aren't necessary any longer.
"At this point, it’s just for fun and laughs," Rollins said. "Everybody knows what needs to be done and what’s expected and more importantly everybody believes. Every year you come in to spring training and of course we’re supposed to win. We’re a major league ball club, they pay us to win. But believing in it and watching it happen is completely differ. Now that we have that (belief) it’s no longer necessary to be said. Players that come in here they know what’s expected here."
I just got chills as I thought about his game-winning shot off Braxton of the Dodgers in game 4 of that series. J-Roll!— Bake McBride- Hopefully Jroll figured out that in order to steal 50 bags he needs to get on base and not try to go deep every at bat. If Jroll can get on base with PP hitting behind him he should have plenty of opps to steal. Please God no more pop ups!!— dis14
- You're going to have to get on base consistently throughout the year to swipe 50 bags Jimmy!— J.H.S.
- I'm predicting another gold glove for the man.— Chadds Ford
- JRoll reads this stuff, so here is my suggestion. Ask your beautiful bride to remind you each day to lay off the high fastball. I know she has significant influence and I eagerly await your reply to this idea.— mick314
- "Now that we have that (belief) it’s no longer necessary to be said. Players that come in here they know what’s expected here." It sure is great to hear Jimmy set the stage. Good to see he will be around in 2011 too; go for 50 Jimmy!— usmc_0311
As for going deep, he should only try to do that much more with regard to the count, he'll get on base more = more stolen bases. He's never been a patient leadoff...I'd love to see him be more patient.- $8.5 million is a bargain for the Phils. JRoll seems happy with it, too. It's a win-win-win (that last win was for us).— vafan
- jroll is going to kick some *ss this year— jillmc
- What about having Rollins slide out of leadoff (let Vic bat leadoff) and batting third, in between Utley and Howard? Thoughts?— The Reddgie
- I can not freakin wait until April!!— Phillyphan26
- JRoll is the face of the Phillies franchise. He was here when we were god awful. But his young swagger believed (even when many of the fans didn't) that one day we could be world champions of baseball. He brought that goal to Philadelphia along with many other people. During his time here he instantly became a leader. He set an example that hard work, dedication and an overall belief of greatness will yield positive results. He has as much to do with turning this entire franchise around as anyone who has ever wore red and white. JRoll knows how to lead by example, and he knows how to stay cool under pressure and motivate his team. And sometimes when he loses focus, or he begins to take the leadership roll for granted, he has Charlie right there to bring him back down. Charlie Manuel was meant to coach Jimmy Rollins, they both have the same desire for both baseball and winning. Jimmy...from the fans of Philadelphia we need you to know that you are one of the few in any sport that was willing to stick with our hardness and passion as fans, and you were willing to work as had as needed to finally bring us something we had only dreamed of. We hope you finish your career here in Philadelphia, becuase you deserve to be in this franchise for the rest of your life. You opened our eyes Jimmy, and instead of the doubt we so often were use to, you gave us the swagger you had all along. The winning swagger, the swagger to say "hey, we are the Philadelphia Phillies and we will not go down without a fight. And more importanty, when push comes to shove, we are winners and won't settle no more for mediocracy."— EagleBeliever
- Phightn's rule!!!!!— Corey301
- Jroll you are a leader on this team, your defense is a pleasure to watch. Do yourself a favor and start working on becoming a contact hitter. Think Ichiro or even Victorino who does whatever it takes to get on base. Learn to hit that little slap shot to the opposite field on high and away. That sir is how you hit .300 which will lead to all the other goals you have. Charlie doesn't have you hitting leadoff to drive the ball out of the park.— bobf876
- lets win one for jimmy considering he wont be back after 2010,werth will get his cash and galvis will be our new ss— soliteryman
