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Jimmy Rollins News & Rumors

Rollins signing nearly completes Phils' winter
December 20
CSN Philly
 
"Workers have spent the last few days constructing a hockey rink on the infield at Citizens Bank Park. Up on the executive level of the ballpark, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has just about finished constructing the roster he will take to spring training in two months. Amaro's two off-season priorities were closer and shortstop. He addressed the back end of the bullpen by signing free agent Jonathan Papelbon and the shortstop position by bringing back 11-year starter Jimmy Rollins with a three-year, $33 million contract that was officially announced on Monday."
Phils' Rollins back where he belongs
December 20
Courier-Post
 
"Two months ago, Jimmy Rollins predicted he would be holding another press conference at Citizens Bank Park. It finally came Monday, after the Phillies' shortstop re-signed with the only team he has ever known in his professional baseball career, which started when he was a 17-year-old selected in the second round of the 1996 draft. Rollins signed a three-year contract worth $33 million, with an $11 million vesting option for a fourth year that both Rollins and Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., said is easily attainable."
Phils make it official, Rollins signs new deal
December 19
MLB.com
 
"Jimmy Rollins is staying where he feels he belongs, and he'll be doing so for the long haul. The 33-year-old shortstop agreed over the weekend to a three-year, $33 million contract with an $11 million vesting option for a fourth year, and the Phillies officially announced the deal Monday. The deal will keep Rollins, already the longest-tenured professional athlete in Philadelphia, with the Phillies through 2015, assuming he stays healthy and his option vests. Even if it doesn't, that vesting option could become a club option at $8 million or a player option at $5 million."
Rollins will become an all-time great Phillie
December 19
CSN Philly
 columnist John Finger
"Twelve years into his career with the Phillies, Jimmy Rollins has already solidified his standing as the best shortstop ever to play for the franchise. In fact, there is Rollins and no one else. Larry Bowa was selected as the best shortstop in franchise history during the closing weekend at Veterans Stadium, but it didn't take Rollins long to surpass him. Meanwhile, Rollins' new contract should put him on the short list of the all-time greats for any position in Phillies history. There have not been too many players to last as long in Philadelphia as Rollins, with Mike Schmidt leading the way with 18 years of service. When Rollins suits up in April for his 13th season, only Schmidt, Tony"
A fair deal for Rollins
December 18
CSN Philly
 columnist Jim Salisbury
"Jimmy Rollins' 2007 season was one of the best and most exciting that these eyes have seen in a whole lot of years covering baseball. From his brash "We're the team to beat comment," to his 20th triple in the division-clinching game on the final day of the regular season, Rollins was a joy to watch play the game. As memorable that MVP season was, it turned out to be somewhat of a curse for Rollins. From that season forward, he was going to be measured against his performance in 2007, and that was going to be difficult, if not impossible, to duplicate. That's why it's called a career year."
Show goes on, Rollins re-signs with Phillies
December 18
CSN Philly
 
"The happiness was clear in Jimmy Rollins' voice. "Man that position!" he said over the phone. That position is Phillies shortstop. Rollins will man it for another three years, and probably four, after agreeing to a contract extension with the club on Saturday afternoon. Operation "Show Must Go On" as it was dubbed by Rollins, ended with the 33-year-old getting a three-year deal that will pay him $33 million. The deal includes what one person close to the situation called an "easy" vesting option for a fourth year. The option is worth $11 million and is likely based on plate appearances in 2013 and/or 2014."
Rollins is back in town
December 18
Courier-Post
 
"Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., was in a bind. He so desperately wanted to turn over the Phillies' lineup, to get younger and change the approach. Amaro made that clear right after the Phillies' season ended with a whimper in the NLDS with their 1-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5. "At some point, we're going to have to get younger with our position players," he said a few days after the season ended. "It's a young game, and it's played by young players." But Amaro couldn't do it. He had no choice but to bring back shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who signed a three-year, $33 million contract with a vesting option for a fourth year Saturday."
Excited Willis hopes for reunion with Rollins
December 16
CSN Philly
 
"An hour after receiving a passing grade on the physical examination that cleared his way to sign with the Phillies, Dontrelle Willis was already in red gym shorts and a red T-shirt, sweating it out in the team's Citizens Bank Park weight room Thursday afternoon. Willis is thrilled to be a Phillie and the experience will be that much better for him if it means a reunion with lifelong pal Jimmy Rollins. Willis and Rollins are both natives of Alameda, Calif., both former stars at Encinal High School. Willis was four years behind Rollins so they never got a chance to be teammates."
Excited Willis hopes for reunion with Rollins
December 16
CSN Philly
 
"An hour after receiving a passing grade on the physical examination that cleared his way to sign with the Phillies, Dontrelle Willis was already in red gym shorts and a red T-shirt, sweating it out in the team's Citizens Bank Park weight room Thursday afternoon. Willis is thrilled to be a Phillie and the experience will be that much better for him if it means a reunion with lifelong pal Jimmy Rollins. Willis and Rollins are both natives of Alameda, Calif., both former stars at Encinal High School. Willis was four years behind Rollins so they never got a chance to be teammates."
Rollins to Tigers? They don't have the money
December 15
CSN Philly
 
"As with seemingly every big-name free agent nowadays, a mystery team (per ESPN's Jayson Stark's tweet) has emerged in the bidding for Jimmy Rollins' services. Is this one legit, like it was with Cliff Lee last winter and Albert Pujols this winter? Or is it a hoax, designed by agent Dan Lozano to give off the perception of leverage? On "Phillies Hot Stove" Tuesday, Jim Salisbury recounted a story from the Winter Meetings involving he, Larry Bowa and Tigers manager Jim Leyland. Bowa asked Leyland, "What are you doing?" Leyland replied, "We don't have any money.""
In driver's seat, Amaro patient on Rollins
December 12
CSN Philly
 
"The winter meetings have concluded. A number of big-name free agents have signed contracts. Openings for shortstops have dwindled. And yet, Jimmy Rollins remains out there on the free-agent market. Most observers of the contract drama that has unfolded between Rollins and the Phillies believe it will be resolved with Rollins agreeing to a deal this week. Phils general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. hopes that is true. "We're still working on it," he said Monday morning. "We're hoping to have a resolution soon." Amaro continues to negotiate with Rollins' agent, Dan Lozano. "We talked over the weekend," he said. "We hope to talk again today.""
Rollins' market shrinks as Cards sign Furcal
December 11
CSN Philly
 
"In the strongest sign yet that Jimmy Rollins is likely headed back to the Phillies, the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a contract with free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal on Saturday. The Cardinals were likely the last potential landing spot other than Philadelphia for Rollins, who has been the Phillies starting shortstop the last 11 seasons. A high stakes chess match between Rollins and the Phillies began in early October when the first-time free agent said he wanted a five-year contract. The Phils have been looking to bring him back on a shorter deal, probably of three years. The news that Furcal is headed back to St. Louis on a reported deal of two years and $14 million means the Phillies"
Phils taking their time on Rollins, Hamels
December 11
Courier-Post
 
"In the first three years of his tenure as Phillies general manager, Ruben Amaro Jr. quickly established himself as the most interesting man of baseball's annual winter meetings. Some years, Amaro's goals were obvious. In others – like last winter – he flew a tad under the radar. But regardless of the spectacle, the seeds were always set for a blockbuster. So, what are fans to make of Amaro's four days in Dallas this week that amounted to virtually nothing of substance? In truth, the biggest moves of the offseason were attended to well before last week's summit of general managers, agents, players and front office executives."
Pujols signing could alter J-Roll landscape
December 9
CSN Philly
 columnist Jim Salisbury
"Ruben Amaro Jr. headed back to Philadelphia from the winter meetings Thursday still without a shortstop. Signs point to free agent Jimmy Rollins eventually re-signing with the Phillies, but the team's pursuit of him might have gotten a little more complicated with the mega news that Albert Pujols had signed a staggering 10-year, $250 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels (see blog post). Pujols' departure from St. Louis leaves the Cardinals with money in their budget and they could engage Rollins' agent, Dan Lozano, in contract talks. Lozano is also Pujols' agent, so he now has some free time in his schedule."
Rollins probably out for Brewers
December 7
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The Brewers are hearing that free-agent shortstop Jimmy Rollins is nearing an agreement to return to Philadelphia, so it sounds like he's out as a possible option at shortstop. Rollins was the top shortstop remaining on the market, so it was natural that the Brewers would have interest in him. But they expected all along that it would be difficult to pry him away from the Phillies. FoxSports' Ken Rosenthal is reporting that no deal is imminent between the Phillies and Rollins, but the Brewers certainly have the impression that they're going to work something out."
Phillies' pursuit of Rollins gains steam
December 7
MLB.com
 
"Negotiations are never dead until they are really, truly dead. It sounded Monday afternoon at the Winter Meetings like talks between the Phillies and Jimmy Rollins had stalled, but the tone changed Tuesday after a meeting Monday night. "I think there's a big chance that Jimmy is going to be back with us," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "I feel that way. I think it's going to get done. I think that's definitely our 'A' plan.""
Amaro: Rollins remains Phillies' top priority
December 7
CSN Philly
 
"Despite a November meeting with possible free-agent target Aramis Ramirez, the Phillies remain focused on re-signing Jimmy Rollins. He is the team's priority. "Certainly is," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said on Tuesday. The two sides are still a ways apart. Rollins would like a five-year deal; the Phillies favor a three-year deal, but may be willing to stretch it to four, according to sources. In the end, manager Charlie Manuel believes he'll be writing Rollins' name on his lineup card in April."
Phillies can't afford to make same mistake with Rollins that the Eagles did with Dawkins
December 7
Courier-Post
 
"Philadelphia sports fans might look at Jimmy Rollins and see Brian Dawkins. The open wound of the popular Dawkins walking away from the Eagles on the free-agent route after 13 seasons in Philly festered even more on Sunday when the safety's timely sack with the Broncos backed up to their own goal line forced a fumble to help preserve Denver's win. Meanwhile, the Eagles are still trying to replace Dawkins after seven Pro Bowl seasons here. When last seen, their current starting safeties, Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman, were still trying to wrap up Marshawn Lynch on an embarrassing 15-yard touchdown run last Thursday night in the Eagles' latest loss to Seattle."
Brewers consider Ramirez, Rollins but can't sign both
December 7
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"As of Tuesday evening, Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin had no offers on the table to any free agent. Before the winter meetings adjourn Thursday, that should change. "Probably, yes," said Melvin. The Brewers likely will make offers to both shortstop Jimmy Rollins and third baseman Aramis Ramirez, perhaps one before the other. They can't afford to sign both but they would like to have one or the other. Without mentioning either player by name, Melvin admitted he will hedge his bets at both positions. "There are three or four scenarios that we're thinking about," said Melvin. "That stuff all comes into the thinking. Again, you don't know until you know what the actual dollars"
Amaro says Phillies will be patient with Rollins
December 6
CSN Philly
 
"Ruben Amaro Jr. said the Phillies came into the offseason with the intent to bring back Jimmy Rollins as the team's shortstop, and to do that, the general manager is willing to be patient. However, just how patient can Amaro and the Phillies be? During a session with the Philadelphia sporting press on the first day of the winter meetings in a spacious suite at the Hilton Anatole, the GM conceded he would be patient to a point. As things stand Monday, some of the things Amaro wants to do in shaping his club depend on whether Rollins is back or not. Still, after a meeting with Rollins' agent Dan Lozano — one that Amaro categorized as "good" — the Phillies and their longtime shortstop are no"
Phils should target Ramirez if J-Roll's a no
December 6
CSN Philly
 
"With baseball's winter meetings underway, one way or another, it's about to get real for the Phillies and their fan base. That could be anything from real good to real ugly to real complicated or real simple. Jimmy Rollins wants five years. According to our insider Jim Salisbury, the initial meeting with Rollins' agent and the Phillies' front office didn't go all that well (see story). I've never seen Freddy Galvis in person. I just know that what people tell me indicates he's as good or better than J-Roll, in terms of defense and range. The question, though, is whether he can hit at the MLB level. That's an issue given the offense's hit-or-miss (it's been a miss the last two"
Talks between Phils and Rollins heat up
December 3
CSN Philly
 
"It has been very quiet on the Jimmy Rollins front this off-season. That could change in the coming days as the baseball world gets set for the winter meetings, which begin Monday in Dallas. Dan Lozano, Rollins' agent, said he will meet face to face with Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. in Dallas. "I've had numerous conversations with Ruben this off-season," Lozano said by telephone. "We have a meeting set up for Dallas and we'll see what transpires from that." Having signed closer Jonathan Papelbon and tinkered with their bench with the additions of Jim Thome and Ty Wigginton, the Phillies' attention is focused on shortstop. Rollins, a first-time free agent, has held down the"
Phils offer Rollins, Madson arbitration
November 24
Courier-Post
 
"The Phillies offered arbitration Wednesday to free agents pitcher Ryan Madson, outfielder Raul Ibanez and shortstop Jimmy Rollins. By offering arbitration to the three players, the Phillies will receive draft pick compensation should they sign elsewhere. In the case of Rollins and Madson, the moves come as no surprise. Both players are in line for new multi-year deals, with Madson assuredly signing elsewhere after the Phillies inked closer Jonathan Papelbon to a four-year, $50-million deal earlier this month."
Expose on Rollins' agent calls practices into question
November 23
CSN Philly
 
"This is a big off-season for baseball agent Dan Lozano. Certainly every off-season is important to an agent, but this year Lozano has quite a bit of work at hand. Lozano's biggest clients—Albert Pujols, Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez and Carlos Beltran—are free agents looking for work. He also has a bunch of other clients like Alex Rodriguez, Joey Votto, Michael Young and Brian Wilson draw a nice salary, too. But according to a story on Deadspin.com, Lozano operates as if he stepped out of an episode of Entourage, only on steroids."
Some pros don't know how good they have it
November 6
Courier-Post
 columnist Kevin Callahan
"Obviously, Jimmy Rollins doesn't get it. However, the Phillies' free-agent shortstop isn't the only pro athlete in Philadelphia who doesn't understand how good his sporting life is here. As for Rollins, his Phillies win. He plays in a packed ballpark. Other guys want to play for his team. Jim Thome is the latest to want to wear the red pinstripes. Free-agent Michael Cuddyer might be next. Last year, Cliff Lee took less money to play in Philadelphia. And in recent years Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt chose to be traded to Philly. Indeed, the Phillies clubhouse is a cooler place to be than on the set of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." Still, Rollins chose to dive into the free-agent waters"
Madson, Oswalt, Rollins are Type A free agents
November 1
CSN Philly
 
"The folks at MLBTradeRumors.com have secured the Elias Sports Bureau rankings of free-agent players for this winter. The Phils have five notable free agents on the list. Ryan Madson, Roy Oswalt and Jimmy Rollins are all Type A free agents. Raul Ibanez and Brad Lidge are both Type B free agents. The rankings, based on a player's statistics over the previous two seasons, are used to determine draft-pick compensation for clubs losing free agents."
Rollins hoping for quick negotiations
October 29
CSN Philly
 
"With the World Series coming to a close, players like Jimmy Rollins can file for free agency by the weekend. That doesn't mean the players can go off and sign a deal with another team, though. Instead, the player's team has five days of exclusivity in which to work out a deal before the player can hit the open market. Rollins, eligible for free agency for the first time in his 12 seasons in the big leagues, hopes he doesn't have to hit the open market."
What will it take for the Phillies to sign Rollins?
October 21
CSN Philly
 
"It's that time of year. With the World Series set to begin Wednesday minus the Philadelphia baseball club, Phillies fans have begun to immerse themselves in the off-season plan. Right now, everyone has an idea that is going to alter the course of franchise history and perhaps revolutionize the game forever. Those types of grandiose ideas are as common and predictable as a Placido Polanco postseason groundout. But whether or not you're a couch GM or you're actually Ruben Amaro, Jr. (I hear he's a huge fan of this blog), any off-season course of action begins and ends with a decision on James Calvin Rollins. So, let's examine the decision from a number of different viewpoints."
What are the odds Rollins stays in Philly?
October 14
CSN Philly
 
"Flip a coin. If it comes up heads, Jimmy Rollins stays in Philadelphia. Tails, and he flees for big bucks and guaranteed years in another city. At least that's how Bodog pits the odds on J-Roll's future, offering 1-to-1 with $110 winning you $100 either way. Negotiations between Rollins and the Phillies will dominate the coming months for Ruben Amaro, and the jockeying for position has already begun. Rollins has publicly expressed his interest in a five-year deal, or a four-year deal with a fifth-year player option."
Should the Phillies bring back Rollins?
October 13
CSN Philly
 columnist John Gonzalez
"It's about numbers. Statistics. Money. Years on the contract. They're all important numbers. But in the end, the biggest numbers – the ones that might determine whether Jimmy Rollins returns to Philly or waves goodbye – might be on his birth certificate. The ever-awkward negotiation process between the player and the team – part expression of mutual love and respect, part bitter divorce proceeding – officially began for Rollins on Tuesday at a press conference at Citizens Bank Park. Rollins was candid about approaching free agency as a "businessman," and even discussed the possibility of a potential "bidding war" for his services. None of that was surprising or untoward. It is how these"
Rollins revived the Phillies, but he needs to go
October 12
Courier-Post
 
"In Game 5 of the NLDS, Cardinals center fielder Skip Schumaker saw 10 pitches during his at-bat in the first inning. He fouled off six of them before Roy Halladay hung a curveball, which he belted into the right-field corner to drive in the only run of the game. It was as professional an at-bat as you could have. In Game 2, Shane Victorino batted with runners at first and third in the first inning. The Phillies had already scored two runs with nobody out, and Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter was reeling. Victorino swung at the first pitch and flied out to short center field. It was as unprofessional an at-bat as you could have."
Rollins wants 5-year deal, but is that realistic?
October 12
Courier-Post
 
"A year ago, Jayson Werth pulled into the parking lot at Citizens Bank Park and wondered if he was entering the building for the final time as a member of the Phillies. As it turned out, it was his last act as a Phillie, and two months later he inked a seven-year deal in Washington. Tuesday, Jimmy Rollins pulled into the same parking lot, fresh off another disappointing postseason exit and, like Werth, on the verge of free agency. But this was no swan song for Rollins, and there were no thoughts of an uncertain future."
Twitter-storm has focus off team, on Rollins
October 4
Courier-Post
 
"The firestorm didn't start until hours after the Cardinals rallied from a four-run deficit to beat the Phillies on Sunday night when Jimmy Rollins mentioned on his Twitter account how the fans "werewaaay to quiet." Rollins answered 38 responses before he finally signed off in the wee hours of Monday morning. He answered several more Monday afternoon, just before the Phillies' workout. Some of the fans agreed with Rollins. Others were angry, insinuating that Rollins was blaming the 5-4 loss to the Cardinals on them."
Phillies shortstop Rollins rips Mets' Reyes
October 2
New York Post
 
"Jimmy Rollins will take his hacks against the Cardinals in Game 1 of the NLDS today, but it may turn out that his best swings of the weekend came yesterday, pertaining to Mets shortstop Jose Reyes. The Phillies shortstop said he is a Reyes fan. But Rollins also tried to portray himself as the anti-Reyes. In no particular order: * Rollins said he would have played the entire final game if he were chasing the batting title. Reyes departed after getting a bunt single in Wednesday's first inning and wound up winning the title."
Is Galvis destined to replace Rollins?
September 20
Courier-Post
 
"At first, Freddy Galvis thought it was a joke. He'd arrived in Clearwater, Fla., last October hoping to put on some weight and add to the wispy frame that had limited him to a career .286 slugging percentage in the minors. His first chore, according to the Phillies' trainers, was to push a car around the warning track. "They told me, 'We have to make you stronger,' " Galvis said. "Like a tough guy, strong man of the world." So Galvis followed orders. With two passengers on board, he pushed the car for 15 seconds then he'd take a break, and then another 15 seconds of pushing. After a few reps, he'd switch it up, pulling instead of pushing. After a couple of weeks of rolling a car around the"
Utley cleared to play; Rollins back in lineup
September 13
CSN Philly
 
"Tests on Chase Utley were normal Monday and the Phillies' second baseman will be available to play when the team returns home on Thursday. Utley sustained a concussion when he was hit in the head by a pitch last Wednesday night. Utley had been cleared to do light exercise after a test on Saturday. After Monday's test, he was deemed fully recovered and cleared to resume baseball activities. The Phillies play a doubleheader against Florida on Thursday. It is unclear if Utley will play Thursday or if the team will ease him back into action over the weekend."
Rollins' legacy with Phils secure, future uncertain
September 9
CSN Philly
 
"The way Jimmy Rollins sees it, every season is a contract year. It's just that sometimes a guy doesn't have a job lined up for the next season. And so for the first time in 12 major league seasons, Rollins faces the possibility of facing an off-season as a free agent. According to sources, it's a predicament that won't be ironed out until the end of the season since Rollins' representatives and the Phillies will not discuss an extension during the season. Nevertheless, if there is a legacy that Rollins has built during his career with the Phillies, it's one of winning, says the shortstop. In fact, in an exclusive interview with CSNPhilly, Rollins says the Phillies' unprecedented run of"
Phillies activate Rollins
September 9
Philly.com
 
"Certain conveniences are provided by a 101/2-game lead in the National League East, the Phillies' advantage beginning Thursday. If the Phillies were to go 11-12 to end the season, the Braves would have to win their remaining 20 games just to tie for the division lead. So caution, and perhaps an abundance of it, will prevail. That is why Chase Utley did not step on the team's charter plane late Wednesday and instead stayed home to see a concussion specialist on Thursday. Utley will remain there likely through the weekend, and his the date of his return to the lineup is unknown. The second baseman was plunked on his helmet Wednesday by Braves lefthander Eric O'Flaherty."
Jimmy Rollins goes on DL with groin strain
August 23
Courier-Post
 
"Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a groin strain, and All-Star third baseman Placido Polanco has been activated from the DL. The moves were made before the major league-leading Phillies opened a three-game series against the New York Mets on Monday night. Rollins strained his right groin in a loss at Washington on Sunday. The former NL MVP had never been on the DL before 2008, but this is his fourth stint in four years. He's hitting .268 with 14 homers, 58 RBIs and 28 stolen bases and has just five errors this season."
Rollins tweets he has groin strain, will go on DL
August 22
CSN Philly
 
"Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins tweeted on Monday that he will go on the disabled list with a strained right groin. "Soooooo this is what we got...mild grade 2 strain. DL," Rollins tweeted. He added later, "Gone till September........." Rollins left Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals in the third inning seemingly after straining his groin fielding a bouncing ball behind second base before pirouetting and throwing out Nationals catcher Jesus Flores at first base. He underwent an MRI Monday morning."
Groin injury might sideline Rollins
August 22
Courier-Post
 
"The key to a comeback season, Jimmy Rollins has said numerous times this year, is simply staying on the field. After he left Sunday's game with a strained groin, it's unclear just when Rollins might be on the field again. The 32-year-old shortstop was coming off an injury-ravaged 2010 campaign but had managed to play in all but four of the Phillies' games this season. But Rollins left Sunday's game in the third inning after apparently hurting himself going after a ball in the hole in the bottom of the second inning. Rollins will have an MRI this morning to determine the severity of the strain."
A groin strain leaves Jimmy Rollins' status uncertain; Placido Polanco could return Monday
August 22
Philly.com
 
"Once a long Sunday at the ballpark ended, the only item in Jimmy Rollins' locker was a red bag with No. 11 on it. Rollins was long gone, and thus it was difficult to discern how serious a right groin strain he suffered sometime in the first three innings was. Across the room, Placido Polanco dressed with a smile. He was upbeat because he received clearance from the team's doctors and athletic trainers to come off the disabled list for a sports hernia when eligible on Monday. So it goes in the Phillies infield, where injuries have become a nagging reality. At least one half of the Phillies' left side of the infield will play when the Mets visit Citizens Bank Park. As for Rollins, he was"
Oakland native Rollins holds no Giant grudges
August 7
CSN Philly
 
"During this trip back home, Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins is getting a full taste of The City. He gets a chance to have a BBQ with his family. He even had the opportunity to visit the Twitter headquarters in downtown San Francisco. This trip back to the Bay is his first since a playoff showdown against the Giants ended in defeat. Rollins exudes the East Bay. The Encinal High School product was a huge A's fan growing up. He idolized Rickey Henderson and even appeared in MC Hammer music videos. So you would think that losing to the cross-town Giants in last year's NCLS would leave a lasting sting. "No, not at all," Rollins said on Friday. "It was good for the Bay Area. I've been on that"
Closer situation, homestand, Rollins
July 22
CSN Philly
 columnist Jim Salisbury
"In recent years, ever since they started rubbing elbows with baseball's big boys – heck, they are one of baseball's big boys – the Phillies have focused on trying to win that season's World Series. But it is the responsibility of any organization to keep an eye on future seasons, as well. The Phillies have done that. No matter how much you detested the Cliff Lee trade of December 2009, it was made partly because the Phils' management had an eye toward the future and wanted to restock a farm system that had become thin after several big trades. In approaching trades, Phillies officials are always looking to obtain players they can control for more than one season. So even as they are"
Cool-hand Worley, hot-bat Rollins lead Phils' win
July 21
CSN Philly
 
"There's a room in the tunnel behind the visiting dugout at Wrigley Field that is used for storage. In the postseason, it has been used as an interview room. On Wednesday, it became Lourdes for Phillies pitcher Vance Worley. You might have heard that a heat wave has engulfed the Midwest this week. It's headed to the East Coast just in time for the Phillies to open a 10-game homestand Friday night. Triple-digit temperatures, they say. The Chicago heat got the best of Roy Halladay on Monday night and with the temperature soaring to 97 degrees on Wednesday, Cubs officials decided to open the storage room behind the visiting dugout, flip on the air conditioner and give Phillies players a spot"
Moment of truth arrives for five Phils
July 17
PhillyBurbs.com
 
"The focus is clearly on the task at hand: Keeping their place at the top of the hierarchy of the National League and taking another ride down Broad Street at some point in late October. Still, you have to imagine that in the back of their minds, the countdown clock has already started ticking. After all, baseball players are human beings who can read the writing on the wall as well as the expiration date on a contract. Jimmy Rollins. Raul Ibanez. Ryan Madson. Roy Oswalt. Brad Lidge. Those are five players who have all given the Phillies some memorable moments over the years. Three of them wear world championship rings. The other two have given an honorable effort that led to playoff runs."
Hamels upbeat, Rollins' shoulder sore
July 2
CSN Philly
 
"Cole Hamels was upbeat and smiling on Friday, the day after being forced from the game shortly after taking a bruising line drive off the base of his right hand, just below the bottom edge of his glove. If demeanor and body language are accurate indicators of the future, you can expect Hamels to make his next scheduled start Tuesday in Miami. "In my mind I [expect to pitch], but [team medical personnel] know best," the pitcher said. Hamels threw before Friday's game against the Blue Jays. A team trainer caught the return throws. More will be known about Hamels' status for Tuesday's start when he throws a bullpen session on Saturday. "A lot of it depends on if I'm able to throw a"
Struggling? Rollins will have none of that
June 27
Allentown Morning Call
 
"When a big leaguer fails to reach base in 15 consecutive plate appearances, there's bound to be talk of a slump. Jimmy Rollins begs to differ. "I wasn't struggling," the Phillies leadoff hitter said. "I hit some balls hard. Just didn't have any hits in my last 15 at-bats. That's not struggling. It's only three games." That's easy to say, but the spoken word isn't always convincing. So Rollins let his at-bats Sunday afternoon against the Athletics prove him right. Rollins had a hit all four times he went to the plate and scored two runs in the Phillies 3-1 victory at Citizens Bank Park. Heading into Sunday's game, his average had slipped to .250, the lowest it had been since April 22. Now,"
Jimmy Rollins talks Derek Jeter injury
June 15
ESPN.com
 
"Jimmy Rollins had some advice for Derek Jeter on Tuesday, one shortstop to another, one calf-strain victim to another. One year after calf issues tormented Rollins for virtually the entire 2010 season, he told ESPN.com: "The best advice I can give Derek is, 'You're going to get healed in the offseason.' " "I don't even think about my calf injury anymore," Rollins says now, 14 months after he suffered a Grade 2 strain of his calf while running simple wind sprints before a game last April. "But all last year? That was No. 1 -- before anything, before I stretched, before I hit, before I looked at who was pitching. It was, 'How's my calf?' " Rollins strained his right calf muscle before the"