Philadelphia Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg enters his first full season as the team's manager after taking over as the interim skipper after Charlie Manuel was fired late last season, but before even getting to Opening Day he may be already dealing with controversy with shortstop Jimmy Rollins.
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According to NBC Sports, Rollins has been involved in spats with Sandberg after the manager has chosen to bench him in favor of Freddie Galvis in the last three spring training games over a perceived lack of effort on the part of Rollins.
Sandberg explained to CSN Philadelphia Wednesday that Galvis gives a lot of energy and has a positive influence on "everyone around him" while when he was asked about whether or not Rollins provided the same spark he offered no comment.
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"Freddy's a guy that will get playing time at various positions," Sandberg told CSN. "He's a guy that I like in the lineup. I felt good about what he brings to the table. The biggest thing I like is his energy and his positive influence, his positive influence on everyone around him."
When asked if Rollins provided the same spark, Sandberg simply said "no comment."
Rollins said Thursday that he wasn't going to speak about his manager's statement because he "gets the last say" since he's the skipper, however he did touch on it briefly.
"Everyone is allowed to have their opinion, that doesn't make it right," Rollins said per NBC Sports.
Rollins did admit that there was a problem, but didn't specify what was going on.
"Obviously he is upset about something," Rollins said via Deadspin without expanding upon the statement.
Rollins, who is healthy after dealing with flu-like symptoms last week, hasn't spoken with his skipper since Monday, Deadspin.com reported Thursday.
Rollins has had a history of difficulty with managers over the years and has been benched for lack of hustle before, while it's also been noted that Sandberg is a bit intense for the start of spring training, expecting his players to be in mid-season form.
Rollins, 35, has played his entire 14-year career with the Phillies and hit .252 through 160 games last season with six homers and 39 RBI.
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