Shortstop Jimmy Rollins has spent his entire 14-year career with the Philadelphia Phillies, but due to growing discontent with the infielder's attitude within the Phillies organization, Rollins may be on the trading block and the team could be looking to deal him as soon as possible.
Jimmy Rollins, manager Ryne Sandberg at odds?
ESPN's Buster Olney tweeted early Tuesday morning that there is a strong feeling within the Phillies organization that it's time to trade Rollins as soon as the team can. Rollins has 10-5 rights, which means he would have to agree to go to a team before a trade can be completed.
It was reported Monday that the Detroit Tigers could be interested in trading for Rollins now that Jose Iglesias is due to start the season on the disabled list with stress fractures in both of his shins. The Tigers could opt to go for Stephen Drew, who remains a free agent, however Rollins no longer appears to be an option as NBC Sports reports that Rollins isn't willing to waive his 10-5 rights for a trade to Detroit.
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It was reported last week that Rollins and Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, who enters his first full season as skipper of the team after taking over for Charlie Manuel last season, have been at odds and had a dust-up last week.
Sources: There is strong sentiment within PHI organization right now that the team would be better off trading shortstop Jimmy Rollins ASAP.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 18, 2014
Jimmy Rollins, of course, cannot be traded without his consent, because he has 10-5 rights. — Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 18, 2014
Rollins was benched despite being healthy for three straight games last week reportedly due to the fact that Sandberg wasn't happy with Rollins effort thus far in spring. Sandberg then publicly lauded Freddy Galvis, who replaced Rollins in the lineup, for his effort.
"Freddy's a guy that will get playing time at various positions," Sandberg told CSN last week. "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."
Sandberg then said "no comment" when asked to elaborate on whether or not Rollins gave the same type of effort. Rollins responded to his manager's statement, disagreeing to what the skipper said.
"Everyone is allowed to have their opinion, that doesn't make it right," Rollins said per NBC Sports.
Rollins also admitted there was a rift.
"Obviously he is upset about something," Rollins said via Deadspin without expanding upon the statement
Rollins, 35, appeared in 160 games with Philadelphia last season and hit.252 with six homers and 39 RBI.
Rollins has played all of his 1,952 career games with the Phillies and has a career average of .269 with 199 homers and 832 RBI while adding 425 stolen bases.
With the Phillies unraveling, it appears Rollins' time with the franchise could be coming to an end.
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