Reports on Saturday by ESPN's Jerry Crasnick stated that the a new contract for Jimmy Rollins with the Phillies is imminent. The contract is believed to be for three years with a vesting option for a fourth year.Rollins' choices became limited as his free agency wore on, and he was said to have been presented with a solid offer from Milwaukee recently, but ultimately it came down to him wanted to stay at home, where he has built a family on and off the field.
CSN's Jim Salisbury reports that the contract is worth $33-million over three years.
The deal virtually completes general manager Ruben Amaro's to-do list for this off-season as other voids on the roster have been filled with the likes of Jonathan Papelbon, Laynce Nix and Ty Wigginton. The return of Rollins solidifies the greatest concern on the roster entering the autumn and winter months, which was, of course, the shortstop position.
In 142 games last season for Philadelphia, Rollins posted a .268 batting average with 16 homers, 63 RBI and 30 stolen bases. The 33-year-old, who has played his entire professional career in the Phillies organization, ranks fourth all-time in team history in regular season hits with 1,866.
Through the majority of his tenure with the Phils, Rollins has served as the club's lead-off man. His numbers in that spot during the 2011 season (.267/.331/.412) were only a slight drop off from the offensive output he has sported in the top spot of the Philadelphia batting order overall in his career (.275/.333/.448), despite wide perception that he has fallen off considerably with the bat over time.
Originally a 2nd round draft choice in 1996, Rollins is a three-time All-Star. He was named Most Valuable Player in the National League in 2007, when the Phillies began their streak of five consecutive NL East division titles.
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Image- ESPN
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