Jimmy Rollins is a free agent shortstop. The best free agent shortstop, Jose Reyes, signed with the Marlins on Sunday, which you'd think would give Rollins a little more negotiating leverage. Rollins is looking for a five-year contract. Did Reyes signing for six years make a five-year contract for Rollins more likely?
Jimmy Rollins, Phillies Not On Same Page
Well, the Phillies are as reluctant as ever. From Jim Salisbury:
Phillies officials have met with Jimmy Rollins’ representative and the meeting, “did not go all that well,” according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
Rollins wants five. The Phillies are comfortable with three. Salisbury says there’s been no indication that the Phillies would go to four.
So. Where does that leave Rollins? Buster Olney suggested that the Brewers and Cardinals could be other landing spots, but then Jerry Crasnick reported that the Cardinals have no plans of getting involved, and wouldn't change their minds even if they miss out on re-signing Albert Pujols. Maybe that isn't true, but it definitely isn't what Rollins and agent Dan Lozano want to hear as they try to drum up competition.
Rollins is the big-name shortstop left on the market, but there are enough available shortstops a tier below - whether through a trade, like Jason Bartlett, or in free agency, like Alex Gonzalez and Rafael Furcal - that teams aren't facing a situation where it's Rollins or no one. As Rollins just turned 33, and has been with the Phillies for his entire career, this seems like it's headed towards Rollins re-signing for three years, maybe with a fourth-year option.
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