Jimmy Rollins doesn't sound worried about being replaced in the Phillies spring lineup by Freddy Galvis for a third straight game. He admitted the decision, made by manager Ryne Sandberg, was "unusual" and that Sandberg was "obviously" upset about something, according to Philly.com's Matt Gelb.
Jimmy Rollins benching: Phillies shortstop benched for third straight game
Apparently, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg is upset with Rollins, but no one really knows why.
Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
This will be the former MVP’s 15th season as a professional, and while some veteran players might be alarmed by riding the bench, Rollins is focused on April.
No matter how much you want these games to count for something, when April comes around, people aren’t talking about this. People aren’t talking about, ‘Well he had a great spring training.’ Maybe for the first two days or the first week. But if you start out 0-5 that doesn’t matter. If you start out 5-0, that doesn’t matter because you’re doing it right now.”
Sandberg had good things to say about Galvis in an interview with Gelb on Wednesday.
“Freddy’s a guy that will get playing time at various positions. 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 about Rollins, Sandberg said, “No comment.”
Rollins has an $11 million vesting option in his contract that will trigger if the 35-year-old makes 434 plate appearances in 2014. He also holds 10-and-5 rights, meaning he can veto any trade. Sandberg, and general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. could be trying to avoid another guaranteed season with Rollins by hinting that he might not reach the plate appearances he needs to earn his 2015 contract. They might also be attempting to irk Rollins to the point that he would consider a trade more seriously.
Sandberg didn’t come out and say Galvis would replace Rollins altogether, so this is probably just a tactic of some kind to galvanize the clubhouse or ignite a sense of urgency for the team’s many veterans.
Unless he agrees to a trade, Jimmy Rollins will be the Phillies Opening Day shortstop.
See More:
