If Jimmy Rollins wants to remain with the Philadelphia Phillies he better start acting like it. After a public fight with coach Ryne Sandberg and a benching during spring training, the shortstop is on thin ice with the team. Rollins controls his own destiny with the Phillies whether the team likes it or not, causing them to tell the veteran to step up.
The Phillies message to Rollins is simple, "Be a leader, or leave." Rollins' spring training has not gotten off to a smooth start after expressing his displeasure with the team. Naturally Philadelphia has considered trading their long-time face of the franchise, but Rollins denied that plan. The shortstop has a no-trade clause in his contract, making it impossible for the Phillies to move him.
ESPN's Buster Olney reports there is a strong sentiment in the Phillies organization that trading Rollins would be the best move for the team overall. However, the Phillies are concerned they will not be able to get the shortstop to waive his no trade clause since Rollins is targeting the franchise record for hits. He is 60 shy of the record set by Mike Schmidt. Since right now it appears Rollins will not be going anywhere, he is being asked to step up as a leader and act better on the field.
"[He's] an important part of the team. He's got his role on the team as a veteran player, and he comes into spring training in very good shape every year, and he has again this year," Sandberg told MLB.com. "He's got his playing time and at-bats coming up. It's also a long season playing up the middle, so with him and Chase [Utley], I'm careful with their days."
If a deal for Rollins could be found, who would be interested? The Detroit Tigers are the obvious landing spot. The team is on the verge of losing current short stop Jose Iglesias for the start of the season. The short stop was diagnosed with stress fractures in both legs and while he is expected to play at some point, it might not be for a while.
The New York Mets are in need of a shortstop as well and could make a trade for Rollins. Ruben Tejada is struggling in spring training and the Mets either need to commit to him, start Wilmer Flores or make a trade for a player like Rollins who would be an impactful upgrade. The Phillies likely would not trade Rollins within the division, but it is an option.
All signs point towards Rollins putting his spring training issues behind him and moving on when the season starts. He is set on getting that franchise record and the Phillies will likely not be able to get him to budge otherwise.
