Phillies Resign Jimmy Rollins

The Philadelphia Phillies resigned their own Derek Jeter. Jimmy Rollins, a free agent, looked like he was heading to another team, but the Phillies swooped in. The deal is reported to be $33 million over 3 years.

Rollins has proven his versatility and dexterity over the years. Since becoming the Phillies starting shortstop in 2001, Rollins has won three Gold Gloves and one MVP. In addition, he is a three-time All-Star at shortstop. In 9 out of 11 seasons, he has stolen at least 30 bases. In his 2007 MVP season, he hit .296 with 30 homers, 20 triples, 38 doubles, and 41 steals. In 2011, he hit .268 with 16 homers and 30 steals. Since his 2007 MVP season, Rollins' slugging percentage has gone down ever year except in 2011.

Rollins has regressed over the years, but he still is one of the best defensive shortstops in the game. His 2011 WAR (wins above replacement) was 3.7 with a .7 in dWAR (defensive WAR). Only twice, has Rollins had a negative dWAR, which probably was more of a fluke than anything else. Four times in his career Rollins had a dWAR over 1.

Even though Rollins has regressed and will continue to over the next three years, he is a fan favorite. He is the Phillies' version of Derek Jeter. He helped the Phillies win their first title since the 80's in 2009. Maybe Rollins will be able to spend his entire career in a Phillies uniform.