Jimmy Rollins has been transferred from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In an ESPN report, the 36-year-old shortstop had one year left on his contract with the Phillies but sources confirmed that his 15-year run with the team officially ended. He will be moving to Los Angeles on a contract slated to earn him $11 million in 2015. It is not yet clear what Philadelphia will get in return for the three-time All-Star and 2007 National League MVP.
Rollins had a good 15 years in Philadelphia. It will be the first time that he changes teams after starting his career in the MLB. He is the all-time leader of the Phillies in at-bats, hits and doubles. He was also an asset when the team won the World Series in 2008. In the last MLB season, he batted .243 and hit 17 homers. He had 55 RBIs and 28 stolen bases.
On the other hand, the Dodgers are looking for an experienced shortstop after losing Hanley Ramirez, who previously entered free agency in November 2014 and signed with the Boston Red Sox. Corey Seager will fill in the position until Rollins is fully adjusted in Los Angeles.
Larry Bowa, bench coach of the Phillies, said about Rollins' trade in a report by Los Angeles Times, "He likes to be up in crucial situations. You know that rivalry between the Giants and the Dodgers? He'll dial it up a notch for that. He's a very confident individual."
Bleacher Report also wrote how the Dodgers will benefit much from getting Rollins, since they have been looking for a good shortstop since Ramirez left. Hopefully, Rollins can bridge the gap to 20-year-old super prospect Seager. Also, the Dodgers were actually willing to substitute the superior batting of Ramirez by offsetting "the lost run production with a run savings differential through improved defense". Rollins is ideal to the specifics provided by the Dodgers.
Despite his age and below-average hitting, his speed is still there, which helps his offensive game. He is expected to get at least 20 steals in the 2015 MLB season. He has good footwork, solid arm strength and anticipation. Bleacher Report also wrote that Rollins is willing to walk when necessary and has a fly-ball habit that increases his power.
Bowa said in the same Los Angeles Times report, "He makes up for the half a step he's lost with his knowledge of how to play guys. He has great hands and a quick release."