Jimmy Rollins

2013

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2012

Rollins had a nice bounceback year in 2011 after a rough 2010 season in which he posted a career-low batting average. He saw his batting average return to a decent level last season and his power and stolen-base numbers also rebounded. Rollins has dealt with leg injuries the past two seasons and given his age it wouldn't be surprising to see injuries continue to be an issue for him. Returning to the Phillies in December after testing the open market in free agency, he remains one of the better options available at shortstop despite the injury concerns thanks to his speed and moderate power.

2011

Rollins accumulated just 350 at-bats last season as he struggled with injuries to his legs and had multiple stints on the disabled list. When he was in the lineup, Rollins often got under balls and popped them up rather than driving them to the outfield as he had done throughout his career. Rollins displayed the best walk rate of his career last season, but his .243 batting average was a career low. Rollins has now posted a BABIP near .250 two years in a row, and his career mark is about .290. While he might not return to that level, we are willing to bet on some improvement this year and a subsequent improvement in his batting average. Rollins practiced yoga in the offseason in hopes of avoiding the hamstring injuries that plagued his 2010 season. If he can stay healthy there is no reason that he can't swipe 20-plus bases and hit around .270. He should be a nice gamble in fantasy leagues if he comes at a discount on draft day.

2010

It was a tale of two seasons for Rollins last year. He was terrible in the first half and looked lost at the plate. Rollins said he was getting under the ball too much which was leading to a lot of pop-ups and fly outs. Rollins was able to turn things around in the second half hitting .272 with 14 home runs. The batting average in the second half is more in line with what one should expect from Rollins in 2010. The poor overall batting average from last season might lead some owners to shy away from drafting Rollins and that could present a good opportunity to buy at a slight discount.

2009

A first-round pick by many, Rollins was an overall disappointment in 2008, missing time early due to injury and struggling through much of the year. He did, however, finish with a strong September and ended up with an at least mildly respectable .277 batting average, 11 home runs, 59 RBI and 76 runs given his missed time. Rollins also compiled a career-high 47 stolen bases, converting all but three attempts. While the 55 home runs from 2006-07 may have been a bit of a mirage, he should settle back into the 20-range. Still a threat on the bases, Rollins is the third-ranked shortstop after Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes heading into 2009.

2008

One of the game’s most durable players, Rollins topped 700 plate appearances in 2007 for the sixth time in seven years. He hit 31 HR and stole 41 bases, becoming the fourth player in MLB history to achieve the 20x4 distinction with 20 homers, 20 triples, 20 doubles and 20 steals. Rollins was voted the 2007 NL MVP and was at the center of the Phillies' resurgence. He started 162 games at shortstop, playing all but 17 innings. Batting in the leadoff spot for most of the season, he kept the offense churning. He committed just 11 errors, enough for his first Gold Glove. Rollins became the first player in history to collect at least 200 hits, 25 homers, 15 triples and 25 steals in a season.

2007

Rollins took his usual two months to hit his stride, then scorched his way to the finish line. He beefed up his power numbers with a career-high 79 XBH and played his usual Gold Glove-caliber defense. Rollins is helped notably by Citizens Bank Park, where he had an .875 OPS, as opposed to .756 on the road. Lefties gave him fits early in the year, but he pounded them down the stretch. His 127 runs were also a career high. An excellent draft choice because of his speed and durability.

2006

Rollins took two months to get his bat into gear, then hit .300 in June and July before dipping to .188 in August. His season looked lost until he ripped off a 36-game hitting streak at the end. Still, Rollins remains valuable because of his durability, position and speed. Now if he could only become a good leadoff guy by taking more walks.

2005

Rollins overcame a dreadful April to post a fine comeback season, after disappointing in 2002 and 2003. He finished third in the NL in runs, reduced his strikeouts and improved notably against lefthanders (.303). Rollins is also durable and steady with the glove. He led NL shortstops in OPS, runs, RBI and stolen bases, and needs to be at least considered in any NL draft strategy.

2004

Rollins continues to be the one Phillie who plays everyday. He had the third-highest number of at-bats in the National League. He had a career high in doubles (42) and RBI (62). He still needs to cut down on his strikeouts.

2003

Rollins had some horrible stretches sprinkled throughout the season which resulted in a sophomore slump. He was down in most offensive categories and was caught stealing 42% of the time. He will most likely be given the leadoff spot, but will have to improve his .306 OBP, 103 strikeouts and 53 walks. As the leadoff hitter on what should be a pretty potent lineup, Rollins will cost a bit despite the sub-par 2002 season.