Jimmy Rollins, Free Agent

[apete6]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/08/free-agent-stock-watch-jimmy-rollins.html

 

Would the Cubs have any interest in Rollins as a 2B? Especially if Aramis leaves, maybe? I think he's probably on the verge of a serious decline, but I've always enjoyed him as a player. He can still steal a bag or two and provides good power and defense in the middle infield and could be a good mentor for Castro. Any interest?

[Guest]

Wow, Rollins has one season in his career with an OPS+ above 103. His home park really did him a lot of favors. Granted, SBs are a big part of his game, but at age 33 it's going to get harder and harder for him to provide value with speed. I don't dislike him as a 2B option, but he'll probably want and get longer years than I would give, teams will still see him as a SS, and I definitely wouldn't view him as a hedge against losing Ramirez.

[CubColtPacer]

Rollins has had a .719, .694, and .736 OPS the last 3 years. I'm not sure his stolen bases and defense are enough to pay for him when the Cubs have a few 2B options that can do almost as well there.

[SouthSideRyan]

Rollins will be way overpaid on reputation, and we should be able to shake out an acceptable 2B from our system. There's no need to spend on a 2B unless we're raising payroll and go for Reyes. And even then, I wouldn't be too happy about it.

[Post Count Padder]

He hasn't been the same since his MVP season. And even given that, he's only had like three seasons with an OPS above .800. Given that he might command a hefty amount based on name value, I'd rather just stick with Baker/Barney/DeWitt next unless something better comes along.

[apete6]

He hasn't been the same since his MVP season. And even given that, he's only had like three seasons with an OPS above .800. Given that he might command a hefty amount based on name value, I'd rather just stick with Baker/Barney/DeWitt next unless something better comes along.

 

Perfect answer. That is why picking up Ramirez' option is almost a no brainer at this point. We're not going to be able to upgrade offensively over Aramis at either 3B or 2B. Keep Aramis, platoon the 3 amigos mentioned above, and spend the money on pitching and 1B.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

I'm a huge LeMahieu fan so I hope it's him at 2B next year for vindication's sake. Just to throw the name out there, Kelly Johnson anyone?