JJ-Roll

Here’s to hoping that Jimmy Rollins remains a Phillie in 2012.  He’s a homegrown talent, former MVP and World Series Champion.  Plus, he’s fun to have around and has a glove that has few contemporaries.  However, his hinting at wanting a five year deal creates a bit of doubt that he’ll actually be back in pinstripes.

What is Jimmy Rollins’ market value?  In looking at the past year or so of deals, one deal stinks out as the point of reference for contract negotiations with Rollins.  The J.J. Hardy deal reached earlier this year with the Orioles.  Let’s look at their respective numbers:

Jimmy Rollins:
567 AB, 152 Hits, 22 doubles, 2 triples, 16 HRs, 63 RBIs, 30 SB, .268 Avg., .320 OBP, 59 K’s, 40 BBs.

J.J. Hardy:
527 AB, 142 Hits,  27 doubles, 0 triples, 30 HRs, 80 RBIs, 0 SB, .269 Avg., .310 OBP, 92 K’s, 31 BB’s.

J-Roll has 10 more hits in 40 more at-bats.  He also adds 30 more stolen bases to his edge and 33 fewer strikeouts.  Hardy had 14 more home runns and 17 more RBI’s.  Are they a draw.  Maybe.  Hardy is three years younger at 29. 

Hardy’s contract extension was for three years and $22 million.  I think most would agree to bring Rollins back at those numbers, except Jimmy and his agent.  Maybe add a bit for being a Phillie lifer and for the World Series. 

I guess I’m saying that fair market value, sound business, and good will would mean a respectable offer to Jimmy from the Phils would be 3 years $25 million.  Somehow, I don’t see Rollins in Phillies pinstripes at that number, but it’s definitely a fair number for both sides.