Jimmy Rollins

Is the greatest SS in Phillies History, is on their Wall of Fame and will be in the discussion for the HOF.  I don't think there is any debating that.  The question to debate is how should the Phillies in two parts (the front office and Ryne Sandberg) handle his last season under contract and the opportunity for 2015 to vest.

We'll start with the easy part the FO.  RAJ needs to say all the right things regarding Jimmy and temper any speculation that the team wants to move him or keep him from hitting the required number of PA's to vest the 4th year.  Taking the high road is key here and understanding Jimmy is to know he is not, not going to be a distraction if he feels in anyway they are sitting him because of that.

Jimmy is a me guy and there is nothing wrong with that.  The league has seen its fair share of this type of player over the history of the game and its part of what makes them great.  You don't have to like it but you do have to accept it and accept the 08 WS.

Sandberg is in a pickle.  His entire MLB managerial career is ahead of him while Jimmy's career as a player is mostly behind him.  No doubt Ryne cannot hitch his wagon to Jimmy in his first full season as skip.  He must however communicate this delicate process to Jimmy or risk setting a bad precedent amongst the other guys in that locker room.  He has two other high profile veterans to manage very carefully in Utley and Howard so whatever he does to Jimmy he will need to appear on the surface to do the same to those two guys.

Or risk a fire storm of unwanted media attention on the subject.  Recent history shows that it is extremely difficult for a new manager to come in after a players manager like Charlie and play bad cop.  It didn't work for the Red Sox and Bobby Valentine and I don't think it works anywhere.  At least not with veterans.

Now I don't believe Ryne is remotely close to Bobby V in terms of personality but I do believe Ryne wants to mold younger players of his own ilk.  The best solution for both parties is a trade but it needs to be discussed quietly and presented so that Jimmy can maintain his dignity and his pride.

Whatever happens Ryne needs to understand one thing Jimmy is going to say it like it is and he is not going to shy away from the questions so if Ryne feels a certain way about Jimmy he better call him into his office and be straight with him and then be consistent with that message to the media.