MLB

Jimmy Rollins trade completely unexpected

Jimmy Rollins trade completely unexpected
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A month before Jayson Werth played his final game as a Phillie in 2010, Jimmy Rollins was asked about the Phillies most potent right-handed bat possibly departing.

“Why would anyone ever want to leave here,” Rollins asked. “I know I wouldn’t ever want to leave.”

Well, Rollins, as Harry Kalas would say, is outta here! The longest tenured athlete in Philadelphia and the Phillies all-time leader in hits with 2,306, has reportedly been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 2007 MVP, who led the Phillies to a World Series championship in 2008, will play for a contender. His longtime coach and friend, Larry Bowa, predicted this would eventually happen.

When there were rumors that the Phillies would try to send Rollins to the St. Louis Cardinals in July of 2013, Bowa, a then MLB analyst, told Metro that he could see his one-time protegee playing in baseball heaven.

“Are you going to tell me Jimmy is going to stay in Philadelphia to set some records,” Bowa said. “I don’t believe it. And I should know because he is like a son to me. I really believe that he would like to win another championship and if he has that opportunity with another team, I believe he’ll let a trade happen.”

Well, Rollins set the franchise hit record and has moved on for a chance for more red light moments and a run for another World Series ring.

How long will Rollins play ball?

“After this contract ends, I would like to play at least another five years,” Rollins said. “I’m in shape. But we’ll see what happens. I’m not thinking about five years from now. I’m just thinking about next year when I’m back here.”

Well, Rollins won’t be back at Citizens Bank Park until August 4 when he returns in Dodger blue.