Jimmy Rollins' 15-year run with the Philadelphia Phillies officially came to an end Friday, when the club completed a deal to send the veteran shortstop and $1 million to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for two Minor League pitchers.
The deal was initially reported more than a week ago and was finalized and announced on Friday morning.
The hold-up on the deal was due to the fact that the Dodgers needed to complete their trade of Matt Kemp to the Padres in order to acquire prospect Zach Elfin and in turn flip him to the Phillies.
The deal was initially reported more than a week ago and was finalized and announced on Friday morning.
The hold-up on the deal was due to the fact that the Dodgers needed to complete their trade of Matt Kemp to the Padres in order to acquire prospect Zach Elfin and in turn flip him to the Phillies.
Elfin, the #10 prospect from the Padres' farm system, comes to Philadelphia along with Tom Windle, the #7 prospect from the Dodgers' system.
"The Phillies are going one way and now I'm going in a different direction," Rollins said of his trade.
The veteran shortstop finishes his Phillies career with a .267 average, 216 home runs, 887 RBIs and 2,306 hits.
Rollins hit .243 with 17 home runs, 55 RBIs and 28 stolen bases last season, and has been declining in production since that MVP season in 2007.
"Jimmy is both an iconic player and person whom I have had the great joy of watching grow up in this game and this city," said Amaro. "His contributions to the franchise and to Philadelphia are unparalleled and I wish him the best in Los Angeles. This transaction is one that I believe benefits both Jimmy and the Phillies."
Sadly, this means that Freddy Galvis could be the starting shortstop for the Phillies if General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. fails to make some sort of deal prior to Opening Day.
Rollins' double-play companion Chase Utley released the following statement on the trade:
"The Dodgers are very lucky to acquire a player like Jimmy. I've said it time and time again that Jimmy makes everyone around him better. The team will miss his leadership on the field and his infectious smile, but most of all, I will miss our pregame handshake."
Rollins also took out a full-page ad in Saturday's Inquirer to thank the organization and its fans.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
"The Phillies are going one way and now I'm going in a different direction," Rollins said of his trade.
The veteran shortstop finishes his Phillies career with a .267 average, 216 home runs, 887 RBIs and 2,306 hits.
Rollins hit .243 with 17 home runs, 55 RBIs and 28 stolen bases last season, and has been declining in production since that MVP season in 2007.
"Jimmy is both an iconic player and person whom I have had the great joy of watching grow up in this game and this city," said Amaro. "His contributions to the franchise and to Philadelphia are unparalleled and I wish him the best in Los Angeles. This transaction is one that I believe benefits both Jimmy and the Phillies."
Sadly, this means that Freddy Galvis could be the starting shortstop for the Phillies if General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. fails to make some sort of deal prior to Opening Day.
Rollins' double-play companion Chase Utley released the following statement on the trade:
"The Dodgers are very lucky to acquire a player like Jimmy. I've said it time and time again that Jimmy makes everyone around him better. The team will miss his leadership on the field and his infectious smile, but most of all, I will miss our pregame handshake."
Rollins also took out a full-page ad in Saturday's Inquirer to thank the organization and its fans.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
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