Jimmy Rollins
A phenomenal high school player in Oakland, California, Jimmy Rollins was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the second round in 1996 when he was 17 years old. By the time he was 21 he had earned a shot in the big leagues, and in five full seasons through 2005, he has filled the shortstop spot for the Phils. A capable leadoff man, in 2005 he strung together a 36-game hitting streak to finish the season, as he set career-highs in both hits and batting average.
Best Season: 2004
According to Bill James' Runs Created method, Rollins created 103 runs in 2004 for the Phillies. Not a bad total for a shortstop, even in the steroid era.
Description
A speedy switch-hitting infielder with a level, line-drive swing. In the field he displays smooth range and a decent throwing arm. Physically, he is small and lean, but very athletic. He usually wears braids or dreads in his hair.
Born
Rollins was born on November 27, 1978, in Oakland, CA.
Batted: Both
Threw: Right
Primary Position: SS
Primary Team: PHI
Nicknames
J. Roll
Uniform Numbers
#11
Family Tree
Rollins's brother, Antwon, played in the Texas Rangers and Montreal Expos minor league systems. His cousin, Tony Tarasco, enjoyed an eight-year career in the majors, with six different teams.
Similar Players
Rafael Furcal
Notes
At the end of the 2005 season, Rollins hit in 36 straight games. He collected hits in each of the first two games of the 2006 season, giving him a 38-game streak over two years, the longest streak in multiple seasons in baseball history. The streak ended on April 6, 2006, against the Cardinals in Philadelphia. Rollins went 0-for-4 and was in the hole when the game ended.
Hitting Streaks
38 games (2005)
All-Star Selections
2001 NL
2002 NL
2005 NL
Replaced
Desi Relaford
Best Strength as a Player
It's close between either his defensive range and his baserunning, but we'll pick his baserunning, at least through 2005.
Largest Weakness as a Player
Rollins has been criticized at times for his poor judgment in the field, particularly when he tries to do too much.
Learn More about Jimmy Rollins
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