Why Dodgers’ Jimmy Rollins is actually having a decent season
Jimmy Rollins ranks in the middle or better when considering the offensive production of most MLB shortstops.
Jimmy Rollins is batting .212 and has a .271 on-base percentage, and you scream:
They have to get rid of this guy! What are they waiting for, bring up phenom Corey Seager now!
But as the kids used to say, cool your jets. Rollins is actually not having a terrible season. He’s mostly having a pretty good one.
Remember, he is playing at probably baseball’s weakest offensive position. An average-hitting shortstop is a prize these days. And if you stack up the rest of his numbers against current major league shortstops, you’ll discover he’s actually doing all right.
His offensive production rates either in the middle of most shortstops’ numbers or in the top half.
Among all MLB shortstops Rollins ranks fourth in homers (11), sixth in runs (44), is tied for eighth in steals (an admittedly low eight), 14th in RBIs (33) and slugging percentage (.355), and is tied for 17th in doubles (14).
Those may be well below his MVP stats of 2007, but they are still very respectable numbers. Certainly not the kind that should warrant cries for his exit and hasten the rise of Seager.
Likewise he may not cover the same ground at age 36 that he once did, but he has been a serious upgrade at shortstop over Hanley Ramirez. Rollins’ .978 field percentage and eight errors both rank ninth in MLB. He and second baseman Howie Kendrick have stabilized the defense.
Seager, meanwhile, gets to continue his development without being rushed. After starting the year tearing it up at double-A, he is having more modest success at triple-A. Despite all the hyperbole, Seager is hitting .274 with eight homers and 35 RBI in 297 plate appearances for Oklahoma City.
And, of course, he’s only 21. No need to prematurely push for his arrival. Rollins is doing just fine, and after starting the second half 0 for 16, has six hits in his last 14 at-bats — three for homers.
Maybe there are greater heights awaiting Rollins in the second half. But for right now, he’s doing just fine.
MORE ON THE DODGERS:
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Would Dodgers trade Yasiel Puig? Unlikely, but he can’t rule it out
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