Last off-season, the Phillies exercised their $8.5 million club option on Jimmy Rollins for the 2011 season. They did it on good faith, knowing they wanted their shortstop and one of the faces of the franchise back for another season even a year in advance.
There will be no such assurances this time around.
When asked if the team will begin negotiating on a possible contract extension for Rollins before next season, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. made it clear that's not in his plans.
"I think we'll probably let things, at this time, play out," Amaro said.
Meaning the Phillies are concerned enough about Rollins' production in the last few seasons to question whether he will be the starting shortstop in 2012. Rollins, who turns 32 at the end of November, will almost certainly go into 2011 playing for a contract.
It was a lost season for Rollins in 2010. He played in just 88 games while batting injuries to his right calf and hamstring. He posted career lows (over a full season) in just about every counting number, plus batting average (.243) and slugging percentage (.374).
"There's some concern about his production the last couple of years," Amaro said. "He's a much better player than he's played. We just have to make sure he's healthy."
And part of that will rely on Rollins improving his off-season training program. Last off-season, Rollins was married to his longtime girlfriend, Johari. This off-season, he could be devoting more time to ensuring his body is in better condition before spring training begins.
Amaro also said all of Manuel's coaches had been invited back. Near the end of the season, first-base coach Davey Lopes said he was undecided whether he would return.
Singleton stormed onto the scene as an 18-year-old first baseman at single-A Lakewood in 2010. The eighth-round draft pick hit .290 with 14 home runs and 77 RBIs in 2009.
