Rollins is convinced of this. He is also sure as he approaches free agency for the first time in his career that he controls his own destiny with the Phillies.
"If I have a good year, I'll probably spend the rest of my career here," Rollins said. "There's no doubt about it. And if I don't, it'll be a tough decision for them."
There are no guarantees for Rollins, who played in a career-low 88 games in 2010 and has failed to come even close to the lofty numbers he had during the MVP season of 2007. But the shortstop said he spent the off-season making up for lost time.
He began taking yoga classes and followed an ambitious program designed by his wife, Johari. "You ask yourself," Rollins said, " 'Why do people like this?' "
He started running long distances, a five-mile trek twice a week. "I don't like running distances," Rollins said. "I'm a sprinter, and I love to sprint."
He came to Florida nearly two weeks before the mandatory reporting date. Typically, Rollins is one of the last players to arrive. "I missed a lot of time last year," Rollins said, "so there's no time to take time off."
Rollins has no trouble saying the right things, and Saturday was no exception. Last winter, he was married on the Cayman Islands, came to camp somewhat out of shape, and then suffered recurring calf and hamstring injuries during the season.
With a contract on the line and his future with the Phillies in question, there is little room for error. In the final season of a six-year, $46.5 million deal, he will earn $8.5 million.
Rollins turned 32 in November. Should he have a decent season, the Phillies will likely seek a multiyear extension. That would be the most convenient outcome for the franchise. There is no replacement at shortstop from within, unless Freddy Galvis, a career .233 hitter in the minors, shows significant improvement at the plate.
Does Rollins have something to prove in 2011?
