Jimmy Rollins

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #1 prospect in 2001
  Rollins has been among his league's youngest players at every level since coming out of high school in the East Bay, but that hasn't stopped him from turning heads. Traditionally a slow starter, Rollins hit .134 in April and was below .200 through mid-May last year, before busting out and hitting .327 in the last two months. He was one of the final candidates to join the U.S. Olympic team, and many thought he would have been a better choice at shortstop than Adam Everett or Gookie Dawkins, who went a combined 1-for-29. Rollins continued to exceed expectations by shining in his September callup. He's the cousin of former big league outfielder Tony Tarasco. Rollins' play belies his stature, as he has improved all facets of his game each year. His batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage all have increased steadily in each of the last three seasons. He displays surprising pop from both sides of the plate and puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenses with his quickness. At shortstop, he's a slick fielder with great range in the hole and up the middle, and he possesses the arm strength to make those plays. Rollins has all of the tools to become an exciting leadoff hitter, including bunting skills, basestealing success and bat control. The fact he starts slow and makes necessary in-season adjustments is a tribute to his work ethic and instincts. At times Rollins gets anxious at the plate and chases pitches early in the count. His pitch selection improved during the year and has been solid throughout his career, but he'll be tested again against big league hurlers. The Phillies want him to concentrate on doing the little things atop the lineup, and he'll need to draw a few more walks to be effective in the No. 1 slot. He tends to get home run conscious and needs to stay within his limitations. New manager Larry Bowa got his first look at Rollins in the Arizona Fall League and was inspired. Rollins was named to the AFL's all-prospect team, setting the stage for his arrival atop Bowa's first lineup card. He could set the tone for the offense in the same way Rafael Furcal did for Atlanta last year.
• 
  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #4 prospect in 2000
  The Phillies soured on Rollins after a mediocre 1998 season and a perceived lackadaisical attitude. A new staff saw a different player in 1999. Rollins improved his skills on the field and became a leader on both teams he played for. Though just 5-foot-8, Rollins plays with the skills of a bigger player. He is smooth and quick in the infield with a plus arm from the hole and no fear around the bag. Rollins is equally proficient from both sides of the plate and has surprising pop for his size. He stays under control at the plate and doesn't overswing. As long as Rollins maintains a solid approach, continues to polish his skills on routine plays and learns the nuances of baserunning and situational hitting, he has a bright big league future. He has all the tools. The Phillies' middle infield is wide open. Rollins was playing well in the Venezuelan League, and it wouldn't be a shock if Rollins made his big league debut next summer.
• 
  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #11 prospect in 1999
• 
  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #4 prospect in 1998
  Rollins was a high-profile high school player in the prospect-rich Bay Area in 1996. Scouts saw first-round ability but also saw a thin 5-foot-8 player who might get the bat knocked out of his hands. Rollins’ defense and speed evoke comparisons with the Reds' Pokey Reese. He’s a polished player with a good batting eye whom the Phillies already consider the best baserunner in their system. Rollins has also worked hard to get stronger. While switch-hitting helps, Rollins is handicapped by his lack of size and strength at the plate. He will have to continue to use his intelligence and speed to be an offensive factor. One of the youngest players in his draft class, Rollins will play all of 1998 at age 19. His polished skills and defensive acrobatics should benefit him in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked International League #13 prospect in 2000
  Though he had to play on the same Scranton/Wilkes-Barre team with Pat Burrell and Reggie Taylor, Rollins didn’t go unnoticed by International League managers. In fact, many of them believe Rollins' future is brighter than Taylor's. "He has the range and arm, he has speed and he'll be a good hitter," Pawtucket manager Gary Jones said. "He brings the whole package." Rollins overcame a slow start this season. He displayed gap power, a good eye at the plate and keen instincts on the basepaths. "He's wiry, but he's durable and strong," Scranton manager Marc Bombard said. "At the next level, if there's a man on second base and the outfielders want to cheat in, he'll hit the ball over their heads." Rollins could get that chance as soon as 2001. The Phillies traded Desi Relaford to the Padres in August, and his replacement, Tomas Perez, hasn’t even been good enough to warrant being called a stopgap.
• 
  Ranked South Atlantic League #10 prospect in 1997
  Rollins didn’t stick out in 1996 (.238-1-6 at Rookie-level Martinsville) but showed speed, range and better batting sill for Piedmont. “Obviously, he has the great speed,” Greensboro manager Tom Nieto said. “He’s a young kid who plays like a guy much older.” Rollins is a bit small, but he has some pop and figures to get stronger as he grows and matures. He’s the youngest player to make the South Atlantic League list.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #31 prospect in 2001
• Ranked Baseball America's #95 prospect in 2000

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Though he had to play on the same Scranton/Wilkes-Barre team with Pat Burrell and Reggie Taylor, Rollins didn’t go unnoticed by International League managers. In fact, many of them believe Rollins' future is brighter than Taylor's. "He has the range and arm, he has speed and he'll be a good hitter," Pawtucket manager Gary Jones said. "He brings the whole package." Rollins overcame a slow start this season. He displayed gap power, a good eye at the plate and keen instincts on the basepaths. "He's wiry, but he's durable and strong," Scranton manager Marc Bombard said. "At the next level, if there's a man on second base and the outfielders want to cheat in, he'll hit the ball over their heads." Rollins could get that chance as soon as 2001. The Phillies traded Desi Relaford to the Padres in August, and his replacement, Tomas Perez, hasn’t even been good enough to warrant being called a stopgap.
• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  The Phillies soured on Rollins after a mediocre 1998 season and a perceived lackadaisical attitude. A new staff saw a different player in 1999. Rollins improved his skills on the field and became a leader on both teams he played for. Though just 5-foot-8, Rollins plays with the skills of a bigger player. He is smooth and quick in the infield with a plus arm from the hole and no fear around the bag. Rollins is equally proficient from both sides of the plate and has surprising pop for his size. He stays under control at the plate and doesn't overswing. As long as Rollins maintains a solid approach, continues to polish his skills on routine plays and learns the nuances of baserunning and situational hitting, he has a bright big league future. He has all the tools. The Phillies' middle infield is wide open. Rollins was playing well in the Venezuelan League, and it wouldn't be a shock if Rollins made his big league debut next summer.
• December, 1997 Scouting Report
  Rollins was a high-profile high school player in the prospect-rich Bay Area in 1996. Scouts saw first-round ability but also saw a thin 5-foot-8 player who might get the bat knocked out of his hands. Rollins’ defense and speed evoke comparisons with the Reds' Pokey Reese. He’s a polished player with a good batting eye whom the Phillies already consider the best baserunner in their system. Rollins has also worked hard to get stronger. While switch-hitting helps, Rollins is handicapped by his lack of size and strength at the plate. He will have to continue to use his intelligence and speed to be an offensive factor. One of the youngest players in his draft class, Rollins will play all of 1998 at age 19. His polished skills and defensive acrobatics should benefit him in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League.
• December, 1996 Scouting Report
  Rollins didn’t stick out in 1996 (.238-1-6 at Rookie-level Martinsville) but showed speed, range and better batting sill for Piedmont. “Obviously, he has the great speed,” Greensboro manager Tom Nieto said. “He’s a young kid who plays like a guy much older.” Rollins is a bit small, but he has some pop and figures to get stronger as he grows and matures. He’s the youngest player to make the South Atlantic League list.