Think long and hard about two of the best Philadelphia Phillies players of all time. We will make it even easier. Think of the greatest shortstop and greatest first baseman the team has ever had. Should not have to think long or hard on it now. Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard played in the same infield together not so long ago for a championship team. Though loved in the city of Philadelphia, they are well past their primes but not ready to call it a career just yet.
Rollins was shortstop for the Phillies from his debut in 2000 all the way to the final game of the 2014 season. Along the way he won a MVP award, four Gold Glove awards, and left the team as the all-time hits leader. Rollins was the little sparkplug who ignited the Phillies offense night in and night out. Every Opening Day there he was, penciled in at the top of the lineup.
His offensive numbers for a shortstop, at the leadoff position no less, were exceptional. 2,306 hits, 1,325 runs scored, 479 doubles, 111 triples, 216 homers, 887 runs batted in, and 453 steals. Remarkable is really the best word to use when describing Rollins and his time in Philadelphia. Since leaving, he has not found the same success.
Rollins muddled through a year with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2015. He lost his starter’s job by the end of the season to young phenom Corey Seager. Then it was off to the Chicago White Sox in 2016 to even more disastrous results. Rollins only played 41 games before being released. No team signed him then as he was unemployed the rest of last season. It is tough to see guys refusing to retire, even though it would probably be the best move. Rollins has played this game for so long, and still loves playing it. The 38-year-old signed a recent minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants. For his sake, Phillies fans can only hope that competitive fire he still feels will allow him to edge out a bench position at the very least.
Then there is Howard. The 37-year-old ranks second in Phillies history in home runs with 382. Included in that is 58 in one season back in 2006, a year he won the National League MVP award. Like Rollins, Howard spent a long time with the Phillies. In fact, Howard is only just now a free agent for the first time. Thus far, it seems like a long shot for him to latch onto a team, and it has to be an American League team no doubt.
Howard always had a high propensity to strike out. But he can not even draw a walk anymore. Last year he struck out 114 times and only had 27 walks over 362 plate appearances. The one positive that could be seen was Howard could still hit the long ball, swatting 25 home runs. This greatly led to a decent slugging percentage of .453. That is an amazing number considering he only batted .196, but do not forget he was in a platoon at first base pretty much the entire season.
But Howard has kept a positive attitude through the offseason. He is eager to keep playing, confident in his abilities, and hopeful a team will sign him.
Admittedly, it would probably be best for both Philadelphia legends to just retire with dignity. The remembrance of all they did and accomplished will never be forgotten. What could happen, however, is too many people will get stuck on them continuing to try to play, even with diminished skills.
Listen, nobody wants to see their old favorite players crashing and burning. But you can not blame them for not wanting to call it quits. Hope only the best for the two as they look to keep their careers going a little longer.
PJ Hyduke is a Staff Writer for Outside Pitch MLB covering the Phillies. Follow him on Twitter
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