Boston Red Sox Free Agent Rumors: Why Boston Is Best Place for Jimmy Rollins

As Jose Reyes continues to be the most sought-after shortstop on the free agent market, it has taken some of the spotlight off of Jimmy Rollins. Rollins is seeking a five-year deal which Boston could afford if they feel he can stay healthy and provide value to the team.

His offense has been on the decline since he won the NL MVP in 2007. Last season he hit .268/.338/.399 with 16 home runs and 30 stolen bases. His defense has been stellar, winning the Gold Glove award in 2007, 2008 and 2009. 

The Phillies have expressed interest in re-signing Rollins, but they feel that he is asking too much. We saw with Ryan Madson that even though the Phillies wanted to re-sign him, a deal fell through and they signed Jonathan Papelbon the next day. This could end up happening with Rollins as well as he is asking for five more years, even at age 32. 

Coming to Boston would be a great fit for Rollins. He would still be playing in a competitive division with a team capable of contending for a World Series title. Rollins will receive a few offers, mainly after Reyes signs a deal, and an offer from Boston would be hard to turn down.

Boston hasn't given this kind of contract to a shortstop since Nomar Garciaparra and have had a new guy at short seemingly every year since they traded him away, with the exception of their current shortstop, Marco Scutaro. 

Signing with Boston would really mix up the current Red Sox lineup. Jacoby Ellsbury has the lead-off spot locked up with his MVP-caliber season, even though Rollins has hit in that spot for majority of his career. It seems likely that as long as David Ortiz is retained, Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez would fill the number two and three spots in the order.

This would inevitably mean that Rollins could end up hitting in the five or six spot, which would give him more fastballs to hit. Rollins is hitting .260 and .270 against left and right-handed pitchers, respectively, when facing fastballs. 

Rollins has struggled against AL East opponents in his career but that shouldn't stop Boston GM Ben Cherington from making an offer to him. He would be a huge improvement for the "new look" Red Sox and the move would give him a great chance at winning another World Series title.