By Gregory Sadikoff
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins has never been one to start the season off with guns blazing. Throughout his 10-year career, Rollins has had fewer hits (216), doubles (42), triples (seven), RBIs (71) and stolen bases (30) in the month of April than in any other month. His .265 average and .400 slugging percentage in April are also his lowest marks compared to the other five months of the season.
Rollins' stat line for April 2009 was as follows: one jack, six RBIs, one steal, a .207 average and .293 slugging percentage. Through Thursday, May 14, his numbers aren't any better (his May average and slugging percentage are .173 and .284, respectively). When it comes to starts, forget slow; this is downright dead.
Oh J-Roll of 2007, where art thou?
Rollins' 2007 campaign, in which he was named the NL MVP, was nothing short of spectacular. He hit 30 jacks (most of any shortstop in MLB), recorded 94 RBIs, swiped 41 bags, scored 139 runs (most of any player) and posted a .296 average and .875 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. With the exception of stolen bases, all of these marks are career bests.
Last season Rollins appeared to be victim of the notorious MVP hangover. A month-long absence, in essence, because of an ankle injury and a regression in power led to a decrease in almost every major offensive category compared to 2007.
Slow start to 2009
As a leadoff man, Rollins sure hasn't been doing his part this season. His 4.2 percent walk rate is his lowest since his rookie season in 2000 and well below his lifetime mark of 7.4 percent. Rollins has a 0.35 walk-to-strikeout ratio, which is 26 points lower than his 0.61 career rate.
Rollins' stat line for April 2009 was as follows: one jack, six RBIs, one steal, a .207 average and .293 slugging percentage. Through Thursday, May 14, his numbers aren't any better (his May average and slugging percentage are .173 and .284, respectively). When it comes to starts, forget slow; this is downright dead.
Oh J-Roll of 2007, where art thou?
Rollins' 2007 campaign, in which he was named the NL MVP, was nothing short of spectacular. He hit 30 jacks (most of any shortstop in MLB), recorded 94 RBIs, swiped 41 bags, scored 139 runs (most of any player) and posted a .296 average and .875 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. With the exception of stolen bases, all of these marks are career bests.
Last season Rollins appeared to be victim of the notorious MVP hangover. A month-long absence, in essence, because of an ankle injury and a regression in power led to a decrease in almost every major offensive category compared to 2007.
Slow start to 2009
As a leadoff man, Rollins sure hasn't been doing his part this season. His 4.2 percent walk rate is his lowest since his rookie season in 2000 and well below his lifetime mark of 7.4 percent. Rollins has a 0.35 walk-to-strikeout ratio, which is 26 points lower than his 0.61 career rate.
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