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Jimmy Rollins Q & A: Phillies Legend Talks Hall of Fame Disappointment, Team Outlook, Schwarber Extension

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Published10 Feb 2025

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Philadelphia Phillies legend Jimmy Rollins was in Scottsdale, Arizona this past week to partake in the Pro-Am at the WM Open golf tournament.

Before his round, the 2007 MVP took a few minutes to speak exclusively with Sports Talk Philly about the team’s inactive offseason, seeing an uptick in Hall of Fame votes, a potential Kyle Schwarber extension and Juan Soto’s return to the division.

 

Q: How do you feel about the Phillies heading into the season? They didn’t do too much this offseason, but they had a good team already.

Jimmy Rollins: “Everybody wanted them to do more. I wish they would have done more. I don’t know what moves there were to be made. They have budgetary reasons for why they will or won’t do things. But in all honesty, no one is going to be able to keep up with the Dodgers.”

 

Q: Having Juan Soto in the division, how does that change its complexion?

Jimmy Rollins: “Soto has been in the division before, so it doesn’t really do much. The Mets had a good team last year and they had a great second half, no doubt about it. He brings some stability to that lineup. But at the end of the day, the Mets have to prove they can win. I know they knocked us out, but it’s a New York team. Maybe with them, getting to the playoffs can satisfy you a little bit. But for a New York team or any East Coast team, just getting to the playoffs is not good enough.”

 

Q: I talked to Kyle Schwarber, and he said he would love to be extended. Would you like to see that happen? 

Jimmy Rollins: “I’d love to see him stay. What he’s done for that team, being a big bat but also a silent presence on the field. He doesn’t say much outwardly, but his presence, when you see him coming up to the plate, something big can happen, and real fast.”

 

Q: Were you disappointed in not making the Hall of Fame?

Jimmy Rollins: “I think everyone is disappointed by not making it, but I’m glad to see my number going north. That’s what’s most important. I’d like to see some bigger jumps, but as long as you’re going north, you’re going in the right direction.”

 

Q: Do you think you’ll get there? 

Jimmy Rollins: “I hope so, but I don’t get to make that decision.”