Scott Rolen [Merged Threads]

[gyb13]

Thoughts on Rolen's (in)decision on a long-term deal with the Phillies? Here's some food:

Philadelphia is the sixth-largest market in the game, and I feel that for the last however long, the organization has not acted like it. There's a lack of commitment to what I think is right. I'm not seeing that their No. 1 goal is to put a winning team on the field. That's my No. 1 goal, and that's why I put on a uniform every day." --Scott Rolen, Phillies infiedler

and a very professional remark:

"I guess there's one point that Scott made that I agree with. He indicated he's an idiot for not signing with us." --Dave Montgomery, Phillies President

[Xanadu Dragon]

I saw Bowa interviewed, and, it sounded like they would want to trade him now - - but, can't, because everyone knows they have no leverage to ask for anything besides a kid or two.

[Fuzzy Bear]

Maybe I'm out there, but I don't see Scott Rolen as anything to write home about. He's a minor star, not a superstar, who hasn't improved much on his rookie year. He has back problems, so his future at 3B, in my opinion, is questionable, and he doesn't hit well enough at 1B to be any more than a slightly improved Eric Karros. In 4 years, Philly will be glad if they don't re-sign him, and sorry if they do. He's overrated, and damaged goods.

[Xanadu Dragon]

He's still just 27 this year - - some are still in AAA at 25. He's had 4 years in a row of 25+ HRs now - and, his glove is stellar. I think most teams would be happy to have him for the next 5-8 years. Lifetime .375 OBA and .508 SLG%.

[SmedIndy]

If Rolen's over-rated then almost every baseball player is.

Any team, I mean any team, would kill to try to get him on their team next year if money were no object.

[WiredTiger]

Originally posted by Fuzzy Bear
Maybe I'm out there, but I don't see Scott Rolen as anything to write home about. He's a minor star, not a superstar, who hasn't improved much on his rookie year. He has back problems, so his future at 3B, in my opinion, is questionable, and he doesn't hit well enough at 1B to be any more than a slightly improved Eric Karros. In 4 years, Philly will be glad if they don't re-sign him, and sorry if they do. He's overrated, and damaged goods.

Rolen is an elite third baseman but you are right in saying that his value would fall if he played a different position. He is an average 1B but a above average 3B.

[SmedIndy]

Originally posted by WiredTiger


Rolen is an elite third baseman but you are right in saying that his value would fall if he played a different position. He is an average 1B but a above average 3B.

Of the current 1B, if I had to make a long term commitment and Rolen was a 1B, not a 3B, he'd fall only behind Giambi, Helton, Delgado, Bagwell, and Thome.

[gyb13]

Originally posted by SmedIndy
Of the current 1B, if I had to make a long term commitment and Rolen was a 1B, not a 3B, he'd fall only behind Giambi, Helton, Delgado, Bagwell, and Thome.

And Nevin.

[Fuzzy Bear]

Originally posted by WiredTiger


Rolen is an elite third baseman but you are right in saying that his value would fall if he played a different position. He is an average 1B but a above average 3B.

I agree that Rolen is above-average. I don't believe he is a superstar. I am curious as as to how my Net Shrine friends think as to the question "Is Rolen a superstar or not?"

I don't think he's a BAD player; that would be silly of me. Rolen is a Star.

Because he plays in Philly (I think) and has been the first to successfully follow Schmidt, he is viewed as a superstar, or a potential superstar. To wit:

1. Rolen's numbers are NOT superstar numbers; they are star numbers. They would be HOF numbers if he keeps this up for 18 years, but;

2. Rolen's back is an accident waiting to happen. In 3 years, if he's still at 3B, he won't be Gold Glove; he'll only be average.

[gyb13]

The Scott Rolen inquiries continue to roll in. Arizona called after Matt Williams' injury, but the Diamondbacks and Phillies don't match up. And Colorado made another run, dangling Mike Hampton and Todd Zeile. But the Phillies would want a better solution at third than Zeile, and they don't want Hampton's contract.

[Fritz Buelow]

You would think the Phils would take the Rocks offer, and see if there's a market for Hampton, before saying no - - 'cause Rolen is walking.

Rangers have Hank B and Mark T for 3B - - both can't play there. Perhaps Hicks would let one go for a Hampton?

[gyb13]

Originally posted by Fritz Buelow
You would think the Phils would take the Rocks offer, and see if there's a market for Hampton, before saying no - - 'cause Rolen is walking.

Rangers have Hank B and Mark T for 3B - - both can't play there. Perhaps Hicks would let one go for a Hampton?

Something like that would make sense for PHI....if their GM was creative enough. Philly would get rid of Rolen, who's walking, and get a substitute for now (Zeile) and for the future (Blalock/Teixeira). But if PHI thinks they can contend this yr, they might not be content with zeile at third. I'm picking them 4th in the division, though...

[Fuzzy Bear]

Originally posted by gyb13

Something like that would make sense for PHI....if their GM was creative enough. Philly would get rid of Rolen, who's walking, and get a substitute for now (Zeile) and for the future (Blalock/Teixeira). But if PHI thinks they can contend this yr, they might not be content with zeile at third. I'm picking them 4th in the division, though...

The Phils will finish under .500 with or without Rolen. They're just not that good, plus the Mets and Braves are demonstrably better. If they pass on this trade, they'll finish under .500 next year as well.

Rolen was a large rookie; that may be one reason why he hasn't grown all that much from the point at which he entered the majors. More importantly, it's also one reason why I think he'll age poorly.

[Fuzzy Bear]

How good is Scott Rolen, really?

On the plus side:

1. He is, as of now, an excellent defender.

2. He hits for OK power.

3. He has a good BA and a very good OBP, given his power.


On the negative side:

1. He really hasn't grown much from his rookie year.

2. He has a bad back, which, I believe will cause him to not be able to play 3B for many more years.


I wouldn't want him and I don't think the Phillies will regret not signing him to the long term deal he'll end up getting.

But enough out of me. What do the rest of you think?

[VNV Nation]

I agree.