Jimmy Rollins wants to stay, but needs ‘money and years’

At this time last year, Jimmy Rollins was asked about Jayson Werth’s possible departure. “Why should I leave,” Rollins said as he turned the subject to himself.

Well, Rollins, much like Werth in October 2010, is preparing for free agency and he answered his own question at yesterday’s end-of-year media scrum.

“Money and years” is what Rollins wants. The Phillies’ shortstop since the 2000 season apparently wants a deal that spans half a decade.

“I’m looking to get five years, if it’s going to be shorter, it would have to be a fifth-year option, my option,” Rollins said.

Unlike Werth’s final address to the press, which smacked of a definite goodbye, the impression is that Rollins would like to give the Phillies the opportunity to retain him.

“There’s no doubt they [the Phillies] have first shot to get something done,” Rollins said. “Hopefully we will get something done.”

Perhaps it will get done since the Phillies’ leadoff hitter would prefer to stay and the organization would like to re-sign him.

“There’s no question that we want Jimmy back and to be in our uniform and play shortstop for us for the next several years,” GM Ruben Amaro said. “That kind of depends if we get to the finish line on it. But Jimmy knows where we stand on it.”