[mlbvideo id=”342913383″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Scott Van Slyke, LF
Yasiel Puig, RF
Kiké Hernandez, CF
A.J. Ellis, C
Alex Guerrero, 3B
Mat Latos, P
By Jon Weisman
One month ago, the night he broke a 7-7 tie with the game-winning RBI in a 10-7 victory over his former Philadelphia team, Jimmy Rollins described the changes he was attempting to revitalize a difficult season.
“I’ve been working on hitting the ball the other way,” Rollins said. “It’s a new swing, so it has its ups and downs, but tonight on the last hit, it worked out for me.”
Things have been working out pretty well for Rollins ever since. Dating back to that night, Rollins has a .333 on-base percentage, .505 slugging percentage and .839 OPS. In 55 plate appearances since July 23, Rollins has a .418 OBP, .653 slugging and 1.071 OPS.
The defense, which has been there all season, hasn’t suffered, illustrated most recently by his snap throw to first base Friday to catch Gregory Polanco taking a wide turn after a base hit. And one of the great, smart hustle plays of the year, Rollins scored from second base in the second inning on Howie Kendrick’s infield single in the third inning. (Rollins had just stolen second base to get into scoring position.)
Rollins predicted a month ago that he would heat up in the second half, and so far he has been good to his word. Since the All-Star Break, Rollins is third among Dodger position players in wins above replacement, behind Adrian Gonzalez and Justin Turner.
oldbrooklynfan
That was a shrewd move in picking up Grandal, Kendrick and Rollins, the Dodgers made last winter.
Mark Hagerstrom
For all those who were clamoring to bring up Seager to replace Rollins, Jimmy in the Bigs has outhit Corey in AAA in July and August (Jimmy OPS .778 and .875 versus Corey .693 and .820).
Don Bright
I figured just for his D and leadership the FO wasn’t going to replace him with Seager this year. Thankfully though his bat is waking up.