DODGERS LAND VETERAN SS ROLLINS
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired shortstop Jimmy Rollins from the Philadelphia Phillies for pitchers Zach Eflin and Tom Windle.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers land a proven switch-hitting shortstop in the 36-year-old Rollins, who might also become the team's new leadoff man (following the departure of {P Dee Gordon} to Miami). He may also bat second. Either way, he'll provide stability and improved and a defensive upgrade from {P Hanley Ramirez}, who signed with Boston in the off-season. Rollins is likely a short-term solution and a placeholder for top prospect {P Corey Seager}--who is a year or two away from the bigs.
What does it give the Philadelphia Phillies
For the Phillies, this deal is probably the start of a new era. First baseman {P Ryan Howard}, starters {P Cole Hamels} and {P Cliff Lee}, right-fielder {P Marlon Byrd} and perhaps even second baseman {P Chase Utley} may all be the next to go. Eflin is a big right-hander who is only 20 years old, and he has good upside. Windle is a bit older (22) but just as talented. Both Eflin and Windle have the upside of a big-league starter but the Phillies need to practice patience here.
Fantasy impact
Rollins is moving from a notorious hitters' park (Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia) to Chavez Ravine in LA, so there could be a negative effect on his fantasy numbers in 2015. Also, he is probably not going to remain the Dodgers' shortstop for very long (with Seager waiting in the wings). Both Eflin and Windle have keeper-league value, though both would have had more had they remained Dodgers property.
