by Michael DeLuca
Jimmy Rollins is being benched for “a couple of days” according to Phils’ skipper Charlie Manuel. This on the heels of a 
five-game hitless streak and a horrendous error in judgement last night when Rollins attempted a two out toss to second base instead of firing to first for the easy out. The runner was safe and a close game quickly became out of reach.
Rollins has suffered through slumps in the past but one thing Phils’ fans could always count on was stellar defense. Not so in the past several weeks, as Rollins has fumbled several times recently on what, for him, are usually routine plays. Many are calling Rollins’ difficulties mental lapses and cite a lack of motivation. Is this temporary trip to the pine a punishment or simply a chance for J-Roll to clear his head?
I think Charlie, like a lot of the fans, thinks that Jimmy’s problems are in his head. I don’t really think that’s the case. He just played way over his head in the MVP season. I’d endorse a permanant move down to the 7th or 8th slot in the lineup and moving Victorino into the leadoff spot. Furthermore, I’d poke around Boston to see if we could work out a trade for a starting pitcher (like Lester or Bucholz, who’s tearing up the minors). They’ve been searching for a SS and I’d give them J-Roll + prospects for either of them.