Future Of The Phillies: The Infield

In this segment of Future Of The Phillies we take a look at the infiled. As of this moment the Phillies currently have 3/4 of their infield under contract for 2012. The only guy not signed for next year is Jimmy Rollins. Are the Phils willing to possibly pay Rollins 10-13 million dollars a year? Or will they give the spot to a younger less expensive minor leaguer? Let's take a look.

Jimmy Rollins 2012: ?

The Phillies exercised their club option for Rollins before the beginning of this year and this could be Rollins' final season in Philadelphia.

Ryan Howard 2012: Philadelphia

Howard signed a 5 year 125 million dollar extension that will keep him in Philly through 2016 with a club option for 2017. Howard will make $20 million each in 2012 and 2013 and $25 million annually from 2014-16. The option for 2017 is 23 million and a 10 million buyout.

Chase Utley 2012: Philadelphia

Utley signed a 7 year 85 million dollar deal that will keep him a Phillie through 2013. Utley will get 15 million in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

Placido Polanco 2012: Philadelphia

Polanco signed a 3 year 18 million dollar deal last year so he will be a Phillie through 2012.

The big question that everyone wants answered is will the Phils re-sign Rollins. With an already steep payroll the Phillies may decide not to give Rollins an extension. According to phillysportsdaily.com "An agent guessed J-Roll could wrangle himself a three year, $39 million contract from a willing suitor." 13 million a year could prove to be too expensive for the Phils. But at the same time I think Rollins understands the importance of winning another a World Series and he may possibly be willing to take a paycut. I expect the Phillies to work something out with J-Roll. A 2 year 25 million dollar contract is a definite possibility. As for the rest of the infield Chase and Ryan are here to stay long term. And if Polanco continues to produce he could find himself with a nice new contract sometime in the near future.