Jimmy Rollins: Mets Were My Second Choice This Offseason
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Mets fans do not like Jimmy Rollins, and that might be the understatement of the century.
But the notorious Met killer, who burned the Amazin's time and time again as a member of the Phillies from 2000 up until last season, admitted that he would have joined the Mets this winter.
The three-time All-Star ended up being dealt to the Dodgers for two minor league pitchers in December.
"This was my No. 1 landing spot, and I considered the Mets to be No. 2," Rollins said on Saturday from Dodgers camp, according to ESPN.com. "They have some arms over there, oh my gosh. I'm not saying I would have gone there. It would have taken a lot.
"But when I was asked, 'Write down the places you would go if you don't have any (no-trade protection),' I had one team on my list and another where I would go if it didn't work out. Fortunately it worked out here. I'm very delighted with that."
Because Rollins is a 10-year veteran and he played for the same team for five consecutive seasons, he had final say over where he was traded.
Rollins' statement turned some heads, because during the offseason it was reported that the shortstop wouldn't approve a deal if he were traded to the Mets.
General manager Sandy Alderson looked to acquire a shortstop this offseason, but was reluctant to part with his prized young pitching and didn't make a move. It appears that the unproven Wilmer Flores will be the starting shortstop on opening day.
"In New York, if you're not the best, you're the worst," Rollins said, according to the website. "But in my opinion, from playing against them, that team wasn't that bad. And when you look to the future there, it looks pretty bright."
