Jimmy Rollins and his Quest for .400

As everybody knows, Jimmy Rollins has been known for his predictions the past few years. After starting this season in a terrible offensive funk, Rollins made another bold prediction about two weeks ago on April 27, when he was quoted as saying that he felt ready to hit .400 for the next month.

Well, the crystal ball seems a bit foggy right now. He’s batting .171 (7-for-41) this May, with five runs scored, three RBI, and zero stolen bases to go along with a .237 OBP.

Let’s say Rollins gets 111 at-bats this May (his career average for the month). He will need to record 38 hits in his next 70 at-bats to reach .400 for the month. That’s a .543 clip for the next three weeks.

To his credit, he has not been incorrect yet. After declaring the Phillies the “team to beat” in 2007, the Phillies won their division and advanced to the postseason for the first time in 14 years. Next was his proclamation that the Phillies would win 100 games in 2008. The team went on to win 103, with the final win coming as the World Series clincher.

It isn’t impossible, but Rollins may have out-predicted himself on this one.

Photo courtesy Steve Nesius / Associated Press.