Jimmy Rollins - Photo credit: Steve Trapani

Thanksgiving is over and today kicks off the official start of the Holiday Season.  And we all remember that huge gift we Phillies fans received last year.  Not sure Ruben Amaro, Jr. can top the Cliff Lee deal but one never knows.

Could the re-signing of Jimmy Rollins be in the works?  Both sides have been quite silent on that matter.  Not sure if that’s a good sign or not.  We do know that on Wednesday the Phillies offered salary arbitration to free agent Rollins.  Yes I can’t even say Phillies shortstop because as View’s Karilee Jeantet pointed out in her post, Hey Phillies, This Is Too Strange, Please Fix! Rollins’ profile on twitter no longer mentions the Phillies and he’s currently not listed on the Phillies active roster.

He has until December 7th to accept the arbitration.

Because Rollins is considered an elite free agent, the Phillies would receive two compensatory Draft picks if he signs elsewhere. One of the selections would be a sandwich pick, and the other would be based on where the signing team’s first-round selection falls.

If the signing team’s pick falls within the first 15 picks, the Phillies would receive that team’s second-round selection. If the signing team’s first selection falls beyond the first 15 picks, the Phillies would receive that pick. – Phillies.com

The Phillies also offered arbitration to both Ryan Madson and Raul Ibanez.  The likelihood of Madson sticking around is probably a long shot.  When talks with him fell through and the Phillies chose to sign former Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, the writing was on the wall for Madson.  At least in the closing role it was.  Not sure Madson would want to stay on and just be a reliever again.  I get the impression he relished the closer role and doubt he wants to give that up.  And if another team is willing to give him a good chunk of money/contract to be the closer, I definitely see him going elsewhere.

The Phillies would also receive two compensatory picks if Madson signs elsewhere. But because he is not considered to be an elite free agent under the new collective bargaining agreement, the team that signs the veteran reliever would not forfeit a Draft pick.

The compensation for Madson would be one supplemental pick in the first or second round, and a sandwich pick – Phillies.com

I think the Phillies are looking to have Ibanez come back in a platoon role and for a lower salary, not as the everyday player he was last season.  The 39 year-old left fielder who struggled at times, also had some clutch moments, but he’s not getting any younger.  And it pains me to say that because I’m no spring chicken myself but I’m also not trying to play 162 + baseball games.

Like Rollins, both Madson and Ibanez have until December 7th to accept.

Tonight on HBO at 9:15 pm EDT, the channel is airing a 12-minute preview of the HBO show 24/7.  Which features the Philadelphia Flyers/New York Rangers and their road to the 2012 Winter Classic.  And since its being played at Citizens Bank Park, be sure to check out the preview.

Photo courtesy of Steve Trapani – Flickr Follow him on twitter: @Trap_33