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This is an argument you’re going to see a lot more once Rollins is the sole holder of the Phillies’ franchise hits record: Is J-Roll™ a Hall of Famer? Jayson Stark wrote about it today, asking if the so-called “good looking kid who comes to play every day” should be enshrined in Cooperstown:

“So what do you think: Is a player with this set of credentials a Hall of Famer?

We’re talking about an active player who is (or will be):

• His franchise’s career hits leader.
• The owner of the second-most Gold Gloves of any active player at his position.
• The only active player at his position who has won an MVP award.
• About to crack the top five for most extra-base hits in history by someone who plays his position.
• A man with a unique set of offensive and defensive credentials that is unprecedented in the history of his position. “

Stark says Rollins isn’t a HOFer yet, but lays out plenty of arguments saying he could be, like this:

“You won’t find a single shortstop in the history of this sport who has done all the stuff he’s done:

An MVP trophy … and four Gold Gloves … and more than 2,200 hits … and more than 200 homers … and nearly 800 extra-base hits … and closing in on the most hits in the history of his franchise.”

It’s an interesting argument, and one we’re sure to keep hearing more and more of in the coming months and years until Rollins calls it a career. In reality, there’s not much point to arguing someone’s Hall of Fame status while they’re still playing, but it’s going to happen anyway. My thoughts? I’m with Stark in saying he’s not completely there yet, but there are dudes at Rollins’ level (or below) who are already in there, so the debate will rage on.