According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Brewers and Cardinals are the Phillies' primary competition for Jimmy Rollins. Olney is expecting Rollins to ultimately return to Philadelphia, and reported earlier Monday morning that Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has already been in talks with the veteran shortstop's agent at the Winter Meetings. But the St. Louis and Milwaukee front offices could make things difficult. Rollins, 33, batted .268/.338/.399 with 16 homers and 30 stolen bases in 142 games this past season.

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Brewers are interested in free agent Jimmy Rollins. "They like his defense, like how he could fit in different parts of lineup," Olney writes via Twitter. Olney wrote last month that the Phillies are hesitant to give Rollins the five-year contract he desires, potentially opening the door for a team like the Brewers to pilfer him. Rollins, a Type A free agent, is drawing interest from several clubs.

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Phillies are hesitant to give Jimmy Rollins the five-year contract that he desires. It's no surprise, given that Rollins is celebrating his 33rd birthday Sunday. Olney notes that Rollins will have no shortage of suitors this offseason, though, so the Phillies "may have to go beyond their comfort level to make something happen." The Cardinals, Giants, Brewers, Marlins and Mets could all conceivably have interest in the former NL MVP.

Jimmy Rollins was offered arbitration by the Phillies. Rollins, a Type A free agent, is drawing interest from several clubs and is thought to be seeking a five-year deal. In other words, he won't accept the arbitration offer.

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Brewers are considering free agent Jimmy Rollins. The Brewers are also eyeing Jose Reyes, Yuniesky Betancourt, Clint Barmes and Rafael Furcal among free agent shortstops, so it's only natural Rollins is being considered, as well. They could turn their attention to a more high-profile name like Reyes or Rollins if (or when) they are convinced Prince Fielder is not a realistic option.

Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch indicates that if Albert Pujols signs elsewhere, the Cardinals could target a big upgrade at shortstop. If they go the free agent route, that would mean Jose Reyes or Jimmy Rollins. But, Strauss also notes that Pujols and Rollins have the same agent, Dan Lozano, so the Cards will be unable to negotiate anything for Rollins until there's closure to Pujols' situation. Because of this, Strauss opines that re-signing Rafael Furcal or trading for a shortstop makes the most sense.

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com was told by a friend of Jimmy Rollins that the shortstop has received interest from more than six teams. For what it's worth, Stark guesses that the Phillies, Cardinals, Brewers, Braves and Giants are among them. SI's Jon Heyman reported Wednesday that Philadelphia has already engaged in preliminary talks with Rollins, but he is reportedly holding firm on his desire of a five-year contract. This one could take a while.

According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, the Phillies and Jimmy Rollins have engaged in "preliminary talks." Rollins is holding tight to his desire for a five-year deal. The Phillies are not expected to meet that asking price, but they'll remain on top of the negotiations that he's having with other teams before eventually making a competitive bid. Rollins is known to enjoy playing in Philly, but the veteran shortstop has one last chance to rake in a substantial free agent deal and is likely to chase the richest contract he can find.

The Phillies have reached out to Jimmy Rollins' agent multiple times over the past couple of days. "Jimmy knows we'd like to bring him back," said Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. "We've been playing phone tag a little bit with [agent Scott Boras] over the last several days." The Phils are expected to make an offer to Rollins before the end of their exclusive negotiating period. But he's likely to test the market anyway.

Jimmy Rollins is expecting to receive a contract offer from the Phillies soon. It's likely that the Phils will extend an offer Rollins' way before their exclusive negotiating rights end, but the shortstop will almost surely test out the free agent market. Rollins is looking for a five-year deal, but given that he'll turn 33 next month, we'd be surprised if he gets it.