Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg works to mend fences with Jimmy Rollins

CLEARWATER, FLA. By the end of business Thursday, there was little talk of the Phillies 6-2 win against the visiting split-squad Yankees.

Instead, the conversation focused on an apparent rift between manager Ryne Sandberg and his shortstop, Jimmy Rollins.

It began Tuesday with Rollins telling a Philadelphia Daily News reporter who cares? when the subject of spring training statistics came up. When the season starts, thats when results matter. There really is no other way to put it. No one talks about preseason in June. ... No one does.

Sandberg interpreted Rollins comments as not caring about spring training. Rollins, coincidentally, did not play Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

I wanted him to clarify that because I wanted to make sure that he cared, Sandberg said Thursday. And I wanted to make sure -- I know that everyone else in the locker room cared. So when he told me about what he was talking about, it made sense.

Rollins said that on Tuesday morning as he was preparing to come to work and get on the bus bound for the Phillies road game against the Braves, someone in the clubhouse called him to say Freddy Galvis would be starting instead.

Obviously [Sandberg]s upset about something, Rollins said Thursday before talking to Sandberg later in the day. That doesnt mean its over the course of spring training, it could have been one specific incident. But hes upset about it. Thats something when hes ready, hell let me know.

Sandberg initially said Rollins did not play because he was getting over the flu, a diagnosis Rollins confirmed. The manager also said he wanted to see more of Galvis at shortstop. But then he gave a no comment when asked about Rollins positivity and energy.

On Thursday, Sandberg backtracked.

You know, I would liked to have not said that and expand on what Jimmy has to offer and what he means to the ballclub, Sandberg said.

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Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg works to mend fences with Jimmy Rollins