Rollins is Chicago White Sox' new shortstop, but for how long?

For the Chicago White Sox, the long-term plan is still in place.

At some point - ideally, this season - top prospect Tim Anderson is going to come up from Class AAA Charlotte and take over as the starting shortstop.

Tyler Saladino entered spring training as the short-term shortstop, but that quickly changed when veteran Jimmy Rollins signed with the Sox on Feb. 22.

While he agreed to a minor-league deal, the 37-year-old Rollins is expected to break camp on the White Sox' 25-man roster and open the season as the starting shortstop.

"I got a chance to play and control my playing time," Rollins told reporters after joining the Sox. "There's no more than you can ask for, to have an opportunity to do that. Other places, I would have been coming off the bench as a utility player no matter how well I did unless somebody got injured.

"Sometimes you have to take a shot, and I'm taking a chance."

In his prime, Rollins was one of the top shortstops in the game. Playing for the Phillies from 2000-14, the switch hitter was the National League MVP in 2007 and a three-time all star.

Last season Rollins played in 144 games with the Dodgers and posted a .224/.285/.358 hitting line with 13 home runs and 41 RBI.

Rollins mentored promising prospect Corey Seager last season, and he's doing the same with Anderson and Saladino this spring.

"I feel like I'm in the same boat as (Seager)," Anderson said. "I'm looking forward to working with him. Just learn a lot, on and off the field. (Rollins) is a guy who can help me defensive-wise, hitting-wise, whatever I need."

Saladino might have lost his starting job at shortstop, but he should get plenty of playing time as the White Sox' utility infielder.

"I'll just do what they say, whether it's at short or wherever they need me," Saladino said. "It's just exciting.

"Who wouldn't be excited about getting to work with a guy like (Rollins)? As far as the competition side of it, you can't veer off what you do every day. Just stay on track and take advantage of every day we have out here and get ready for the season."

Top AL shortstops

Scot Gregor ranks the top American League shortstops:

1. Carlos Correa, Astros

2. Francisco Lindor, Indians

3. Troy Tulowitzki, Blue Jays

12. Jimmy Rollins, WHITE SOX