AB85,
I think Scipio has covered most of the requirements for shaft rotation, but I'd like to add a couple of additional points.
1. The requirement for shaft rotation can be either bearing or shaft deformation related. Although not a problem with smaller size rotating assemblies, as the size increases and unsupported shaft lengths increase, it becomes necessary to continuously turn the rotating assembly when not in use. For example, a large steam turbine rotating assembly requires continuous rotation even when not in operation. Without rotation, shaft sag can occur, which would result in shaft deformation. Therefore the larger the equipment, the more important it is to rotate the shaft on a regular basis.
2. Even with smaller pump or other rotating equipment, if the equipment is stored in a location which has a high vibration level, the bearing damage can be seriously increased. The brinnelling effect mentioned by Scipio occurs at a much increased rate when vibration of the site is also an issue.