Go West, Young Man (Aaron Rowand Signs with Giants)

Reports surfaced this afternoon that Aaron Rowand is going to sign a five year deal with the San Francisco Giants. Terms were not disclosed by you can bet the deal is in the $60-70 million range. I mean, if Andruw Jones, who couldn't hit the side of a barn this year, got a deal for $18 million per (admittedly for a shorter term), then clearly Rowand will net at least $12 million if not 14 or 15.

There was no way the Phillies, who have Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth signed for next year, are close to their budget limits, and need pitching help desperately (and 3rd base help wouldn't hurt either), were going to sign Rowand. And you know what, I agree 100% with this decision. In addition to being a budget fatality, the fact remains that Rowand probably had a career year last year when he hit .309-27-89, and played his usual solid defense. In my opinion, he is not worth the cash that it would take to get his name in ink on a contract.

So, if the Phillies made what I believe to be an absolutely correct decision based on market valuation and their budgetary restrictions, then why do I have a sneaking suspicion that they will really miss Rowand on their squad next year. This guy was a perfect fit for Philly with his blue collar style for a clue collar town. He brought it every day, and his hustle and effort were clearly contagious on this team. Guys like that are always missed.

The Phils have enough guys, Chase Utley immediately comes to mind, that have that great work ethic to overcome Rowand's absence. But they will miss him for sure.

Good luck to Aaron Rowand. Unfortunately for him, who always seemed like a win-first guy, the signing is curious because he is going to a team that is bound to struggle for the foreseeable future (having close to $20 million per wrapped up in a mediocre-at-best Barry Zito for 6 more years on a cash strapped team will not help). I guess this shows that pretty much all the professional athletes today are following the green (although Rowand is a California kid so I guess you can make the argument he wanted to go back home).