Aaron Rowand

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Yanks interested in Rowand?

By Greg C. on | From slidingintohome.blogspot.com

A few weeks ago there was a rumor going around about a Beltran for Cano deal in the works. That rumor turned out to be nothing. I mention that rumor because this one is apparently from the same person - Frank Russo from NY Baseball Digest - so take it with a grain of salt.

From NY Baseball Digest:

Our sources down in Tampa have informed us that the Yankees will be exploring trade possibilities with the Giants for center fielder Aaron Rowand. It is pretty well known that the Giants are interested in upgrading their hitting, which was anemic at times last season, and the Yankees could send a package of players for the speedy outfielder.

It remains unclear as to what it would take to bring Rowand, one of the Majors best center fielders, to the Bronx, and no, Robinson Cano’s name has not been mentioned in any possible trade for him.

One would be a package of at least three minor league prospects. The other would have Rowand coming to New York for an established player off the major league roster, with possibly a minor league prospect.

One player that the Giants have long coveted is Hideki Matsui. If you remember, last winter, media reports circulated that the Yanks were prepared to send “Godzilla” to San Francisco in exchange for two pitchers. Since Matsui is coming off an injury plagued season, one in which he appeared in just 93 games, it is highly doubtful that he would be traded straight up for the energetic and tough-as-nails Rowand, who is three years younger. Matsui is also in the final year of a four year deal, and would most likely want an extension if he is traded, although he has stated that he would most likely retire after the end of his current contract.

Like I said, this rumor may or may not be true, I'm just passing the info along.

But let's say it is true, would you like the Yankees to get Rowand, and if so what would you give up for him?

I think Rowand is a good ballplayer, and he also plays the game as hard as anyone. But his .271/.339/.410 with 13 HR and 70 RBI this season isn't too impressive, and defensively he's not what he once was. On Bill James' Fielding Bible Plus/Minus system he ranked 24th in baseball with a -9. So I wouldn't want to give up too much to get him.

Instead of making a trade for a center fielder I'd like to see the Yankees give Brett Gardner a chance. With his speed and defense I think he could be a huge asset to this team next year. I know there are some concerns with his bat and his .228 average this year, but we should remember that it was only 127 AB, and after coming back up from the minors he hit .294 in his final 58 AB of the year.