Across the Ist-a-Verse
Since spring training, it’s been the same story for the Phillies – they hit the snot out of the ball, but have huge question marks in the bullpen. Flash forward half a season and the same problem still exists. They're an average team that makes three-run leads in the seventh inning nerve-wracking. In the latest episode of late-inning drama, Geoff Geary has been so bad lately he's shaved his goatee and cut his hair in hopes that he'll get out of his recent funk.
The Phillies are first in the National League in runs, RBIs, walks, and on base percentage. They also own the NL’s second worst team ERA. As a full believer in the philosophy of common sense, we think it'd be more beneficial to balance that high powered offense with a bullpen that’s passable for average.
There are few players the Phillies can expend in their offense, of those players that are replaceable, few teams would want them (Pat Burrell, Wes Helms, etc). This essentially leaves us with Aaron Rowand and Michael Bourn.
Michael Bourn is not the player that teams covet, but he is the man-in-hand if Rowand were to leave. After showing good defensive instincts, but next to no potential at the plate, he’s hit .333 in his past eighteen at-bats. More impressively, Bourn’s stolen ten bases in ten tries, mostly after coming in as a pinch runner.
While Rowand has been the protection that the re-surging Ryan Howard needs, ask the first place Padres how much that matters, with Khalil Greene (.229, 38 RBI) hitting behind slugger Adrian Gonzalez. Rowand’s market value is good to high for the right teams, and he has been consistent enough on offense to heighten his trading value, especially after getting more RBI opportunities lately (8 RBI in his last six games). Needless to say, he is also injury prone.
For the foreseeable future, there are only a few teams who the Phillies could get a decent deal for Rowand with. After the jump, see the best situations for a deal:
Texas Rangers
Why they would: They’ve already got two former Phillies playing outfield in Kenny Lofton and Marlon Byrd. But more seriously, they need offense. Mark Teixera and Hank Blalock are on the DL for a while, and their outfield is in sorry shape. Frank Catalanotto, Victor Diaz, and Lofton are hitting a combined .238. Their bullpen is bulging with talented youngsters and veterans. Akinori Otsuka has proven to be dominant since he’s reached the bigs, Willie Eyre and Ron Mahay have ERAs in the low threes, and 27-year-old CJ Wilson is sporting a 2.16 ERA. Not to mention, they have Eric Gagne, who owns a ridiculous 0.50 ERA.
Why they wouldn’t: They’re dead last in the league standings. By not even contending, they have no reason to take on more contract money, or give up a young or annually consistent reliever.
Chicago White Sox
Why they would: They can’t hit anything right now. Their lineup is full of underachievers, and if the White Sox can’t find anyone to help out on offense, manager Ozzie Guillen might malfunction and shut down completely. They love Aaron Rowand, and desperately need a change in the lineup. They’ve got a hulking list of key players on the disabled list, and the Sox could do better than Luis Terrero filling in right now (.255, 10 runs).
Why they won’t: Lets face it, the White Sox are just not good. Their starting pitching is passable, but their bullpen has been awful. They really only have Bobby Jenks to dangle, and it would take more than just Rowand to get a young closer like him. For the Sox, it would be like trading their last piece of food for more clothes in the summertime.
New York Yankees
Why they would: Jason Giambi is out indefinitely with a foot injury and has a court order concerning his use of steroids hanging over his head, so he might be done for the season. Hideki Matsui has been taking his place as DH, and they’ve had a guy named Kevin Thompson playing left field. Thompson has a good glove and an OK bat, but Rowand would be a better fit as a “Yankee.” He's a winner, plays hard, can hit, and leads on the field and in the locker room. If the Yankees really want to contend this year, they’ll make this move. They have some young arms in the ‘pen in Scott Proctor and Brian Bruney, who would help the Phillies immediately.
Why they wouldn’t: Johnny Damon will eventually come back from his stint on the DL, and they want to continue to give Melky Cabrera opportunities to realize his potential and get out of his slump.
Photo by Daniel Gajdamowicz (Flickr user gajdam1)
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