So, Pat Gillick said yesterday that he was "shocked" last week when he heard the Angels were giving Torii Hunter a five-year, $90 million contract.Shocked.
Here's why: Hunter is 33, three years older than Aaron Rowand. Hunter is a two-time All-Star. Rowand has made one All-Star team. So, if Hunter can get a five-year deal, Rowand surely will desire the same. And, given his daredevil style in center field, the Phillies don't feel comfortable giving him more than three years. Or, perhaps, three years with an option for a fourth.
Therein lies the problem. Gillick insists the Phils aren't balking at Rowand's monetary demands. In their conversations with agent Craig Landis, the sticking point has been length of contract. And, apparently, the Phillies aren't alone. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the White Sox broke off talks with Rowand for the same reason. So, if the Dodgers or the Rangers or some other team is willing to guarantee five years, Rowand likely will go there.
Meanwhile, Gillick keeps saying the Phillies' offense can survive losing Rowand. It's possible he really believes that. Perhaps he's just trying to put pressure on Rowand and Landis. But while Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth likely are capable of being effective everyday players, neither has proven he can stay healthy for an entire season. Rowand detractors insist he'll never duplicate his career-best offensive season of 2007, but his value stems more from his Gold Glove-caliber defense and vocal clubhouse presence.
Is all that worth five years, though? Knowing what you know about Rowand, how far would you be willing to go to re-sign him?
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Cole Hamels stopped by the Bank yesterday and discussed his latest workout routine, which will include a visit with former major league pitcher Tom House this weekend in San Diego.*
(Breaking news, 2 p.m.): Mets have traded outfield prospect Lastings Milledge to the Nationals for catcher Brian Schneider and outfielder Ryan Church. This seems to indicate the Mets won't tender a contract to newly acquired catcher Johnny Estrada. Somewhat surprising trade, though. Last winter, the Mets wouldn't peddle Milledge for pitching. Now, they've moved him for two position players. Strange. I covered Milledge in the minors, and I knew him to be immensely talented. That said, his attitude and extra curricular activities (he produced a vulgar rap song earlier this year) have caused the Mets some headaches. Plus, young outfielders Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez have moved ahead of Milledge on the Mets' prospect list.Wonder what Billy Wagner thinks of this deal?
3 comments:
I can't see why a four year deal with an option can't get it done. It's this simple, if he wants a higher base salary then he'll be getting less years, if he wants more years then he'll be getting less of a base salary. He should be looking for a 4 year, $50 million type deal with a $10 million option. That seems pretty reasonable to me given the way the market seems to be heading.
I agree. I'd stop at 4 years, $50 million. He won't duplicate last season, but he will still be a solid hitter with good defense (gold glove may have been a mistake...) and clubhouse mojo. That alone is worth the extra (4th) year on the contract. 5 years is too much.
I'm with Andrew. I think Rowand's defense is overrated. He makes some very good plays, but he also has a tendency to let balls get past him that shouldn't, his arm is average, and he throws to the wrong base a lot.
That said, I'd rather go with a Burrell-Rowand-Voctorino OF than a Burrell-Victorino-Werth/LH platoon.
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