I don't quite understand the infatuation with Aaron Rowand. I mean, of course I appreciate "the catch," and the guy plays the game the right way. But for some reason Philly fans treat this guy as if he's their first born child.
Objectively looking at Aaron Rowand...I see a strikingly similar player in David Bell...former #1 public enemy in Philadelphia. David Bell is a guy who will hit about .270 20 HR 80 RBI with a couble big hits and great defense. He is also highly touted for his leadership and clubhouse attitude. But the people's perception of Bell was that he was a bum, he was injured with chronic back pain, and they wanted him off the team yesterday. Rowand is the same player. Similar offensive numbers mean he doesn't add that much to the lineup, hitting 6 or 7. And he's admired for his hard nose style and defense, which wound up getting him hurt and missing time last year. The funny thing is, the Phils never even had a decent backup for Bell, making him an important part of the team, but we have a great centerfielder-in-the-making in Shane Victorino, who may end up better than Rowand. Rowand also reminds me of Lenny Dystra, famed Phillies centerfield of the 1993 World Series team, except without the ability to draw walks and bat leadoff.
Now don't get me wrong, I like Aaron Rowand. But he's not the prodigal son, and he's only part of the core of this team if all the other pieces are in place. He simply isn't a complete offensive player to build around. And based on some of the trade rumors, the perception around the league is that he is more valuable than that. So with a capable replacement in Victorino, the Phillies should definitely be listening to offers for the hard nosed Rowand, and while he would be missed, he may bring us more value in a trade than on the field.
Edit: I almost forgot...Rowand only has one more year left on his contract. So, he could walk at the end of the year, potentially back to the White Sox. If we can't get him signed to an extension by the All-Star break, I would be reluctant to hold him and watch him leave as a free agent.
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See, here's the thing. People love Rowand for a few reasons. He is known for playing great defense, and had a great 2004 season offensively. Then he was the center fielder on the 2005 World Champions, so people sort of ignored his average (both for him and for the league) offensive season. He came in with such a high value because he is a clubhouse guy and the White Sox said he was an important part of team chemistry.
He was added to a team that a) lacked playoff experience, b) lacked chemistry, and c) hadn't had a consistent starting center fielder since Dykstra. So people loved him, even though he is very David Bell offensively. I would say, however, that an average offensive season from Bell was pretty sweet batting 6 or 7 in the lineup in a supporting role, which is all Rowand should do.
Besides that, Howard may win games with his bat, or Myers with his arm and Rollins with his legs, but only Rowand wins game with his face. With his face! Don't criticize him for playing hard and getting hurt, we were all over Abreu when he refused to crash into the wall. Pad up those fences and let the Face Man at it!
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