White Sox May Reacquire Rowand

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Sox GM Kenny Williams has been in talks with Pat Gillick regarding Aaron Rowand.  This is not the first time such a possibility has surfaced.  Southpaw Boone Logan may be among the relievers going to Philadelphia.

Even after the Freddy Garcia trade, a Philadelphia Inquirer article mentioned that Rowand remained a favorite of White Sox management.  If they can't trade for him, there's a chance they sign him as a free agent after the season.  Center field and left field are definitely holes for Chicago this season, but I don't expect the Sox to rely on Erstad/Sweeney/Anderson/Podsednik all year long.

Given that a Rowand for Scott Linebrink trade was seriously under consideration, I wonder if the Sox would have to surrender a closing-worthy reliever like Mike MacDougal to seal the deal.

Comments

[Drew Wabes]

No way would Gillick do that deal if Logan was the only reliever included. He has stunk his entire career at all levels. His career MiL ERA is 5.08. MacDougal seems like the right price tag for Rowand since Gillick doesn't need to trade Rowand at all. It would be interesting if this developed into a 3-way deal with Rowand and Lieber changing teams and the Phils getting an OF from another club.

[Candiru]

From this White Sox fan's standpoint I'd rather keep Macdougal.

[eka12]

The article said, "...a deal that would send middle-relief help, INCLUDING (my emphasis) left-hander Boone Logan...". So it is safe to assume that Logan is only part of the proposed deal. Sendy a LOOGY and a closer-in-waiting is probably a bit much for Rowand IMO. I like Rowand but the Chisox are getting him for defense and hustle primarily. I must say, I saw him hit into WAY too many double plays his last year with the Sox. A bit of a rally-killer, as I saw it. Does his defense and hustle justify his hitting? Don't know, but it will be fun to hear about him and AJ partying it up again!

[ae]

Rowand for Logan seems kind of insane. on the other hand, it would make the Abreu trade look brilliant.

[eka12]

One more thought...it seems that this is a "catch lighting in a bottle" type of move. Personally, I'm a bit skeptical about these types of moves.

[ae]

eka, I realize that the article didn't say it was just Logan, but even Logan as a centerpiece is ridiculous. (and believe me, I don't think all that much of Rowand.)

[Chase035]

Logan and Matt Thornton for Rowand, deal will be done by tuesday.

[dajafi]

I don't know much about Logan, but his numbers at AAA last year presumably say a lot more about his prospects going forward than what he did in rookie ball at age 19.

That said, this only makes sense for the Phillies if they add another lefty OF in a subsequent deal, either to play RF every day (with Victorino shifting to CF) or to platoon with a hopefully-healthy Jayson Werth.

[beauhoopman]

The Whitesox will not trade Thornton or MacDougal.

[xxxJamesxxx]

Rowand for Fields!!

[palehose35]

I hope you're joking about Rowand for Fields.

And the White Sox will not trade Thornton with Logan. They reason Logan is tradeable is because of Thornton and Sisco, so to trade 2 lefties and reopen a bullpen hole would make no sense. The White Sox like carrying 2 lefties in the bullpen.

I can't see MacDougal being traded either.

I wouldn't be surprised if Sean Tracey was involved somehow (given that he would like to be traded somewhere where he'll have more opportunity).

I can't imagine Masset being traded, because KW has a hard-on for him.

Aardsma seems most realistic I would think.

The White Sox bullpen is probably the most intimidating in baseball right now in terms of the size and velocity of their guys. All six (Masset, Thornton, Sisco, MacDougal, Aardsma, Jenks) can hit 95 or more with their fastball. It might be interesting to throw Haeger in the mix (if Aardsma is dealt and he doesn't win the 5th rotation spot).

Going from a 96mph fastball to a 65mph knuckler would be interesting to say the least. It might mix things up a little bit. But now I'm just rambling...

[xxxJamesxxx]

Based on Gillick's history with the Phillies, its safe to assume he'll either rape Williams or get raped, not much in the middle.

[rype123]

This would be a stupid move on the White Sox part. They don't need Rowand at all. His hitting his last year with the team wasn't all that spectacular, and Anderson is a far better defender (people don't realize because Rowand has to constantly make the highlight plays that Anderson makes look easy).

All it would do is block Anderson from playing, and I think he could put up similar numbers as Rowand would offensively.

They also won't be trading macdougal or thornton to get him, if, and that's a big IF, they trade for Rowand, it won't be anyone that has a chance for the big league team, so maybe Logan and a lesser pitcher, or Tracey and maybe someone like Logan.

[PeteRose]

"I can't imagine Masset being traded, because KW has a hard-on for him."

Williams had a hard on for Gio Gonzalez too.

[bsox21]

I don't think the Phillies should be trading a starter with Hamels in the rotation.

I think it's all posturing to see if they can make out like bandits in a deal for Lieber.

Unless they're raping someone, nothing is gona happen in Philly.

I have the same chance of closing games this year for Philly as Myers does.

IF Rowand is acquired, that just means Erstad looks like shit in the OF.

[philswinitall]

Everyone says Kenny Williams wont do this, wont do that. This is the same man who traded Freddy Garcia to open a spot for Brandon McCarthy then what a week later sends him to Texas. If Kenny Williams wants Rowand, he gonna get him....meaning he will overpay to get him. I wouldnt be surprised if Fields were included. Fields and Logan for Rowand and a good prospect