Buster Olney mentioned a possible trade of Aaron Rowand to the Padres for a reliever back on January 26th. Turns out the targeted reliever for the Phils was indeed Scott Linebrink. However, any such deal is on hold until springtime. Kevin Towers would like to see how Terrmel Sledge looks in left and how the loss of Linebrink would affect San Diego’s bullpen.
I say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I think a Sledge/Cruz platoon could outhit Rowand for a lesser cost. And is the difference in defense in left field that crucial? David Wells and Chris Young typically don’t go six innings; I’d rather retain one of the league’s better eighth-inning guys.
