Thanks to Jason Cimorelli, BroadStreetBelievers has obtained inside information that free-agent center fielder Aaron Rowand’s house, in suburban Chadds Ford, PA, has been put on the market. This doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone, but it is further evidence that Rowand will not be back with the Phillies next season. On Saturday, the Phillies offered Rowand arbitration, but that was basically a procedural move because Rowand is highly unlikely to accept it considering the long-term offers he is expected to receive. By offering the arbitration, the Phillies will receive two compensatory draft picks if Rowand signs with another team because he is a Type A free agent.
The Dodgers, Rangers, and White Sox are the main teams rumored to be interested in Rowand, who is seeking a five-year deal. However, the free-agent market continues to be held up by the ongoing Johan Santana and Miguel Cabrera trade negotiations. Rowand is probably hoping that the Yankees will get into the bidding for his services if they trade Melky Cabrera to the Twins. There have been reports that the Yankees plan to move Johnny Damon back to center if they trade Cabrera, but that remains to be seen.
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