Aaron Rowand for Linebrink rumor tabled.

[HollywoodLeo]

The more I think about it the more I want the trade to go through.

More on the grounds of Rowand's defensive ability combined with reefer's point about Linebrink probably being gone in a year anyways.

I still don't think he's such a lock to hit 20 HRs, though.

[brewersfan19]

I feel he is a bit streaky, but what he lacks in hitting HR's, he makes up in taking away extra base hit, so they sort of even out!! He will fit in the style of play that the Padres believe in anyways. Offensively they have struggled a bit in the past, and focused on pitching and defense. This is a good move!

[padrefanforever]

I think Rowands offensive #'s are bandbox created....I don't think he even sniffs 20 HR's in Petco on his best year.....his doubles may go up, but that's about it....and he's no better on defense than Cruz Jr. is....and I'm not sure Rowand has a GG like Cruz Jr......does he ? So as far as defense goes, we have that covered right now......bottomline is we need an upgrade, not another lateral move....

Sledge/Cruz Jr. + Linebrink > Rowand

[HollywoodLeo]

I wasn't aware Cruz Jr had a gold glove on his record. Is he that good on defense?

[padrefanforever]

I believe he won one for the Giants in 2003.....isn't that the case reefer ?

[HollywoodLeo]

http://www.baseball-reference.com/c/cruzjo02.shtml

Yep, won the gold glove in 2003.

[padrefanforever]

So again....screw this Rowand deal....it's a lateral move in the OF and we give up our best trade piece.....

PASS......

[brewersfan19]

I still will defend Rowand, but I was just looking at the Padres roster and they have a pretty decent outfield then with Cruz, Jr./Cameron/Giles with some ML experienced outfielders on their roster with Branyan and Cust. So, I agree with you padresfan, pass on that offer. I see why you would not want that trade to go down. I hope it doesn't either. Keep that trade bait for someone better, possibly dangle him at the deadline in July too!

[padrefanforever]

It's not like I think Rowand blows or anything....he's just a lateral move for our team...and we don't need to use our best trade piece on a lateral move IMO is all

[brewersfan19]

totally agree with you on both points there!

[love_that_reefer]

Yes Cruz won a GG with the Giants but blew the 2003 playoffs with his "defense". Fact is he is not a fulltime player. Rowand is a better CFer than Cameron and does have some pop. His numbers aren't sandbox created if you look at the splits. I think he will kill the power alleys in Petco and he can steal a base when needed. Might as well get your CFer for the next few years while you can. Linebrink is a goner after this year. Teams will be outbidding each other next year fro his services.

[HollywoodLeo]

One question: If it's such a given that Mike Cameron and Scott Linebrink will be gone next year, what makes it anymore less of a given that Rowand would leave if we trade for him?

[padrefanforever]

I do NOT believe Rowand to be a better CFer than Cameron.....maybe due to age he'll have more years available to him, but we have a CFer in the minors that is about 2-3 years away maybe more towards 2....and if Cameron stays for the next 3 we're set at the CF position....also....Cameron has more HR power than Rowand will ever likely have......so no thanks to Rowand....

[love_that_reefer]

One question: If it's such a given that Mike Cameron and Scott Linebrink will be gone next year, what makes it anymore less of a given that Rowand would leave if we trade for him?

Its not a given but if the Padres were to trade for him, they could sign him to a four year deal possibly early in the season. He's making under $5 million this year and would be a lot cheaper than the other available CFers like Cameron and Andruw Jones. Cameron does have more pop but he doesn't hit for a good average and there are the strikeouts. It just makes financial sense.

[padrefanforever]

I think Cameron signs here...I also think he's worth more than Rowand....I also think that by the time Cameron retires or leaves us, the kid on the farm is ready to go....he's showing signs of becoming a very very good prospect....so I doubt we trade our best expendable commodity for a lateral OF move