Rowand, a Nat in '08?

[TheKingofKings]

From Nats' Notes: (http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070815&content_id=2150408&vkey=news_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was)

Philadelphia freedom: Phillies center fielder Aaron Rowand is a free agent after the season, and while he didn't reveal his offseason plans, he has been keeping his eye on the Nationals and said that they have a bright future ahead of them, including getting a new ballpark.

"I know what they have in their Minor League system," Rowand said. "This is going to be a team that will be contending real quickly."

Rowand is aware that the Nationals are looking for a center fielder and is flattered that his name has been linked to Washington. Rowand is having one of his best seasons, hitting .311 with 19 home runs and 65 RBIs entering Wednesday's action.

"As far as the free agency process goes, this is the first time, I've gone through it," Rowand said. "I'm not sure what to expect. We haven't talked to anybody. We haven't even talked to the Phillies about any kind of extension or anything as far as the future is concerned. I haven't put much thought as far as what happens this offseason. I'm trying to help the Phillies win games. The goal is to make the playoffs."

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What a great acquisition it would be if the Nats had him in the lineup!

[KingJ]

Yes; the only other CF free agents next year are Kenny Lofton and Andruw Jones. Lofton is way too old to be a reliable option and Jones would be overpaid.

[natsnsoxfan]

Anyone that hits the FA market nowadays is overpaid so that really doesn't matter. I know I'm a huge fan of his because he puts out so much effort, plus hes a helluva ball player even without all the effort he gives, but I don't know if hes the type of guy that Jim would sign. Y'know, cause who likes GG caliber defensive centerfielders, with an above average bat, who give it their all on every play they're out there.

[Peorgie T]

Yes; the only other CF free agents next year are Kenny Lofton and Andruw Jones. Lofton is way too old to be a reliable option and Jones would be overpaid.

Don't forget Torii Hunter. He's currently making $12M, so I think he'd be out of the Lerner's price range. At 32, I'd be nervous signing him to more than three years.

Rowand's having a terrific walk year, but his numbers have been inconsistent over time. Anyone know what kind of injuries caused him to miss 53 games last year? If the Nats can land him for a realistic price, I'd love to see him in our OF next year.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Don't forget Torii Hunter. He's currently making $12M, so I think he'd be out of the Lerner's price range. At 32, I'd be nervous signing him to more than three years.

Rowand's having a terrific walk year, but his numbers have been inconsistent over time. Anyone know what kind of injuries caused him to miss 53 games last year? If the Nats can land him for a realistic price, I'd love to see him in our OF next year.

Yeah, actually I do for that matter. :)

Rowand was healthy for most of the season right up until late August, when he broke his ankle by colliding with second baseman Chase Utley in the outfield, turns out Rowand got the worst of it as he was out for about 4-6 weeks.
That was just a case of a guy trying to make a catch...sigh, like Nick Johnson last September. :(

[Peorgie T]

That was just a case of a guy trying to make a catch...sigh, like Nick Johnson last September. :(

Problem is, it keeps happening to Nick over and over again :cry:

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Problem is, it keeps happening to Nick over and over again :cry:

I miss him. :sorry: :cry: