A trade that was first floated publicly on Chicago’s WMVP radio yesterday has come true : White Sox CF Aaron Rowand (above) will go to the Phillies in exchange for 1B Jim Thome and $22 million in cash to offset the latter’s contract.
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Todd Zolecki and Jim Salisbury report that the Phillies would also receive and, lefthanded pitchers Giovany “Gio” Gonzalez (above), the White Sox’s first-round pick in the 2004 draft, and Daniel Haigwood, a 22-year-old .
I’m impressed that Philly got as much for Thome as it seems….even with paying such a portion of his salary. We’ve yet to see how the Peoria native will perform in the new era of everybody-looks-30-pounds-lighter, Ryan Howard has already rendered Thome largely surplus to requirements, and it’s hard to say too much about Rowand’s abilities in center.
As for the White Sox, I’m presuming Thome will DH, depending on whether or not Paul Konerko stays. Keeping Frank Thomas wouldn’t have required losing Rowand, but that wasn’t gonna happen, either. Chicago will end up paying Thome around $4.5 million a year after Philly’s contribution.
so does this mean juan pierre will be patroling centerfield at 35th and shields next year?
wouldn’t be shocked. really, why should the Marlins even bother hanging onto Cabrera or D-Train?
Heard some talk of a “definete” Vegas move earlier today on the radio. Aside from the fact there’s nowhere to play other a Triple A stadium with a capacity of 10,000, that should be no problem
kt- I believe the White Sox will be handing over CF duties to highly touted prospect Brian Anderson. The ChiSox needed a plan B as far as power hitting if Konerko does not return so that gave the Phillies some leverage. I am very pleased with this deal, especially with getting two decent looking LHP prospects included. This solves the huge Thome/Howard dilemma, and could be a win-win deal for both teams. Big thumbs up to Gillick for being able to move Thome and not being taken to the cleaners.
i heard some local sports media types on sunday night saying there was a rumor of the sox looking into pierre which prompted one talking head to go spastic in defense of rowand. “he’s a grinder! you can’t get rid of a grinder like that!”
now i want a sandwich.
I’m still learning the difference between a grinder and a gamer, but I’m pretty sure KT shouldn’t order the latter the next time he’s in Boston.