Aaron Rowand continued his brilliant season with another clutch HR in last night’s win over the Marlins. Rowand’s price continues to go up, a price that will probably leave him out of the financial plans of our cheap owners.
Last off-season, Gary Matthews, Jr. signed a 5-year contract for more than $10 million per. Eric Byrnes of the AZ Diamondbacks just got a 3-year extension for $30 million. This spells bad news for Phillies fans, who not only love Rowand’s all-out style of play, but his increasing offensive importance. When others failed to drive in runs behind Ryan Howard and Chase Utley early in the season, Rowand has stepped in a filled the void, making him very hard to replace. That makes him at least as valuable as Matthews, and Byrnes.
The Phillies made a mistake in not giving him a long-term deal before the season, and will probably compound that mistake by letting him to walk away for nothing after the season. I hope I’m wrong, but the Phils have given management no indication that I am.
Players keep getting it done, though.
Chalk up another win for the Phils, though, making it 8 of 12 since Utley got hurt. The offense keeps chugging along, and the bullpen is starting to take shape. The Phils are right in the race again, and will only improve as injured players return. Past Phillies squads would have wilted under the weight of all of these injuries, but the 2007 edition is their grittiest club since 1993.
Etc….
I hadn’t noticed that Rod Barajas was on the DL. Let’s hope he stays there.
David Wells was designated for assignment by San Diego. He can’t be any worse the Adam Eaton, can he?
Congrats, Barry, now go away.
Eagles Thoughts
Anyone else worried about Brian Dawkins? He hasn’t practiced in a week. It’s funny how the NFL injury gods always seem to find the positions with the least depth, especially for the Eagles.
Coach Andy Reid is talking up the Tight Ends. Translation? LJ Smith is a goner after this season.