Nice move by the Phillies....
Phils offer arbitration to free-agent Rowand
By Todd Zolecki
Inquirer Staff Writer
The Phillies offered salary arbitration to free-agent centerfielder Aaron Rowand before last night's midnight deadline.
That means the Phillies will receive two top draft picks if Rowand signs with another team. Because he is classified as a Type A free agent, the team that signs Rowand would forfeit a top pick for him. Depending on how that team finished in 2007, that could be a first- or second-round pick. The Phillies also would receive a "sandwich" pick between the first and second rounds.
The Phillies said they have stayed in contact with Rowand's agent and have not ruled out bringing him back, but it is believed Rowand will sign elsewhere because he is seeking a lucrative multiyear contract since centerfielder Torii Hunter received a five-year, $90 million deal last month from the Los Angeles Angels. Phillies general manager Pat Gillick said last week that he thinks the Phillies' offense would remain formidable with Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth in the outfield.
But if Rowand, 30, accepts arbitration by the Dec. 7 deadline, he is considered signed with the Phillies for 2008.