Phillies avoid arbitration with Rowand

The Phillies have avoided arbitration with Aaron Rowand, agreeing to a one year 4.35 million dollar contract. The contract also includes performance incentives.

"I never really worried about it because I knew I would be here this year," Rowand said. "You never want to get into those arbitration hearings because they can get really ugly."

Rowand arrived last off-season in the Jim Thome trade. He brought with him his gritty style of play and his golden glove to Philadelphia. Rowand’s popularity grew quickly after he broke his nose crashing into the center field fence while making a game saving catch. Rowand started off very hot before his sensational catch, batting .306 with a 7 HRs and .350 OBP in 144 ABs. After he returned from injury his batting average and power plummeted. Rowand suffered another injury later on August 21 breaking his ankle in a collision with Chase Utley.

Rowand should hit around .280 with power and speed. Rowand will probably bat out of the six hole behind Pat Burrell. Rowand’s injuries have healed and he should be a big contributor to the Phillies defense and offense.

Sources:
Phillies, Rowand avoid arbitration
By Ken Mandel / MLB.com

Tigers won’t have to go to arbitration; Taguchi signs
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Picture of Aaron Rowand from MLB.com