The rumor mill keeps on turning

On the eve of pitchers and catchers reporting to Clearwater, the hot stove is still cooking in Philly. Both Aaron Rowand and Jon Lieber have continued to be mentioned in trade talks throughout the season. The Freddy Garcia trade gave the Phillies an extra starting pitcher, placing Jon Lieber squarely on trade block. The Phillies biggest need is in the bullpen and it was widely speculated that the Phillies would flip Lieber for a setup-man. Lieber is still a Phillie and Pat Gillick has commented in the past he won’t trade Lieber unless he thinks he’s getting value in return.

It still looks like a trade will happen. There are many teams looking to trade for starting pitching. However, there aren’t many teams who have enough depth in the bullpen to trade the quality of reliever the Phillies need. One possible solution to the Phillies relieving woes is Aaron Rowand. Rowand is a valuable player because of his golden glove, steady bat, and experience as a leader. Todd Zolecki brought up in his interview with the Phans blog that Gillick is an extremely creative GM and could orchestrate two trades. The first trade would send Rowand for a reliever and the second would move Lieber for a corner outfielder. Shane Victorino would then move from right to center field.

Ironically, every day that Lieber stays a Phillie the more likely it becomes the Phillies will trade him. Todd Zolecki also mentioned that other teams will lose starting pitchers and will feel pressure to make a trade for a starter. The injury parade started today when it was announced the Orioles Kris Benson has a torn rotator cuff and will miss the entire season recovering from the surgery. The Orioles signed a number of quality relievers this off-season including Danys Baez, Jamie Walker, and Chad Bradford. Perhaps Gillick could pry one of these relievers away for either Lieber or Rowand. If not, every day that passes ratchets up the pressure for GMs to improve their teams and make a move.

Sources:
Ben Palmer's Sports Rumors and Notes

First picture of Aaron Rowand form MLB.com