Thome Traded to Chi-Town-Phils get Aaron Rowand in trade

Pat Gillicks first trade within the Phillies organization comes as a relief to me and many other Phillie fans. A tentative trade between the Phils and the Chicago White Sox sends Jim Thome to the Sox for center fielder Aaron Rowand, cash and left handed pitching prospects Giovanni Gonzalez and Daniel Haigwood. The trade comes days after it was reported by trainer Jeff Cooper that Thome was in the best shape of his life after working out in Clearwater. There is no doubt that this is a huge weight off of the Phillies shoulders in many ways. It will open up about $24 Million in salary as the Phills have agreed to pay half of the $46 Million on Thome's current contract. It also frees up the first base situtation as Ryan Howard will assume that role full time for the 2006 season. Howard was named rookie of the year for the 2005 season, and along with Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins, adds more youth and power to the infield lineup.

After platooning Jason Micheals and Kenny Lofton in centerfield last year, it will be good to have Aaron Rowand full time at Citizens Bank Park this year. Rowand seemed suprised about being traded away from Chicago as he has spent his whole career there. Hopefully Philly will be a welcomed change of pace for Rowand and hopefully he can become a clubhouse leader that he was known for in Chicago. Rowand hit .270 with 13 HR for the White Sox last year.

The Mets are also seriously pursuing Billy Wagner offering him a $30 Mill, 3 year contract with a 4th year option. Gillick had apparently contacted Wags soon after the Mets proposal and had increased the proposal offered by the Phils. Although Wagner still remains a priority for the Phils, starting pitching is also another issue that the Phils need to address. Matt Morris, A.J. Burnett and Paul Byrd remain attractive free agents. With the salary freed up by the Thome trade, it may be possible to lure in one of these starters. If Wagner is not resigned look for the Phils to go after B.J. Ryan of course Trevor Hoffman would be a welcomed addition as well.

Is it possible that Ryan Madson could be added to the starting rotation for 2006? Yes, however I think it would be nice if the Phils could nail down an experienced free agent and possibly have Madson fill the spot of Randy Wolf untill he returns.