This continues the series of hypothetical trades involving players with high salaries that would be consummated during the offseason. To view more of these trades, click here and here. Hypothetically speaking, let's say that the Cubs have determined that they need to trade the disappointing Kosuke Fukudome in order to acquire a legit center fielder. One of the Cubs' biggest weaknesses this season was that they had no center fielder. Milton Bradley, Alfonso Soriano, and Fukudome could not get the job done. It's obvious that this needs to change in 2010. And for hypothetical purposes, let's assume that Fukudome is willing to waive his full no trade clause in order to get a fresh start elsewhere.
Could the Giants be a match for the Cubs? The Giants currently have Aaron Rowand, a gritty player who is a solid hitter and adequate defender. However, Rowand is owed $36 million over the next three years, which is far more than he should be making.
So the deal is on the table: Kosuke Fukudome for Aaron Rowand....
Would you do it? Let's lay out the pros and cons for each side:
Why the Cubs would do it:
-no quality center fielders on the free agent market
-Rowand is a hard nosed player, who has performed well in Chicago before
-Rowand is a solid defender (average this year), but still much better than anything the Cubs threw out there is center
Why the Giants would do it:
-Fukudome is a solid player (roughly the same offensive player as Rowand and is a very good RF)
-Save money! Fukudome is owed $26.5 million over the next two seasons, which is $10 million less than Rowand.
-Fukudome is only signed through 2011 (one less year than Rowand)
-The Giants' priority needs to be freeing up money to sign Lincecum (and maybe even Cain) to contract extensions...having less money committed in 2012 certainly could help.
Why the Cubs wouldn't do it:
-Fukudome is a draw and brings lots of money to the organization
-Is Rowand on the decline?
-Aaron Rowand is not worth that much money
-Too much money tied up in the future
-Fukudome has more potential than Rowand?
Why the Giants wouldn't do it:
-If Rowand is gone, who would play center?
-Rowand is a leader...who would replace him?
-This trade does not guarantee that the Giants would be able to sign Lincecum to a long term deal (risk?)
So I'll ask again: would you make this deal? Does this make sense...?
Thoughts?
