News: The Marlins released outfielder Aaron Rowand on Thursday.
Analysis: Rowand was cut because he didn't fare well offensively this spring. He could be picked up by another team, but Rowand is at the point in his career where he is a reserve outfielder. Continue to ignore him in Fantasy.
News: The Marlins signed OF Aaron Rowand to a minor league contract on Monday. Rowand played 108 games with the Giants last season and batted .233 with four homers and 21 RBI.
Analysis: The 34-year-old Rowand will have to impress in spring training to make the Marlins club this season. Rowand had one of his worst years last year and that followed an even worse season in 2010. At this point, Rowand is not a player worth targeting on Draft Day.
News: San Francisco put OF Aaron Rowand and INF Miguel Tejada on unconditional release waivers on Thursday. Both were designated for assignment at the end of August.
Analysis: The Giants didn't need Rowand with Andres Torres and Carlos Beltran both coming off the disabled list. With no team right now, Rowand is not worth owning in any Fantasy format the remainder of the year.
News: The Giants were busy Wednesday afternoon as both Aaron Rowand and Miguel Tejada were designated for assignment.
Analysis: With the return of Andres Torres and Carlos Beltran, the Giants outfield situation was crowded and apparently the Giants can do without Rowand, who has been disappointing since signing as a free agent prior to the 2008 season. Leave Rowand off active Fantasy rosters until we see his next move.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand returned to the starting lineup Thursday against the Braves after missing three straight starts with a side injury. He finished hitless in three at-bats with a strikeout as his batting average dropped to .239 this season.
Analysis: The Giants outfield is a bit banged up right now, so Rowand could see regular at-bats until Andres Torres and Carlos Beltran come off the DL. However, Rowand no longer hits like he did during his heyday with the Phillies, so he remains just an NL-only Fantasy flier when healthy.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, who is dealing with an intercostal strain on his left side, remained sidelined on Wednesday in Atlanta. He did see some action in Tuesday's contest, however. He came on as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning, but did not reach base. Rowand is day to day for the Giants.
Analysis: Rowand is one of a slew of injuries for San Francisco over the course of the last few days as the team played with just Mark DeRosa and Eli Whiteside on the bench on Tuesday in Atlanta. Rowand is not an everyday option, normally, though he'd have been in there had he been healthy. Rowand is just an NL-only Fantasy option.
News: MLB.com reports that Giants OF Aaron Rowand is dealing with an intercostal strain on his left side. He got into Tuesday's game with the Braves as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning, but did not reach base. The Giants would lose the game, 2-1, in 11 innings. Rowand is day to day for the Giants.
Analysis: Rowand is one of a slew of injuries for San Francisco over the course of the last few days as the team played with just Mark DeRosa and Eli Whiteside on the bench on Tuesday in Atlanta. Rowand is not an everyday option, normally, though he'd have been in there had he been healthy. Rowand is just an NL-only Fantasy option.
News: San Francisco OF Aaron Rowand finished 1 for 4 with a single during the Giants' 3-0 loss to Philadelphia on Thursday night. Rowand earned his first start since last Sunday and recorded a hit during his first at-bat to lead off the bottom of the first. He's now batting .248 this season.
Analysis: With Carlos Beltran's arrival to an already crowded outfield, Rowand has seen even fewer starts for San Francisco. The 33-year-old will continue to serve in a bench role with spot starts, but he has not registered a multihit game since July 9. He should remain ignored in all Fantasy formats.
News: San Francisco OF Aaron Rowand went 1 for 4 in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Philadelphia, his only hit being an RBI triple. He also a struck out once in the contest. Rowand produced in Tuesday's outing as well as he hit a solo homer in his only at-bat in his team's loss.
Analysis: Rowand has one hit in four straight games for the Giants, but that doesn't mean too much right now. With the addition of Carlos Beltran, Rowand's already limited Fantasy value will be even lower. He'll be a spot starter in the outfield and used primarily as a pinch hitter. Leave him for the deepest of NL-only formats.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand hit his third home run of the year on Friday night as he pinch-hit for SP Matt Cain in the sixth inning. Despite his efforts the Giants would lose to the Brewers, 4-2.
Analysis: Rowand hasn't started much to open the second half of the season and has just three hits to his credit. With limited playing time and power, Rowand doesn't bring much to the Fantasy table. Owners in all formats can go on ignoring him at this stage of the season.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand started a third straight game in center field on Sunday against the Tigers, as a slumping Andres Torres was on the bench again. Rowand produced his 17th double in four at-bats and was also hit by a pitch. Rowand went 5 for 12 (.417) during the three-game series against the Tigers.
Analysis: Manager Bruce Bochy hasn't hinted as to when Torres is going to jump back into the lineup and for how long, but this is clearly a move by the skipper to get his slumping center fielder on track. Rowand will benefit by getting a few extra starts, but it's hard to imagine that the Giants are going to give up on Torres. Rowand is still a low-end, NL-only Fantasy option heading into Week 14 (July 4-10).
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, getting another start in place of Andres Torres against a left-hander Tuesday in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Cubs, went 2 for 5 with a home run, a double, a walk, three RBI and two runs scored in the contest. He's now batting .393 (24 for 61) against lefties and .182 (26 for 143) against righties. "I play against lefties. I guess that’s it," he told the San Jose Mercury News. "I don’t have any explanation. I didn’t even know what it was. Any time you’re facing pitchers you haven’t been facing, it’s tougher. I don’t get a ton of at-bats against righties."
Analysis: With the emergence of Torres last year, Rowand is no longer an everyday player for the Giants, but he still gets a decent number of at-bats as a platoon player and injury fill-in. Unfortunately, enough of those at-bats come against righties to bring down his overall numbers, which have been on a steady decline since he left Philadelphia after the 2007 season. He's pretty much just an NL-only option at this point.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand (arm) was back in the starting lineup for Thursday's afternoon game against the Twins. He was hurt when he was hit by a pitch in the second inning against the Twins on Wednesday, but remained in the game for three more at-bats. Afterward, he underwent precautionary X-rays that came back negative. "All good," he told the San Jose Mercury News. Rowand led off Thursday and went 2 for 3 with two singles. He's batting .245 on the year.
Analysis: Rowand was 0 for 4 in Wednesday's game but got two hits Thursday. He is hitting just .245 with two homers and a terrible .297 on-base percentage. Healthy or not, he remains little more than an NL-only emergency stopgap option.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that the X-ray taken of Aaron Rowand's arm on Wednesday night came back negative. He was injured when he was hit by a pitch in the second inning against the Twins, but remained in the game for three more at-bats. Afterward, he underwent the precautionary examination. "All good," he told the Mercury News.
Analysis: Rowand was 0 for 4 in Wednesday's game. He is hitting just .238 with two homers and a terrible .288 on-base percentage. Healthy or not, he remains little more than an NL-only emergency stopgap option. Consider him day to day.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that the X-ray taken of Aaron Rowand's arm on Wednesday night came back negative. He was injured when he was hit by a pitch in the second inning against the Twins, but remained in the game for three more at-bats. Afterward, he underwent the precautionary examination. "All good," he told the Mercury News.
Analysis: Rowand was 0 for 4 in Wednesday's game. He is hitting just .238 with two homers and a terrible .288 on-base percentage. Healthy or not, he remains little more than an NL-only emergency stopgap option. Consider him day to day.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was 0 for 4 in Wednesday's game against the Twins, but he was injured when he was hit by a pitch in the second inning. He stole second base soon after, and remained in the game. The San Jose Mercury News reports that he is going for X-rays on his arm. When asked if he felt OK after the game, Rowand responded: "We'll find out."
Analysis: Rowand has been his usual up-and-down self at the plate, but he's been pretty healthy thus far in the year. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the injury, as more information will be known when the results of the X-rays are in. Rowand is just a marginal Fantasy play anyway, but the fact that he stayed in the game is a good sign going forward. Stay tuned.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand returned to the lineup on Wednesday against the Diamondbacks after missing two games with a wrist injury. He was the leadoff hitter in the 5-2 win as he went 2 for 5 with a caught stealing. Rowand is batting .250 for the season.
Analysis: Rowand keeps bouncing between center field and left field as the Giants try to find at-bats for the myriad of outfielders they have. Rowand is more in the lineup for his defense, as his offense has been below average in 2011. Rowand continues to have marginal Fantasy appeal.
News:Aaron Rowand returned to the Giants' starting lineup on Wednesday against the Diamondbacks after missing two games with a wrist injury. He was the leadoff hitter Wednesday.
Analysis: Rowand keeps bouncing between center field and left field as the Giants try to find at-bats for the myriad of outfielders they have. Rowand is more in the lineup for his defense, as his offense has been below average in 2011. Rowand continues to have marginal Fantasy appeal.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand remained out of the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks. He has not played since being plunked on his right wrist on Saturday.
Analysis: Rowand just returned from a hip injury but now could be sidelined for a few more games after getting plunked on the wrist. While the X-rays were negative, the veteran might have to wait to get back into the lineup with the plethora of outfielders the Giants have. Owners should continue to monitor his status moving forward. However, because Rowand does not see everyday at-bats, his value is limited to deeper NL-only formats when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Giants OF Aaron Rowand had X-rays on his right wrist (they were negative) after exiting Saturday's game. He was plunked by Reds RHP Mike Leake in the sixth inning. Rowand, listed as day-to-day, did not appear in Sunday night's game.
Analysis: Rowand just returned from a hip injury but now could be sidelined for a few more games after getting plunked on the wrist. While the X-rays were negative, the veteran might have to wait to get back into the lineup with the plethora of outfielders the Giants have. Owners should continue to monitor his status moving forward. However, because Rowand does not see everyday at-bats, his value is limited to deeper NL-only formats when healthy.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand left Saturday's contest against the Reds with an apparent wrist injury. Rowand was hit in the wrist by a Mike Leake pitch in the sixth inning Saturday and was taken out for a defensive substitution in the seventh. X-rays taken after the game came back negative and Rowand will be considered day to day moving forward.
Analysis: Rowand just returned from a hip injury but now could be sidelined for a few more games after getting plunked on the wrist. While the X-rays were negative, the veteran will now be considered somewhat of an injury risk heading into Fantasy Week 11 (June 13-19). Owners should continue to monitor his status moving forward. However, because Rowand does not see everyday at-bats, his value is limited to deeper NL-only formats when healthy.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand missed all of Fantasy Week 9 (May 30-June 5) with a hip injury, but he was healthy enough to start Monday's game against the Nationals. He was in the No. 6 spot in the order, playing left field.
Analysis: Rowand hasn't been the everyday center fielder for the world champs outside of a stretch as April transitioned to May where he was the starter in 26 straight games. We weren't surprised to see him out of the starting lineup more than usual while nursing the hip issue, though it seems to be behind him for now. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on how he looks in his first few games after the layoff. Either way, Rowand is just a marginal option at best going forward. He is hitting .242 with one home run and 10 RBI through 153 at-bats thus far.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand remained out of the lineup Sunday with a hip injury. He has missed almost all of Week 9 (May 30-June 5).
Analysis: Rowand is part of the very average Giants outfield, and doesn't start every day when healthy. He could be back some time in Fantasy Week 10 (June 6-12), but he shouldn't be started in even the deepest of NL-only leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Rockies as he continued to deal with a hip injury. He has been limited to pinch-hitting since suffering the injury on Monday.
Analysis: Rowand is being considered day to day and should be able to make it back to the lineup shortly. But with the plethora of outfielders that the Giants have, he usually does not start everyday anyway. Keep an eye on his status going forward but Rowand should be considered as nothing more than an NL-only option, when healthy.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Rockies as he continued to deal with a hip injury. He has been limited to pinch-hitting since suffering the injury on Monday.
Analysis: Rowand is being considered day to day and should be able to make it back to the lineup shortly. But with the plethora of outfielders that the Giants have, he usually does not start everyday anyway. Keep an eye on his status going forward but Rowand should be considered as nothing more than an NL-only option, when healthy.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand (hip) was not in the starting lineup posted for Thursday's game in St. Louis. Rowand left Monday's game against the Cardinals in the fifth inning with a right hip contusion. He was able to pinch-hit Thursday and struck out in his lone at-bat.
Analysis: Rowand reported feeling nothing more than some lingering soreness on Tuesday and he is being treated as day to day. He no longer sees regular playing time even when healthy, however, and is merely an NL-only emergency option at best these days.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand (hip) was not in the starting lineup posted for Wednesday's game in St. Louis. He also missed Tuesday's game, but was able to make another pinch-hit appearance Wednesday and lined out to first base in the 10th inning.
Analysis: Rowand reported feeling nothing more than some lingering soreness on Tuesday and he is being treated as day to day. He no longer sees regular playing time even when healthy, however, and is merely an NL-only emergency option at best these days.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, who left Monday's contest with a hip injury, was unable to take his spot in the starting lineup on Tuesday. Although, he said he felt nothing more than lingering soreness and did strike out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.
Analysis: Rowand is basically just a role player for the Giants, and his playing time is just too unpredictable for him to be worth using in anything but the deepest of NL-only formats when healthy.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand left Monday's game against the Cardinals in the fifth inning with a right hip contusion. He went 1 for 2 with a walk and a run scored before being replaced by Nate Schierholtz.
Analysis: Rowand, who dealt with a back injury last week, has gone just 4 for 22 (.182) with one RBI over his last nine games and his playing time has become sporadic with everyone in the Giants' outfield healthy once again. He mostly sees time in left field, when in the lineup, but sometimes has to sit for Pat Burrell. While he still can play solid defense, the 33-year-old is no longer the offensive threat he once was. Even when healthy, consider Rowand as nothing more than a low-end option in NL-only formats.
News: San Francisco OF Aaron Rowand went 1 for 3 with a double in the Giants' 1-0 loss to Florida on Thursday afternoon. Rowand, who made his first appearance in the starting lineup since May 18, recorded one of only two extra-base hits San Francisco mustered against Marlins SP Anibal Sanchez. Rowand had played in the last three games as a pinch-hitter while nursing a troublesome back injury.
Analysis: Rowand's Fantasy value has tumbled with the return of Andres Torres in center field and his batting average has dropped to .246. He shined with Torres out but with the recent call-up of Brandon Belt, Rowand likely has more competition for playing time in the outfield. The 33-year-old should be considered a low-end OF option in deeper NL-only Fantasy formats unless he earns more playing time.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand (back) made his first start since May 18 when he was listed in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Marlins.
Analysis: Rowand hasn't been much of a Fantasy option over the last few years, and he has issues staying healthy at times. He's at best an NL-only option when seeing the field and playing relatively well, so continue to leave him for deeper formats.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was once again left out of the starting lineup on Wednesday against Florida with Andres Torres started in center. Rowand has seen two pinch-hit at-bats since his last start on May 18 at Los Angeles. He's dealing with a back injury, but he may be sitting due to Torres now being healthy.
Analysis: Rowand should be considered day to day, but Fantasy owners shouldn't really care now that Torres is healthy. Rowand will not get everyday starts and is just an NL-only Fantasy option, at best, when healthy.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was out of the starting lineup again on Saturday against the A's as he continued to deal with a back injury. He left Wednesday's contest late in the game and hasn't played since. Rowand has gone 9 for 51 (.176) with two RBI in 14 games in May.
Analysis: Rowand hasn't been hitting much this month and has become apart of the logjam in the Giants' outfield again with Andre Torres and Cody Ross healthy again. While his defensive prowess will earn him playing time every now and then, his hitting woes are not helping his case. Keep an eye on his status over the weekend to make sure he plays but even when he is healthy, Rowand should be considered just an NL-only option.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was not in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the A's as he continued to deal with a back injury. He left Wednesday's contest late in the game and hasn't played since. Rowand has gone 9 for 51 (.176) with two RBI in 14 games in May.
Analysis: Rowand hasn't been hitting much this month and has become apart of the log jam in the Giants' outfield again with Andre Torres and Cody Ross healthy again. While his defensive prowess will earn him playing time every now and then, his hitting woes are not helping his case. Keep an eye on his status over the weekend to make sure he plays but even when he is healthy, Rowand should be considered just an NL-only option.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was not into the starting lineup posted for Friday's game against the A's as he continues to deal with a back injury. Rowand sustained the injury during Wednesday's contest against the Giants and has been absent from the lineup since. He is being considered day to day by the team.
Analysis: Rowand has been receiving treatment on his back over the past few days and even took batting practice on Thursday. The team does not think his injury is serious and remains hopeful he can get back into the lineup in a few days. Fantasy owners will have to continue to monitor Rowand's progress over the weekend to see if he will be available heading into Week 8 (May 23-29). However, with Andres Torres now healthy, Rowand's at-bats will likely become limited. Consider him a marginal OF option in deeper NL-only formats, when healthy.
News: San Francisco OF Aaron Rowand was held out of the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Dodgers because of a back injury. The veteran sustained the injury during Wednesday's game after attempting to beat out a ground ball in the ninth inning. Rowand took batting practice earlier in the day and underwent treatment though the injury is not believed to be serious.
Analysis: Rowand has notched just two hits in his last seven games as his batting average has dipped to .250. He displayed flashes of his old offensive prowess in mid-April, but will likely see limited time in left field with Andres Torres back in the lineup. Fantasy owners should consider him a marginal OF option in deeper NL-only formats.
News: San Francisco OF Aaron Rowand left Wednesday's game with an apparent back injury he sustained while trying to beat out a ground ball during the ninth inning of the Giants' 8-5 victory over the Dodgers on Wednesday night. Rowand finished 1 for 4 with a sacrifice fly before leaving.
Analysis: Rowand was replaced by Darren Ford in center field for the bottom of the ninth inning and is considered day to day. He has been pushed to left field with Andres Torres returning from injury and is hitting just .250 this season. Consider him a marginal OF option in deeper NL-only formats.
News:Andres Torres came off the DL on Tuesday and started in center field against the Diamondbacks. Aaron Rowand, who started the previous 24 games in center with Torres on the DL, moved to left field. It was his first start in left this season.
Analysis: While Rowand might be a center field by trade, the Giants can't take him out of the lineup with all the good he has done the last month. Rowand is batting .260 with 14 runs, nine doubles, one triple and seven RBI in his last 24 games. It seems manager Bruce Bochy is going to mix-and-match his outfielders, so Rowand could still see a few starts per week. He is worth a look again in NL-only Fantasy formats.
News: San Francisco OF Aaron Rowand finished 1 for 5 with a run scored in the Giants' 2-0 win over the Mets on Wednesday night. Rowand, who was back in the starting lineup after leaving Tuesday's game because of back spasms, drilled a double to lead off the seventh. He scored on Mike Fontenot's single later in the inning for his team-leading 15th run of the season. Rowand is now hitting .282.
Analysis: Rowand has been a pleasant surprise for the World Series champions this season while filling in for the injured Andres Torres in center field. The 33-year-old has tallied a hit in eight of his last 10 games, including four multi-hit outings. His playing time could be cut, however, as Torres appears to be on the mend and close to coming off the disabled list. Fantasy owners should consider Rowand a low-end OF option in NL-only formats.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was back in the starting lineup on Wednesday in New York. The outfielder left Tuesday's game late due to back spasms after going 1 for 5 with an RBI. Rowand's injury is obviously quite minor considering he didn't need to miss any time after leaving Tuesday.
Analysis: Rowand has hits in five of his last six games and three of those games he recorded two base knocks. Over 98 at-bats on the year, Rowand hasn't exactly been a run producer with just one homer and nine RBI. He's a regular for the Giants, at least until Andres Torres returns, but is more of an NL-only Fantasy option.
News: San Francisco OF Aaron Rowand is dealing with back spasms and is questionable to play in Wednesday's game in New York. Rowand, however, was not ruled out, according to manager Bruce Bochy. Rowand played in Tuesday's win over the Mets. He led off and went 1 for 5 with an RBI single in the third inning. Rowand also scored a run and is batting .286 on the year.
Analysis: Rowand appeared to suffer his injury late in Tuesday's game and is now questionable for Wednesday's tilt. This injury isn't too serious and he's day to day. Rowand has made the most of his playing time while Andres Torres (Achilles') is on the DL and is a solid option in NL-only Fantasy leagues, when healthy.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand collected two of his team's three hits in Monday's game game the Nationals. He doubled to leadoff the game and singled in the third inning to finish 2 for 4 in the 2-0 loss. Rowand has four multi-hit performances in his last eight games and is batting .303 (10 for 33) with five RBI and two runs scored over that span.
Analysis: Rowand has made the most of his playing time while Andres Torres (Achilles') is on the DL and is batting .297 on the year after hitting just .230 a year ago. He also has one homer and eight RBI to go with his .333 on-base percentage and will create an even bigger logjam in the outfield once Torres returns. With Torres expected back sometime during Fantasy Week 5 (May 2-8), owners should keep tabs on how manager Bruce Bochy uses his outfield options. Rowand should continue to be viewed as viable option in NL-only formats while he's seeing playing time.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand went 2 for 5 with a double, three RBI and a run scored in Thursday afternoon's 5-2 win over the Pirates.
Analysis: Rowand got off to a fast start this season, but was only 4 for his last 28 coming into this series finale against the Pirates and will need to hit more like he did on Thursday if he's going to hold on to his spot at the top of the Giants order. Luckily for Rowand, the Giants don't have a whole lot of other options at the No. 1 spot, so he's likely to stay there for now. Rowand remains just an NL-only option at best.
News: The Giants constantly found themselves down Sunday against the Braves, and they continued to rally. The biggest deficit they cut into was in seventh, when Atlanta was up 5-2. San Francisco managed a pair of runs, and OF Aaron Rowand came up with a man on second and third. He battled Brandon Beachy before nearly leaving the yard on a shot to center field, it fell short but was far enough to plate both runners and it stood a a double. Rowand propelled the Giants into the lead, though they would lose in extra inning. He finished the afternoon 1 for 5 with two RBI.
Analysis: Rowan has not gotten off to a good start at the plate in 2011, and Sunday was just the first multi-RBI game of the year for the Cal State Fullerton product. His average is steady at .277, but he's had some struggles at the plate as have most of the Giants in the sometimes offensively-challenged lineup. Rowan was dealing with a forearm contusion earlier in the week, though he appears to be over the issue. Fantasy owners should view him as a marginal option at best in deeper formats.
News: After suffering a contusion in his forearm Tuesday, Giants OF Aaron Rowand was back in the lineup Wednesday against the Rockies. He led the game off with a double after a Jorge De La Rosa offering, and he was driven home later in the inning on a Buster Posey single. Rowand then struck out twice and grounded out over his next three at bats to finish the afternoon 1 for 4 with a run scored.
Analysis: Rowand is off to a solid start to the season for the defending champs, bating .315 early in the year. He has six multi-hit games as opposed to going hitless just four times in a starting effort. The Cal State Fullerton product dealt with some injury issues last season, so it's good to see him back on the field after a minor scare. Fantasy owners should view Rowand as a marginal option fit for NL-only formats when healthy.
News: OF Aaron Rowand was in the Giants' starting lineup for Wednesday's game at Colorado. He left Tuesday's game early after getting hit by a pitch on the right forearm. Rowand is batting .320 so far this year.
Analysis: Rowand left Tuesday's game merely as a precaution. Expect him to hold down the starting center field job until Andres Torres returns. As long as he's getting playing time, he is safe to use in NL-only formats.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that Aaron Rowand was hit on his right arm, not his left as initially reported, on Tuesday night against Colorado. He left the game in the fourth inning as a precaution. Rowand said that past experience of trying to play through a similar injury was the reason he decided to come out of the game. Two years ago, Rowand took a hit on the right arm in Atlanta when he was hit by a pitch. He tried to keep playing and made a throw to the plate from center field that only made it get stiffer and more swollen. He ended up missing three days and it affected him at the plate much longer than that. “I’m avoiding what happened last time,” he said. “Especially with the cold weather, it started tightening up quicker.”
Analysis: Rowand said that he expected to be available Wednesday, but he’ll be reevaluated before a decision is made.He entered Tuesday's contest batting .327 with one homer and three RBI and has been a useful stopgap measure for NL-only leagues while healthy this season. Continue to monitor his progress, but it is possible he may miss another day or two as he continues to exercise caution.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand left Tuesday's game against the Rockies in the fourth inning with a left forearm contusion. He was 0 for 1 on the day with a run scored.
Analysis: Rowand entered Tuesday's contest batting .327 with one homer and three RBI. The veteran isn't a big run producer, but has been swinging a hot bat. Fantasy owners should monitor his status moving forward. When healthy, he's an NL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand had a solid game on Saturday night in a win over Arizona. Rowand doubled and got three hits in the top spot of the order. Rowand went 3 for 4 in the game and added a walk to get on base four times. He's batting .359 on the season.
Analysis: Rowand continues to rake for the Giants. That said, he only has three RBI and has not stolen a base. Not the biggest run producer, Rowand's hot bat should still only really see usage in NL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand got the start in center field on Sunday against the Cardinals with Andres Torres on the shelf with an Achilles' injury. He had his first double of the season as his only hit in four at-bats. Rowand has hit safely in five of six games, batting .389 (7 for 18).
Analysis: With the way Rowand has been swinging the bat to begin the season, don't be surprised if he gets most of the starts in center field with Torres day to day. While we still recommend looking at other Fantasy options on waivers, Rowand might be considered a stopgap option for Week 2 (April 11-17).
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand did not start Friday's game against the Cardinals but he had a big impact on the ending. He entered as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning and singled in his first at-bat with his team trailing by one. After advancing to second on a wild pitch, he scored on Pablo Sandoval's RBI single. He grounded into a fielder's choice his next at-bat but came up in the bottom of the 12th with the bases loaded and the game tied at 4-4. Rowand hit a game-winning single off the left-field wall to propel San Francisco to the 5-4 win.
Analysis: Rowand had a solid game on Friday but he still doesn't really factor into the Giants' plans in the outfield. Sure he will see time late in games as a defensive replacement but his chances of starting on a regular basis are slim. He could receive a boost if traded to a team where he could play everyday but it will be hard to move his hefty contract. Continue to view the 33-year-old as more of a reserve option for NL-only formats at this point.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand connected for a leadoff homer in the ninth inning off Jonathan Broxton on Sunday, but it was not enough to rally San Francisco in a 7-5 loss. The pinch-hit homer makes Rowand 3 for 6 (.500) with two runs in his first two games.
Analysis: Rowand is the most-expensive fourth, and soon to be fifth outfielder in the majors with the return of Cody Ross (calf). The Giants would love nothing more than to find a taker for Rowand's hefty contract. If he keeps performing the way he does as a reserve OF, then San Francisco might get lucky. Until then, Rowand is an NL-only Fantasy reserve.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand did not make an appearance in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Dodgers as Pat Burrell, Andres Torres and Aubrey Huff started across the outfield for San Francisco. Rowand batted just .222 during spring training with four RBI and 17 strikeouts in 54 at-bats.
Analysis: Rowand appears to be the odd-man out in S.F. as Torres has taken over in center field and Cody Ross will need to see playing time once he comes off the DL. The Giants would love to move the 33-year-old but his huge contract and shaky offense does not make him a hot commodity. While he could see some time as a defensive replacement late in games, Fantasy owners would be wise to ignore Rowand in all but the deepest of NL-only formats going forward.
News: After missing a few days due to a groin injury, Giants OF Aaron Rowand returned to the lineup for Friday's game against the Padres. He got the start in center field and went 2 for 2 with a run scored in the 6-4 win.
Analysis: Rowand batted just .230 last season with 11 home runs and 34 RBI in 105 games and lost playing time with the emergence of Andres Torres, and with the acquisitions of Pat Burrell and Cody Ross. He is fighting for a starting job in camp so keep an eye on how he does. Rowand is still a serviceable defender but his offensive production has dipped each of the last three seasons. Consider the 33-year-old as an NL-only option on Draft Day.
News: Giants manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com on Sunday that OF Aaron Rowand has injured a groin muscle and could be out for two or three days. Rowand has gone 2 for 18 (.111) with three RBI and five strikeouts so far this spring.
Analysis: Rowand batted just .230 last season with 11 home runs and 34 RBI in 105 games and lost playing time with the emergence of Andres Torres, and with the acquisitions of Pat Burrell and Cody Ross. He is fighting for a starting job in camp so keep an eye on his injury over the next few days to see when he might be able to return. There have also been rumors that the Giants are trying to move the 33-year-old, but he will be a hard player to move since he is owed $12 million over the next two seasons. Keep an eye on how things plays out in San Francisco but leave Rowand for NL-only formats on Draft Day.
News: MLB.com reports that Giants OF Aaron Rowand could be on the trading block this spring. After his batting average fell to .230 a season ago and he lost playing time with the acquisitions of Pat Burrell and Cody Ross, the 33-year-old could be the odd-man out in San Francisco. "Most of the time it's all speculation," Rowand said. "It's not even worth getting all worked up about." Rowand is expected to backup Andres Torres in center field this season. "Right now I think it's best that he stays out in center field," manager Bruce Bochy said.
Analysis: Rowand will be a hard player to move since he is owed $12 million over the next two seasons, but he has become more of a defensive replacement in San Francisco. Despite all of the speculation, he continues to keep the same mindset. "Show up, do all your work, be diligent about getting yourself ready and then go home. That's pretty much it," he said. The 33-year-old has hit double-digit homers in each of the last seven seasons and should see 200-300 at-bats in 2011. But since his playing time will be unpredictable, consider Rowand as an NL-only option on Draft Day.
News: After posting a career-low .230 batting average in 2010, San Francisco Aaron Rowand said he spent most of the offseason making adjustments to his swing. "I'm more upright -- not as squatty," Rowand said. "My knees don't bow out as far." Rowand saw only part-time work last season and finished with 331 at-bats, his lowest total since 2003 with the White Sox (157). He also recorded just 11 homers and 34 RBI as he played in only 105 games because of injuries and ineffectiveness.
Analysis: Rowand was consistently mentioned in trade discussions during the offseason, but appears set to return for his fourth season with the Giants. However, he has quickly become an inconsistent Fantasy contributor and will likely not be a reliable option at this point in his career. The 33-year-old veteran's walk rate decreased last season as he posted the lowest on-base percentage of his career (.281). Rowand was never much of a power hitter and it seems unlikely he will top 10-15 homers this season as he serve as the team's fourth outfielder. Consider him a low-end option only in deeper NL-only formats.
News: Giants manager Bruce Bochy made Aaron Rowand his starting center fielder over the struggling Andres Torres for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against Philadelphia. "Andres, he's battling it right now," Bochy said. "It may be time for a change here." Prior to Tuesday's game, Rowand had not yet appeared in the NLCS, and he had only one plate appearance in the division series against the Braves.
Analysis: Due to Torres' stellar play, Rowand lost his starting job in June and he slumped his way to a .230 batting average this season. He no longer has the power nor the defensive range that he had shown in the past, so even if he is given another opportunity to play regularly, Rowand could struggle to keep the gig. He still has two more years on his $60 million contract with the Giants, so he will likely stick around in some capacity, but he will not be worth considering in Fantasy other than in NL-only leagues next season.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: With Andres Torres sidelined following his appendectomy, the Giants have to find a fit in center field and also at leadoff. Torres was a force in both spots. Until further notice, manager Bruce Bochy is leaning toward Aaron Rowand and Cody Ross. Neither is a prototypical leadoff man, and both aren't hitting much at all. Both hit right-handed, but Rowand struggles more against lefties (.191 in his last 68 at-bats) while Ross has hit just .158 against righties as a Giant. That could mean it is possible Rowand would play against righties, Ross against lefties. If that's the case, expect more of Ross in the three-game Dodgers series, which begins Tuesday night in San Francisco. The Dodgers are starting lefties Clayton Kershaw on Tuesday and Ted Lilly on Thursday.
Analysis: Rowand and Ross have pop, but they are streaky bats better left for deeper NL-only leagues in Fantasy crunch time. Track Rowand's progress through the weekend before considering him for Fantasy Week 25 (Sept. 20-26).
News:Aaron Rowand was in the starting lineup posted for Saturday's game against the Dodgers. Rowand has only started nine games since Aug. 1.
Analysis: Rowand doesn't get much playing time in the crowded Giants outfield. He does have 10 homers on the season, but hasn't gotten enough at-bats of late to have any real Fantasy value. Unless that changes, leave him for the deepest of NL-only formats.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, making just his fourth start in August, hit a solo home run in Wednesday's win over the Cubs. It was his 10th of the season.
Analysis: Rowand has taken a backseat to Pat Burrell and Andres Torres in San Francisco, and it doesn't look like he'll be getting a boost in at-bats any time soon, barring an injury. Rowand should not be starting in Fantasy play at this time, but remains worth stashing in NL-only formats just in case his outlook suddenly improves.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand made just his fourth start in August on Wednesday against the Cubs. Rowand entered Wednesday's start just 2 for 11 (.182) during the month with no extra-base hits or RBI and five walks and four strikeouts. He does have one stolen base in eight games.
Analysis: Rowand is batting .247 on the year for the Giants over 85 games and 283 at-bats entering Wednesday. He has nine homers and 31 RBI but hasn't been getting regular playing time of late. He ended July with a .375 average over his last seven games during the month but has since cooled off completely. Rowand is only worth using in AL-only Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand went 0 for 3 with a run scored in Thursday's loss to the Braves. He walked once, struck out once and left one man stranded on base. Over his last 11 games he's hitting .323 (10 for 31) with one home run, four RBI and seven runs scored. His average on the season stands at .248.
Analysis: Rowand is 30 points below his career average. He hasn't been starting every game for the Giants, which obviously hurts his Fantasy value. Despite his good average recently, the veteran is still best left for NL-only leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, who was out of the lineup for the seventh time in 10 games, came off the bench to hit his ninth homer Monday against the Marlins. He finished 2 for 2 with two RBI and two runs scored.
Analysis: Rowand entered the game with just two hits in his last 13 at-bats, which partially explains why he has played so little lately. The emergence of Travis Ishikawa hasn't done him any favors either. Even as a full-timer, Rowand was just a borderline mixed-league option because of his so-so power and speed. In his current role, you can leave him for NL-only leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand went 1 for 4 with an RBI in Thursday's win over the Diamondbacks. The veteran also stole his third base of the year. He now has eight home runs and 28 RBI on the year.
Analysis: Rowand started the first two games after the All-Star break, but had the last two games off. He did make pinch-hit appearances in both games, but went 0 for 2 in them. With his lack of production at the plate and .238 average, Rowand is a role player with little Fantasy value. He is just an NL-only option.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, who started the first two games after the All-Star break, has sat out the last two, taking a seat again Sunday against the Mets. He did go 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter, though.
Analysis: The Giants have a somewhat crowded outfield following the emergence of Travis Ishikawa (forcing Aubrey Huff out of the infield) and the arrival of Pat Burrell. Rowand's .239 batting average makes him one of the less-favorable options. Even when at his best, he doesn't offer enough power or speed to make a significant impact in mixed leagues. Leave him for NL-only formats.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand hit his eighth home run of the year in Saturday's 10-5 win over the Nationals. The solo shot came off Tyler Clippard as part of a four-run seventh inning. Rowand went 2 for 4 with an RBI and is now batting .238 on the season.
Analysis: Rowand has not been getting regular at-bats since Pat Burrell arrived. he has just three hits in his last 18 at-bats (.167) and is best suited for NL-only Fantasy leagues until he sees more starts.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was hitless after replacing an injured Andres Torres during Friday's loss to the Nationals. He hit for Torres in the top of the fifth inning after he was removed due to a tight groin. Rowand went 0 for 2, striking out once.
Analysis: Rowand is off to a slow start this month, batting .200 during July (4 for 20). While he has moderate power and can steal some bases, he's not playing regularly since Pat Burrell arrived. Rowand is best suited for NL-only Fantasy leagues until he sees more starts.
News: San Francisco OF Aaron Rowand went 1 for 4 with two RBI on Thursday against Colorado. It was almost more as he crushed a curveball to left that went just foul with the bases loaded. He hit his two-run single on the next pitch.
Analysis: Rowand batted from the leadoff spot for the Giants Thursday, but has been splitting time in the outfield as well as acting as a pinch hitter. In his last 11 games, Rowand has gone 10 for 30 (.300) with three RBI and six runs scored. Unfortunately, his decent average of late doesn't make him more than an NL-only or extremely deep mixed Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: OF Aaron Rowand had three hits, including a home run, for the Giants on Wednesday against the Dodgers. He finished the day 3 for 4. Rowand now has seven home runs, 24 RBI and owns a .239 average for the year.
Analysis: Over his last 10 games, Rowand has seen some duty as a pinch hitter due to the crowded outfield situation. He's hitting .346 (9 for 26) with one RBI and six runs. This was his first home run and RBI since June 10. Rowand's seeing less at-bats, and he hasn't been productive at the plate when he does play. This limits his Fantasy value to deeper NL-only leagues at this time.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand came off the bench for a second straight game Monday against the Dodgers, going 1 for 1. Now that interleague play is over, he has been seemingly reduced to a backup role.
Analysis: The emergence of Andres Torres and the signing of Pat Burrell have combined to bump Rowand from the starting lineup, which really isn't a major loss in Fantasy. Rowand offers no better than moderate power and speed and is hitting only .230 on the year. He's not worth owning outside of deeper NL-only leagues right now.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand returned to the lineup on Thursday and went 3 for 3 with two runs scored in a 7-5 win over the Astros. It was his first start since Sunday has Andres Torres rested with a calf injury. Rowand is batting just .219 this season with six homers and 23 RBI.
Analysis: Rowand has lost playing time with the arrival of Pat Burrell and Torres' solid play. His recent struggling at the plate isn't going to help him win more starts either. He should be active solely in daily NL-only Fantasy leagues at this point when he is in the lineup.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was not in the starting lineup posted for Saturday's afternoon game in Toronto. Rowand sat out for the second time in four games.
Analysis: Rowand continues to struggle in June. He's batting .188 (6 for 32) with one homer and three RBI. He's lost playing time with the arrival of Pat Burrell, and struggling at the plate isn't going to help him win more starts. He should be active solely in NL-only Fantasy leagues at this point when he is in the lineup.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was hitless during Friday's loss to the Blue Jays. He went 0 for 3, striking out once. Rowand has one hit in his last 12 at-bats.
Analysis: June has been a chilly month for Rowand. He's batting .188 (6 for 32) with one homer and three RBI. He's lost playing time with the arrival of Pat Burrell, and struggling at the plate isn't going to help him win more starts. He should be active solely in NL-only Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the A's. He was replaced by Aubrey Huff in the lineup against left-hander Barry Zito. Rowand is batting .223 this season.
Analysis: Rowand has six homers and 23 RBI this season but has only hit .195 since batting .304 in April. Playing in San Fran's spacious park doesn't help his power numbers but Rowand is still worth using in deeper mixed leagues as he starts almost everyday in center field.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand went 1 for 3 with a solo homer -- his sixth of the year -- two runs scored and a walk in Thursday's loss to the Reds.
Analysis: Rowand sat out the previous two games, and maybe he used that as a little motivation on Thursday. For now, he might continue to be lost a little in the outfield shuffle for San Francisco, but if he can get hot, Bruce Bochy will be forced to keep him in the lineup. For now, only use him in the deepest of mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was back in the lineup Thursday after sitting out the last two games.
Analysis: Over the last month, Rowand's average has dropped from .333 to .225, and now he's starting to lose at-bats to both Andres Torres and Pat Burrell. He remains worth using in NL-only leagues for now, but barely, with his one multi-hit game in the last 16.
News: For the second straight game, Aaron Rowand was left out of the starting lineup, as the Giants faced the Reds in Cincinnati on Wednesday. Bruce Bochy is apparently making good on his suggestion that Rowand could be benched if he didn't start producing, as was reported by The Sports Xchange. Since May 11, Rowand is batting just .147 with 25 strikeouts and three walks in 99 plate appearances. The Giants have gone with an outfield of Pat Burrell, Andres Torres and Aubrey Huff in each of the last two games.
Analysis: Rowand, who has never been an especially selective batter, has hit a new low in his strike zone judgment. If Burrell continues his good start in a Giants uniform, it could be a long time before Rowand finds himself back in the lineup with any regularity. He may no longer be a viable option even in many NL-only leagues.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: CF Aaron Rowand isn't safe. While C Bengie Molina was benched on Monday because he's slumping and ailing (left elbow), and manager Bruce Bochy suggested Rowand could be sitting on the bench if he doesn't start producing. Rowand has been absent offensively the last month. He has a cruddy average and on-base percentage, and his defense hasn't been good enough to make him a sure thing in the lineup. Meantime, Andres Torres is a better defender and, to date, a better hitter.
Analysis: Rowand has been a bad NL-only player after his brief hot start to the season. Consider him a sleeper for deeper leagues if he can get hot, but he is closely to the Giants' bench than your starting Fantasy lineup right now. He is hitting .211 in June after .194 in May and .304 in April. He could be that April player again, but you will grow gray waiting for that stretch to come.
News:Aaron Rowand hit a go-ahead two-run double in the fifth inning and the San Francisco Giants again backed starter Matt Cain with enough offense, beating the Colorado Rockies 4-1 on Wednesday to avoid a sweep. Rowand was 0 for 20 against lefties dating to May 9 before the double, just the fourth hit with runners in scoring position allowed by Jeff Francis in his four 2010 starts. Rowand finished 1 for 3.
Analysis: While Rowand was 6 for 11 against Francis coming in, he had struggled of late. He was dropped from the leadoff spot May 23 to his current No. 8 slot. In that one swing, he doubled his RBI total from the previous nine games in which he went 4 for 37 with a double. There has been some talk about possibly moving Rowand to the bench, but since he makes so much money and is better than his numbers suggest, the Giants aren't about to give up on him. Still, he is more of an NL-only Fantasy start until he goes on a nice run, as he showed earlier in the season when he had his average up at .321 as of May 9.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: CF Aaron Rowand isn't hitting how a guy in the third year of his five-year, $60 million contract is supposed to hit. He's at .227 for the season, and the fan base is wondering about another outfield change. OFs Nate Schierholtz and John Bowker have been on the bench -- 1B Aubrey Huff has been playing left and Andres Torres right. Some fans are wondering why Schierholtz or Bowker isn't starting instead of Rowand regularly. Either could play right with Torres moving to center. For now, manager Bruce Bochy said Rowand is his regular center fielder.
Analysis: Rowand has had his moments this season, but his current slump makes him a candidate to cut in all mixed leagues and even bench in NL-only formats. Track his progress through the weekend before considering him for Fantasy Week 10 (June 7-13). A return of Mark DeRosa (wrist) this week could negatively impact Rowand's at-bats.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was back in the lineup Monday after getting a day of rest Sunday.
Analysis: Rowand's average is down to .230 this season thanks to a .198 average in May. Luckily for him, Rowand isn't facing a whole lot of pressure from the bench OFs in San Fran, so should remain in the lineup most days for the time being. Only start him in NL-only formats until he turns things around, however.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand received Sunday off in the series finale against the Diamondbacks. He was replaced by Nate Schierholtz. Rowand has started the last 25 games since being activated from the disabled list May 2.
Analysis: Rowand has struggled since returning from the DL. He is just hitting .202 (21 for 104) with two home runs and five RBI. Despite his struggles, Sunday was just a routine rest for Rowand. "He's been out there pretty much every day," manger Bruce Bochy told MLB.com. "I've got to start resting some of these guys, especially as we start getting into this where we have some long stretches with games. These guys need a break every once in a while." Rowand should be back in the lineup Monday but that doesn't mean Fantasy owners should start him. Rowand has been in a terrible slump since mid-May, seeing his average drop from .321 to .230. Rowand remains a low-end Fantasy start while he is struggling.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: Andres Torres will be the leadoff hitter until further notice. It wasn't a one-game thing, manager Bruce Bochy said. Bochy removed Aaron Rowand from the leadoff spot Sunday and replaced him with Torres, but the Giants lost in Oakland, 3-0. They did no worse than the previous day, when Rowand led off in a 1-0 loss to the A's. Bochy said, "We're planning on keeping Andres in the leadoff spot and Freddy (Sanchez) in the two spot, with Pablo (Sandoval) right behind them. We might tinker with the six, seven, eight guys." So it'll go Torres, Sanchez and Sandoval, 1-2-3.
Analysis: Rowand is hitting just .209 in May, mostly due to going 0 for 11 over the weekend and being just 1 for 16 in his past four games (2 for 20 in his past five). This seems to be a market correction from his hot start, so consider him a candidate to bench but not cut in deeper leagues -- mostly NL-only formats. The streaky Rowand should be able to heat back up again.
News: According to the team's official website, Giants OF Aaron Rowand could be removed from the leadoff spot in the batting order. Manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged Saturday that he has considered the move, but Rowand remained in that spot against the A's. Rowand entered Saturday batting .256 with five home runs and 18 RBI. He owns a respectable .456 slugging percentage but his on-base percentage is .295, which is among the lowest for regular leadoff hitters. Andres Torres could be moved up to take his place. "He's playing a little streaky, as a lot of guys are," Bochy said of Rowand. "If we think we need him to help out in that sixth or seventh spot, we'll do it and lead off somebody like Torres."
Analysis: Rowand is probably better suited to hit down in the order anyway and his high slugging percentage could lead to an increase in RBI. Outside of a possible slight decrease in at-bats, this could actually wind up helping him more than it hurts him. For now, he remains just a Fantasy bench option or waiver wire fodder.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand went 3 for 7 with a double and a run scored in Tuesday's game in San Diego. He had been just 2 for 27 in his previous seven games.
Analysis: Rowand's recent slump ate into his batting average, dropping it from .324 to .268 in his last 10 games. He's not out of the slump yet, but his solid start has turned him into a viable option in many mixed formats once again. Look to see if he can adjust and return to hitting at around a .300 clip with decent pop and run-producing ability.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand hit a go-ahead home run in the sixth inning on Sunday's game against the Astros. His two-run shot came off of Brett Myers and was his fifth of the year. It would be his only hit on the afternoon but he also walked once and scored another run in the 4-3 win.
Analysis: Rowand has now hit in back-to-back games after not getting a hit in four straight. He has hit pretty well since coming off the DL, and has 12 RBI in the month of May. But he remains more of a stopgap in deeper leagues while he's driving in runs.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: CF Aaron Rowand came off the DL at the end of the Giants' last homestand, so hometown fans didn't personally see him in action, but Rowand has emerged as a run-producer. In his past seven games (six on the trip through Florida and New York), the leadoff hitter batted .344 (11-for-32) with three homers, a double, a triple and 11 RBI.
Analysis: Rowand likes the leadoff spot and is a candidate for a comeback year. Consider him a nice stopgap in deeper leagues when he is going well. This is one of those times.
News: San Francisco CF Aaron Rowand homered on Sunday to give the Giants a 6-5 win against the Mets. Rowand went yard in the eighth inning off Jenrry Mejia with a man on for a two-run blast. It was his fourth of the season. Rowand went 1 for 4 with a walk in the game and is batting .321 for the year. Rowand has hits in seven straight games.
Analysis: Whatever has gotten into Rowand, the Giants and Fantasy owners hope he keeps it up. Rowand has been on an insane tear since coming off the DL. He hasn't looked this good since he left Philadelphia after the 2007 season. We aren't sure if Rowand can keep this up, but he is a nice play in NL-only and larger mixed leagues while he is on a roll.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand continued his torrid run at the plate during Friday's game against the Mets. Rowand had a 2-for-5 day that included his third double and two RBI. Rowand had an RBI groundout in the third and an RBI double in the fifth. Rowand is 9 for 23 (.391) with two homers and nine RBI during a five-game hitting streak.
Analysis: Whatever has gotten into Rowand, the Giants and Fantasy owners hope he keeps it up. Rowand has been on an insane tear since coming off the DL. He hasn't looked this good since he left Philadelphia after the 2007 season. We aren't sure if Rowand can keep this up, but he is a nice play in NL-only and larger mixed leagues while he is on a roll.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand hit a home run during Wednesday's win over the Marlins, his second in as many games. He finished 1 for 5 with two RBI, striking out once. Rowand is 5 for 14 with five RBI in his last three games.
Analysis: Rowand has been on fire since returning from a 13-game absence due to a fractured cheekbone and concussion after getting hit by a pitch from Vicente Padilla of the Dodgers on April 16. Now that he's healthy again, he'd be a nice pickup in NL-only Fantasy formats if available.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand went 3 for 5 with a game-tying, ninth-inning solo homer and three RBI Tuesday as San Francisco edged the Marlins in extras.
Analysis: Rowand is 8 for 20 (.400) with five RBI and four runs scored in his last five games and has his average up to .327 on the season. He should be active in most NL-only formats right now.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand (head) returned to the starting lineup on Sunday against the Rockies. He was activated off the 15-day DL before the game. The Giants optioned reliever Waldis Joaquin to Triple-A Fresno to clear roster space for Rowand.
Analysis: Rowand has hit .304 over his first 46 at-bats with a homer and six RBI. He can be a solid Fantasy option in NL-only leagues for Week 5 (May 3-9) now that he has returned.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand will come off the disabled list for Sunday's game against the Rockies. He's been out since a fractured cheekbone and concussion after getting hit by a pitch from Vicente Padilla of the Dodgers on April 16.
Analysis: The move has not happened yet, but Rowand is expected to be back for the Giants on Sunday. Fantasy owners should feel comfortable playing him for Fantasy Week 5 (May 3-9). Rowand is a solid start in NL-only leagues when healthy.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: CF Aaron Rowand is eligible to come off the DL on Sunday, and manager Bruce Bochy said that will likely be the day he will be activated. Rowand was shelved after getting beaned and sustaining cheekbone fractures and a concussion. In his absence, the Giants have scuffled offensively -- including OF Eugenio Velez, who got most of the starts at Rowand's leadoff spot. Rowand, hitting .304, hasn't played since April 16.
Analysis: Rowand could get a game in before Fantasy Week 4 (April 26-May 2). Track his progress through the weekend before considering him. When healthy, he is a nice sleeper in deeper leagues. He should be active in NL-only formats at least.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: CF Aaron Rowand, who's on the DL, will not have surgery for the fractures in his left cheekbone and will let them heal naturally. As a result, he's expected back sooner rather than later. He could begin conditioning Friday and said he won't wear anything to protect his face when he next steps in the batter's box. For now, he has been told to rest. He was beaned Friday by Dodgers RHP Vicente Padilla.
Analysis: Fractures tend to take a month to heal, but Rowand is a gamer who could return a bit before those are completely healed. Consider Rowand a DL stashee in deeper leagues and don't expect to use him until after Fantasy Week 5 (May 3-9) at this point. He is certainly out for Fantasy Week 4 (April 26-May 2).
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand will not require surgery to repair broken bones in his face according to MLB.com. The news came after he met with doctors in San Francisco on Sunday. Rowand sustained three fractures in his cheekbone after being hit by Vicente Padilla on Friday. His vision is improving and his headaches have subsided, so he can resume baseball activities while he is on the disabled list.
Analysis: Good news for Rowand, the Giants, and Fantasy owners. As long as everything heals correctly, he should be back in early May. Rowand is batting .304 this season, but only has value in deeper NL-only leagues, when healthy, because of his lack of power.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that Giants CF Aaron Rowand is headed back to San Francisco on Sunday to determine whether he needs surgery. He has three small facial fractures but says his headaches have gone away and his vision is clear.
Analysis: Rowand is on the 15-day disabled list but Fantasy owners should be waiting with bated breath to find out how long he's going to be out. Surgery could mean an extended absence so hope for the best. Rowand is batting .304 this season, but has value in just deeper NL-only leagues when healthy because of his lack of pop. Stash him away in those formats if you have the room.
News: The Giants have placed OF Aaron Rowand on the 15-day DL after he was hit in the head by a pitch Friday from Vicente Padilla. Rowand suffered a fractured cheekbone and a concussion and is expected to miss at least two weeks.
Analysis: Rowand is batting .304 this season, but has value in just deeper NL-only leagues when healthy because of his lack of pop. Stash him away in those formats if you have the room.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand was not in the lineup for Saturday's contest against the Dodgers after suffering a concussion and two small fractures from a Vicente Padilla fastball that hit him in the helmet on Friday.
Analysis: Rowand had gotten off to a solid start, hitting .304 on the season with one home run and six RBI. Although Rowand does have the ability to get on base, he does not offer much pop in his bat and rarely steals bases. He can remain a viable Fantasy option for NL-only formats at this point.
News: Giants outfielder Aaron Rowand left in the fifth inning of Friday's game against the Dodgers after getting hit in the helmet by a pitch from Vicente Padilla. According to the San Jose Mercury News, tests revealed Rowand suffered two small fractures in his left cheekbone and he was diagnosed with a mild concussion. He was struck on the bill of the helmet, spending several minutes on his knees behind home plate after manager Bruce Bochy and a team trainer rushed out of the dugout. Rowand left the field under his own power.
Analysis: If Rowand ends up on the DL it won't be a huge loss for Fantasy owners. He's batting .304 this season, but doesn't have much pop in his bat (28 combined homers over the previous two years) or speed on the base paths (12 stolen bases over the past three). His Fantasy value lies in NL-only formats at this stage of his career.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand went 2 for 4 against the Pirates on Wednesday including a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning. It was Rowand's first of the year and gave the Giants a 6-0, which would end up being the final score. Rowand, who is now hitting .318, also had an infield single in the seventh inning.
Analysis: Despite his power-showing today, Rowand has only hit more than 20 home runs twice in his career. He has always been known for his glove and his career .280 average is respectable, but AT&T Park his not hitter-friendly. He remains just an NL-only option for the time being.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand remained in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Pirates after getting plunked on the wrist Monday. After the X-rays came back clean, Rowand resumed his leadoff duties. He finished 2 for 5 with his second double and two runs.
Analysis: Rowand extended his hitting streak to six games. He is hitting .414 (12 for 29) with four RBI in that span. Rowand was just taking precautions by getting X-rays since getting hit in the wrist or hand can be detrimental. He definitely seems OK and can remain in Fantasy lineups. Still, Rowand remains just an NL-only option for the time being. He doesn't have a lot of power anymore and his run production isn't as great as a leadoff hitter.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand remained at the top spot in the batting order Tuesday for the night's game against Pittsburgh. Rowand had X-rays taken on his injured right wrist. They came back negative and Rowand is back in the lineup.
Analysis: Rowand currently has a five-game hitting streak, during which he's 10 for 25 (.400). He's also struck out in only three of his seven games this season, which is a positive sign for a guy who has averaged 123 Ks over the last three campaigns. Still, Rowand remains just an NL-only option for the time being.
News: The San Francisco Chronicle reports that X-rays on Giants OF Aaron Rowand's right wrist came back negative. Rowand was struck on the wrist Monday by a Joel Hanrahan fastball.
Analysis: Rowand currently has a five-game hitting streak, during which he's 10 for 25 (.400). He's also struck out in only three of his seven games this season, which is a positive sign for a guy who has averaged 123 Ks over the last three campaigns. Still, Rowand remains just an NL-only option for the time being.
News:Aaron Rowand drove in the winning run with two outs in the 13th inning, salvaging the San Francisco Giants' home opener and unbeaten season with a 5-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Friday. It was the fifth game-ending hit of his career and scored Juan Uribe, who drew a one-out walk from Kris Medlen (0-1) before stealing second. Uribe went to third on catcher Brian McCann's throwing error, and Rowand brought him home. Rowand finished 2 for 6 with one run and two strikeouts.
Analysis: Rowand now has six hits in his last 12 at-bats (.500) after opening the season hitless in his first two games (10 at-bats). Rowand might not be your prototypical leadoff hitter. He doesn't steal a ton of bases and walk a lot, but he seems to be a decent catalyst for the Giants' offense. Rowand remains more of a NL-only Fantasy option since he has modest power.
News: After not getting a hit in his first two games, outfielder Aaron Rowand went 4 for 6 with two RBI as the Giants beat the Astros 10-4. He also scored a run after he led off the top of the seventh with a triple, against Houston's Brett Myers.
Analysis: Rowand needed a game like this after going hitless in his first 10 at-bats. Although, he is likely best used as an NL-only Fantasy option until he proves consistent. Don't trust him in most formats for Fantasy Week 2 (April 12-18).
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: CF Aaron Rowand is 0-for-2 -- as in 0-for-2-games. He's hitless in his first 10 at-bats. Not what he had anticipated after hitting .429 in spring training as the Giants' new leadoff hitter.
Analysis: Rowand was going to be a sleeper for deeper mixed leagues as the Giants' leadoff man this season, but he is likely best used as an NL-only Fantasy option until he proves productive and worthy. Don't trust him in most formats for Fantasy Week 2 (April 12-18).
News: Giants leadoff man and center fielder Aaron Rowand struck out twice and went 0 for 5 on opening day Monday in a win over Houston.
Analysis: Rowand had a nice spring, hitting .479 and scoring 15 runs. While he has twice hit over .300 and twice hit 24 or more homers in the past six seasons, he's coming off a pair of sub-par years, so we're still not sold on him. This opening day performance doesn't appease us, either. Rowand has appeal in the deepest of mixed Fantasy leagues but is mainly an NL-only Fantasy option.
News: Giants outfielder Aaron Rowand went 3 for 3 against the Cubs on Tuesday, increasing his total to 23 hits in 48 Cactus League at-bats. He hit a pair of doubles and scored a run. Rowand has hit in six straight games, and has seven multi-hit outings.
Analysis: Rowand has had a wonderful spring, hitting .479 and scoring 15 runs. While he has twice hit over .300 and twice hit 24 or more homers in the past six seasons, he's coming off a pair of sub-par years, so we're still not sold on him. Consider him in the later rounds of mixed formats on Draft Day.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand had his fourth spring double and first spring triple during Friday's game against the Angels. He also drove in a run and scored once. Rowand has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games. He is hitting .474 for the spring.
Analysis: Rowand has been hitting well all spring. We just hope he doesn't exhaust himself before the start of the season. Rowand will bat leadoff for the Giants this season. But he doesn't steal bases, and he isn't an on-base specialist. He remains a low-end Fantasy flier in mixed leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, who hadn't played in a week because of a strained quadriceps, returned to the lineup Sunday at the Diamondbacks. He went 1 for 2 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored and is batting .500 (13 for 26) this spring.
Analysis: Rowand will bat leadoff for the Giants this season. But he doesn't steal bases, and he isn't an on-base specialist. He might score a few more runs just because of his spot in the lineup, but if he hits his usual .260-.280 with 15 homers or so, he'll still be just a last resort in mixed leagues.
News: After sitting out a handful of games with a strained quadriceps, Giants OF Aaron Rowand is due to play Sunday.
Analysis: The Giants have tabbed Rowand as their leadoff hitter, but that doesn't mean he's going to start stealing bases. He also isn't the home run hitter he was in Philadelphia. As a low-OPS player with the upside to hit maybe 15 homers, he's not worth drafting in standard mixed leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand remained sidelined with a strained left quadriceps Tuesday at the Indians and hasn't played since Sunday. Manager Bruce Bochy said Rowand could miss a few more games. Rowand is batting .500 (12 of 24) this spring.
Analysis: The Giants have tabbed Rowand as their leadoff hitter, but that doesn't mean he's going to start stealing bases. He also isn't the home run hitter he was in Philadelphia. As a low-OPS player with the upside to hit maybe 15 homers, he's not worth drafting in standard mixed leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand will not play Monday against the Padres because of a strained quadriceps. He's batting .500 (12 for 24) with one home run this spring.
Analysis: Rowand is expected to bat leadoff for the Giants this season even though he isn't much of a base stealer. He also isn't much of a home-run hitter since leaving Philadelphia. As a low-OPS player with the upside to hit maybe 15 homers, he's not worth drafting in standard mixed leagues.
News: Giants outfielder Aaron Rowand continues to play well this spring, adding two more base hits to his total against the Mariners on Thursday. He went 2 for 3 with a strikeout and was caught stealing. He's hitting .444 in 18 Cactus League at-bats.
Analysis: The Giants' decision to bat Rowand leadoff is paying early dividends -- he's scored six runs in seven spring games. Leading off makes Rowand and intriguing late-round pick in mixed leagues, since he will be getting slightly more plate appearances and might try to draw more walks and display more patience. His inconsistency, though, makes him more of an NL-only Fantasy option.
News: After hitting .294 in 50 games as the Giants' leadoff hitter in 2009, center fielder Aaron Rowand is expected to be back in the top spot this spring and beyond.
Analysis: Leading off makes Rowand and intriguing late-round pick in mixed leagues, since he will be getting slightly more plate appearances and might try to draw more walks and display more patience. His inconsistency, though, makes him more of an NL-only Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Giants CF Aaron Rowand said he lost 10 pounds in the offseason, thanks largely to dieting and becoming an avid bike rider. He's targeted as the leadoff hitter, but by the time he learned of his new role, he had already lost significant weight.
Analysis: Moving Rowand around the lineup can't really hurt since he has missed expectations in his first two years with San Fran. We expected his numbers to dip after he lost a lot of lineup protection in Philly and they have. Although, Rowand hit .294 in 50 games as a leadoff hitter in 2009, so he seems most comfortable in that spot. Rowand is not considered a big basestealer, so don't expect him to challenge for the stolen-base title. He is still best left for NL-only Fantasy formats on Draft Day.
News: Several sources have indicated OF Aaron Rowand is the front-runner to bat leadoff for the Giants.
Analysis: Rowand isn't much of a speedster, and his power numbers have declined since his days with the Phillies. He might score a few more runs as a leadoff man, but he remains just a marginal Fantasy option capable of hitting 12-15 homers with a so-so on-base percentage.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, who missed two games with a tweaked back, returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. He went 1 for 4 with a walk and an RBI.
Analysis: Rowand doesn't offer high-end power or speed, so he'll likely begin next season as just an NL-only option.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand missed his second straight game Sunday against the Cubs after tweaking his back Friday. He's day to day.
Analysis: Rowand was going to be in and out of the lineup over the final week anyway with the Giants' surplus of outfielders. He doesn't offer high-end power or speed, so leave him for NL-only leagues.
News: San Francisco CF Aaron Rowand was held out of Saturday's game against the Cubs after tweaking his back Friday. He remains questionable for the series finale.
Analysis: Rowand is having a terrible month of September and this injury only compounds his problems. Rowand has seen his Fantasy production tail off a whole bunch since leaving Philadelphia for San Francisco and is just an NL-only Fantasy option at this point when healthy.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand hit his 15th home run in Friday's win over the Dodgers. He went 2 for 5 with a solo shot and drove in one run. He's batting .266.
Analysis: Rowand is hitting .189 amid the worst month of his season to date. He needs to get hot and fast because at the moment he's not worth more than that of an NL-only Fantasy option.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand went 1 for 4 on Wednesday in a win over Philadelphia. Rowand hit his 13th home run in the win in the 6th inning for a solo blast. He has a .274 batting average on the season.
Analysis: Rowand is just 4 for 27 (.148) since Aug. 23 and Wednesday saw his first RBI over that span. He's struggling at the moment and since he's a very low-end mixed-league Fantasy option, we'd use him in NL-only leagues until he snaps out of this funk.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand is on a tear at the plate recently. On Saturday, in a loss to Colorado, Rowand homered for the second straight game. He went 2 for 4 and scored two runs. The homer came in the 8th inning and was a solo shot for his 12th of the year. He added another RBI in the game and is batting .282 for the season.
Analysis: Rowand is 13 for 24 (.542) over his last six games with three homers and seven RBI. He's raised his batting average all the way up to .282 on the season from .266 where it was when this streak began. He's a candidate to pick up in deeper mixed Fantasy leagues right now but could also get cold again just as easily. That's why he is mainly an NL-only Fantasy option.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand hit a three-run home run in the 4th inning of Friday's win over Colorado. Rowand's homer was his 11th of the season. He finished 3 for 4 in the game and is batting .280.
Analysis: Rowand is on a five-game hitting streak and has 11 hits over that span with two homers and five RBI. His current hot streak put his August batting average over .300 after hitting .190 in July. Rowand is a streaky hitter and can see use in deeper mixed Fantasy leagues when he's hot.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, who entered the game in a 1-for-19 (.053) slump, went 4 for 5 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored Monday at the Mets. He's batting .273 on the year.
Analysis: Rowand was hot back in June, when he hit .320, but he mostly hasn't been worth using in mixed leagues this season. He can pop the occasional homer, but he's not a high on-base guy and doesn't steal bases. Think of him as a last resort in standard mixed leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was back in the starting lineup Tuesday against the Dodgers after leaving Sunday's game against Cincinnati in the sixth with a strained hamstring. He went 0 for 3 with a strikeout.
Analysis: Rowand doesn't offer high-end power or speed, giving him little appeal in mixed leagues. He had a hot June, hitting .320, but has mostly struggled since.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand did not start Monday against the Dodgers because of a strained hamstring. He grounded out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, he plans to return Tuesday.
Analysis: Just because Rowand plans to return Tuesday doesn't mean it's any guarantee. Still, if he's able to pinch hit, he should return soon. He doesn't offer high-end power or speed, though, giving him little appeal in mixed leagues.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that Aaron Rowand was given a choice by trainers Sunday after he felt a twinge in his left hamstring while running down a fly ball. Either he could exit the game immediately and have a chance of returning Monday after getting some treatment or he could run the risk of further injury that could result in a trip to the disabled list. He chose to leave the game and get treatment.
Analysis: Rowand is considered day to day, but it is a possibility that he could miss a game or two during the week to prevent further injury. His production this season has not been enough to warrant taking any kind of an injury risk on him in Fantasy.
News: San Francisco center fielder Aaron Rowand laid out for a great diving catch of Brandon Phillips' sinking liner in the fifth inning of Sunday's game. However, Rowand came out of the game an inning later with a tight left hamstring. He is considered questionable for the team's upcoming series against the Dodgers.
Analysis: Rowand has been on and off the injury report several times this season but this is the first time he has dealt with a hamstring issue. He becomes an injury risk for Fantasy Week 19 (Aug. 10-16) and owners should likely look elsewhere. He is simply an NL-only Fantasy OF to begin with.
News:Freddy Sanchez and Pablo Sandoval hit back-to-back homers in the sixth off reliever Wesley Wright and Aaron Rowand drove in three runs, helping the Giants win for the ninth time in 13 games Tuesday.
Analysis: Rowand struggled mightily in July (.190), but he is off to a good start in August and could be a nice sleeper for mixed leagues again. Track his progress through the weekend before considering him for Fantasy Week 19 (Aug. 10-16).
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was in the starting lineup Sunday against the Phillies after leaving Saturday's game with an elbow injury. Roward rapped two hits, including his second triple, and drove in one run. He also scored once in four at-bats.
Analysis: Rowand has hit safely in four straight games and finally seems to be snapping out of his funk after hitting an embarrassing .190 in July. Rowand has been on the decline since leaving Philadelphia after the 2007 season and is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was hit just above on the left elbow by a pitch from Joe Blanton in the seventh inning of Saturday's. He was taken for X-rays after the game which proved to be negative.
Analysis: Rowand has dealing with a fair amount of injuries lately, missing four games with a torn tendon in his forearm before returning Friday. He is just an NL-only Fantasy OF when healthy to begin with and Fantasy owners should monitor his status through the weekend before making a decision on him for Fantasy Week 18 (Aug. 3-9).
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand returned to San Francisco's lineup Friday against the Phillies after missing four straight games with a torn tendon in his right forearm, which he hurt when hit with a pitch by Atlanta's Tommy Hanson on July 20. Rowand hadn't started the previous 10 games. He went 1 for 3 with a double and a run scored.
Analysis: Rowand is going to tough out this injury like he has so many others, but he seemed to swing the bat fine Friday. He's safe to start again, though he doesn't have much Fantasy appeal since he doesn't contribute a high number of home runs or steals.
News: Giants manager Bruce Bochy reported that Aaron Rowand began throwing at a 120-foot distance and felt much better Thursday. A torn tendon in Rowand's right forearm has prevented him from starting since July 20, though he has been able to pinch-hit.
Analysis: Rowand is still considered day to day, but it does sound like he will not be able to return to the lineup yet. Fantasy owners in daily lineup leagues should keep him out of active lineups until he can prove both healthy and productive again.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, who has a slight tear in his forearm, played catch from 120 feet Thursday and "felt much better," according to manager Bruce Bochy. Rowand hopes to return Friday against the Phillies, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Analysis: Rowand isn't a stranger to playing injured, so a weekend return isn't outside the realm of possibility. He hasn't offered high-end power or speed this year, and that likely won't change if he plays injured. He's no more than a last resort in mixed leagues.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand plans to test his torn forearm tendon by playing light catch Thursday. He was hit by a pitch in the arm at Atlanta on July 20 and is limited to pinch-hit duties.
Analysis: Rowand could potentially go on the DL with this injury if the Giants opt to take a cautious approach. Sit him for now. Since he doesn't offer high-end power or speed, he's not much of a mixed-league option when healthy, but he can be useful in stretches.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand missed his seventh consecutive start with a forearm injury Monday against the Pirates. An MRI on the arm revealed a slight tear, and he likely will be out another four or five days. Rowand is in pain when he throws.
Analysis: Rowand could potentially go on the DL with this injury if the Giants opt to take a cautious approach. Sit him for now. Since he doesn't offer high-end power or speed, he's not much of a mixed-league option when healthy, but he can be useful in stretches.
News: Giants MGR Bruce Bochy said OF Aaron Rowand (bruised right forearm) will likely have an MRI on Monday. "We're going to do some tests tomorrow to see if there's something more in there," Bochy said. Rowand had a pinch-hit double in the fifth inning of Sunday's game against the Rockies.
Analysis: Rowand is now an injury risk for Fantasy Week 17 (July 27 - August 2) as Fantasy owners will have to wait for word on his MRI on Monday. Hopefully the results will come out early in the day and owners will be able to make a decision before lineups lock. When healthy, Rowand is a low-end option reserved for deeper mixed leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand (forearm) made a pinch-hit appearance and played some CF in Saturday's loss to the Rockies, but missed his fifth straight start. Manager Bruce Bochy said there was a possibility Rowand could go on the DL if he doesn't get better in the next few days.
Analysis: Rowand might be able to return to the starting lineup on Sunday, but if he doesn't, it will create plenty of headaches in deeper mixed leagues heading into the deadline for Fantasy Week 17 (July 27-Aug. 2).
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand (bruised right forearm) and INF Edgar Renteria (right elbow) were given another day off to rest. They're expected to be available Saturday night.
Analysis: Rowand has failed to get a hit since the All-Star break, going a combined 0 for 20 since the day before the break. Hopefully the time off will have done him some good but he cannot be used as anything other than a low-end option in deeper mixed leagues at this point.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand (forearm) was not in the lineup for Thursday's afternoon game at Atlanta. It was the third straight game in which he did not start. He should be able to play on Friday, according to manager Bruce Bochy.
Analysis: Rowand was able to pinch hit Wednesday, but Fantasy owners should continue to treat him as day to day. He is hitting .275 on the season with nine homers and 41 RBI and remains a decent low-end Fantasy option in mixed leagues when healthy.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand was not in the starting lineup for a second straight game on Wednesday against the Braves as he continues to deal with a forearm issue. Rowand pinch hit in the game and went 0 for 1.
Analysis: Fantasy owners in daily lineup leagues should look to keep him reserved where possible. He is hitting .275 on the season with nine homers and 41 RBI. He remains a decent low-end Fantasy option in mixed leagues when healthy.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand (forearm) was not in the initial lineup listed for Tuesday's game against Atlanta, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Rowand left Monday's game with a bruised arm.
Analysis: Fantasy owners in daily lineup leagues should look to keep him reserved where possible. He is hitting .275 on the season with nine homers and 41 RBI. He remains a decent low-end Fantasy option in mixed leagues when healthy.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand jogged off the field with no out in the eighth inning Monday at Atlanta. Rowand, who was hit on the right forearm by a pitch from SP Tommy Hanson leading off the game, flinched in pain as he made a relay throw after picking up Casey Kotchman's single. "The contusion got tighter and tighter as the game wore on," said Rowand, who went 0 for 2 and is hitless in his last 19 at-bats. "I'm going to ice it again tonight. Hopefully this knot will go away."
Analysis: Rowand has been a little better this year than he was last year, but he's still awfully streaky for a player who doesn't offer high-end power or speed. You should have him reserved in mixed leagues anyway, but this injury shouldn't affect his status for more than a day or two.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand has been struggling at the dish of late. In his last three games, Rowand has gone a combined 0 for 12 with three strikeouts. On Saturday, Rowand got the night off but came on as a pinch hitter and failed to get a hit. His batting average has dipped to .281 during the slump.
Analysis: Rowand has been better in his second season with the Giants but still isn't doing anything too spectacular. He is hitting .281 on the season with nine homers and 40 RBI. He remains a decent low-end Fantasy option in mixed leagues.
News: Gold Glove center fielder Aaron Rowand saved Jonathan O. Sanchez's no-hitter with a leaping catch at the center-field fence to rob pinch-hitter Edgar Gonzalez for the second out of the ninth inning on Friday against the Padres. Rowand had sat out Thursday after smacking into the wall on Wednesday making a catch. Offensively, Rowand went 3 for 5 in the game with three RBI.
Analysis: Rowand had failed to get a hit in his four prior games before his three-hit outburst on Friday. He has had an improved second season with the Giants and is worth activating in deeper mixed leagues.
News: The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Aaron Rowand said after slamming into the wall on Wednesday catching a line drive that his shoulder felt "a little dead". He was held out of the lineup on Thursday and is considered day to day.
Analysis: Rowand was likely just getting a day off to let his shoulder get better and he is not expected to miss much more time due to the injury. Rowand had been better at the dish of late but is still just a low-end option in mixed leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand accounted for his team's only runs off Todd Wellemeyer during a 5-2 loss to the Cardinals Thursday. Rowand chased Wellemeyer with a two-run homer in the eighth. It was his ninth of the season and first in 10 games.
Analysis: Rowand has been locked in at the plate lately, with hits in nine of 12 games. He has three homers, five RBI and six multi-hit games in that span. Rowand seems to be having a better second season in San Francisco, but he still passes as nothing more than a low-end Fantasy option in deeper mixed leagues.
News: From The Sports Xchange: CF Aaron Rowand was back on the field after exiting Monday's game, having been drilled by a pitch above his left knee. He was 2-for-5. Before Tuesday's game, Rowand was just 5-for-24 (.208) on the road trip.
Analysis: Rowand has been a low-end mixed league Fantasy outfielder this season and only a long hot streak will change that. Consider him no better than a .295-17-75-80-10 player at this point in his career.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand went 2-for-4 with a double, RBI and a walk in Wednesday's win over the A's. Rowand is now hitting .333 in June and an even .300 on the season.
Analysis: After a rough little patch in May, Rowand has really been a solid hitter in the Giants lineup over the last month. Get him active in deeper mixed leagues while he's hot.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand went 3 for 3 Friday against the Rangers. He scored two runs and drove in a run with a solo home run, his seventh of the season. It was his first home run in 14 games.
Analysis: Rowand is batting just over .300 with 31 RBI. He is a decent stopgap option in deeper mixed leagues and a solid play in NL-only formats.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Giants OF Aaron Rowand struck out three times in his only three at-bats Monday against the Angels and was removed by manager Bruce Bochy as part of a double switch. Rowand has still been the Giants' hottest hitter, hitting safely in 21 of 23 games, including 17 straight games.
Analysis: Rowand is right on pace for what you should expect from him for the whole season. This hot stretch could last awhile longer, but it will be met with a cooling off period. He is not quite someone to trust in most mixed leagues, but he is useful as a stopgap.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand had a nice night at the plate on Friday in a 2-1 win over the Marlins. He went 3-for-5 from the plate with a double and two singles. He also struck out twice in the contest.
Analysis: Rowand has been on a nice tear of late with a hit in 15 straight games, the longest active streak in the NL. He is a decent stopgap option in deeper mixed leagues and Fantasy owners should take advantage now that he's hot.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand was back in the lineup on Tuesday and showed no ill effects of the ankle he turned on Sunday. Rowand homered against the Nationals as San Francisco lost the game. Rowand went 3-for-4 with a solo shit, his 6th. He added a double and drove in two runs. He scored twice and added a walk. His average is .294 on the year.
Analysis: Rowand has three homers in his last 11 games and has hit in 12 straight games. This hot stretch could last a bit longer, but it will be met with a cooling off period. He is not quite someone to trust in most mixed leagues, but he is useful as a stopgap.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a leadoff single in the first, then doubled in the fifth on Sunday against the Cardinals. He rolled his right ankle in the game but it wasn't considered serious. He will be re-evaluated once the team gets to Washington for its upcoming three-game series that starts on Tuesday.
Analysis: Rowand extended an 11-game hitting streak on Sunday. Rowand is right on pace for what you should expect from him for the whole season. This hot stretch could last a bit longer, but it will be met with a cooling off period. He is not quite someone to trust in most mixed leagues, but he is useful as a stopgap. This ankle injury doesn't sound too serious, so he is only a moderate injury risk for Fantasy Week 9 (June 1-7).
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a third-inning single Saturday.
Analysis: Rowand is right on pace for what you should expect from him for the whole season. This hot stretch could last awhile longer, but it will be met with a cooling off period. He is not quite someone to trust in most mixed leagues, but he is useful as a stopgap.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, who has hit safely in all nine games since assuming the leadoff spot, doubled to open the first inning of Friday's win over the Cardinals.
Analysis: Rowand is having an OK season, but isn't worth using in mixed leagues until he returns to his 2007 form.
News:Aaron Rowand hit a two-run double in the second Tuesday and Edgar Renteria singled in two runs moments later to stake Tim Lincecum to an early lead that held up. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner looked just like the dominant pitcher he was in 2008, striking out eight and walking two.
Analysis: Rowand is right on pace for what you should expect from him for the whole season. This hot stretch could last awhile longer, but it will be met with a cooling off period. He is not quite someone to trust in most mixed leagues, but he is useful as a stopgap.
News: San Francisco CF Aaron Rowand went 2-for-5 on Friday night in a loss to the Mariners, 2-1, in 12 innings. Rowand homered in the fifth inning, his fifth of the season, for the Giants' only run. Rowand is batting .275 on the season.
Analysis: Rowand has homered in consecutive games and has 18 RBI on the year in 131 at bats. He has solid numbers for a major league outfielder but is really only a low-end mixed league option, at best. He's mostly just an NL-only Fantasy option at this time.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, who responded with three hits when the team moved him to the leadoff spot Wednesday, remained there for Thursday's game at San Diego. He went 2-for-4 with a solo home run -- his fourth of the season.
Analysis: Rowand has certainly taken to his new role, but two games isn't enough of a sample size to determine if the switch will have any long-term effect. He might still have the power to hit 20 home runs, but even that's not a slam dunk. He has little appeal in mixed leagues.
News: Padres manager Bruce Bochy moved Aaron Rowand into the leadoff spot Wednesday in an attempt to shake up the slumping Giants. Rowand had three of San Francisco's six hits but was stranded each time. He is the fifth player the Giants have tried in the leadoff spot. "You get your leadoff hitter swinging like that and get one run, it's tough," Bochy said. "We found out one run is not going to work."
Analysis: Rowand has proven to be more of an NL-only Fantasy outfielder in San Francisco, but he could stay hot enough to be a viable pick-up in mixed leagues going forward. Track his progress through the weekend before considering him for Fantasy Week 8 (May 25-31).
News: San Francisco CF Aaron Rowand homered off the Mets' Johan Santana for his third blast of the season, a solo shot, on Saturday night. Rowand also singled twice as he went 3-for-4 with three RBI. He's hitting .246 on the year.
Analysis: Rowand was definitely struggling so it is nice to see the type of game he had on Saturday. Rowand probably isn't a candidate for 20 home runs anymore, which immediately limits his Fantasy appeal to deeper leagues, but he can be useful in stretches if he gets hot.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand hasn't quite recovered from his slow start, but he went 1-for-3 with two walks and a run scored Thursday against the Mets and is now batting .318 (7-for-22) over his last six games.
Analysis: Rowand probably isn't a candidate for 20 home runs anymore, which immediately limits his Fantasy appeal to deeper leagues, but he can be useful in stretches if he gets hot. Keep an eye on his performance, but don't bother with him except in NL-only leagues right now.
News: From the The Sports Xchange: CF Aaron Rowand snapped his 0-for-20 funk with a two-run double in the eighth inning Tuesday. It was his first hit since the third inning April 29, a single against the Dodgers. It was his second extra-base hit in 16 games. He's hitting .228 in the second year of a five-year, $60 million contract.
Analysis: Rowand has become a low-end Fantasy outfield best left for NL-only leagues. He could get hot in that poor hitter's park in San Francisco, but you will fall asleep waiting for him to really be a productive Fantasy outfielder he was in Philly.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Monday at the Cubs and is now hitless in his last four games, going 0-for-15 during that stretch. He's batting .227 on the season.
Analysis: Rowand had a down season last year and continues to look nothing like the player who hit .309 with 27 home runs for the Phillies in 2007. He might not even hit half that many homers, so leave him for deeper mixed leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand returned to the lineup Friday against the Diamondbacks after missing one game with an ankle injury. Rowand clubbed a single in four at-bats and scored once. He also drew a walk. Rowand is just 3-for-20 (.150) in his last six games.
Analysis: Rowand got off to a great start with three multi-hit games to begin the season, but he has since managed just six hits in 10 games. The ankle injury hasn't been the problem since it's an issue that just popped up days ago. Simply put -- Rowand isn't as good a hitter as he once was in Philadelphia. He has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: InsideBayArea.com reports that Giants OF Aaron Rowand sat out Wednesday's win over the Padres with pain in the ankle resulting from planting his foot to make a throw to the plate on Tuesday.
Analysis: Rowand is playing well so far in 2009, so this injury comes at a bad time for his Fantasy owners. Keep an eye on his status over the weekend before deciding whether to keep him active for Fantasy Week 4 (April 27-May 3).
News:Aaron Rowand hit a three-run homer in the eighth Wednesday against rookie Ronald Belisario to give San Francisco a 4-2 lead. The Giants, who have lost five consecutive games and took an 11-1 pounding Monday in the Dodgers' home opener, were held to one hit by the 21-year-old Clayton Kershaw over the first seven.
Analysis: Rowand is off to great start this season and is a nice sleeper for deeper leagues. Owned in only 29 percent of CBSSports.com's leagues, he is dramatically underrated for mixed formats right now. Pick him up.
News: From the The Sports Xchange: CF Aaron Rowand, hitting .389, did not play Sunday, and manager Bruce Bochy said he will give him more early rest than last year. Rowand fizzled down the stretch, and the Giants believe he would be fresher if he played fewer games in the first half. Eugenio Velez played center and made an error to cost LHP Jeremy Affeldt an unearned run.
Analysis: Rowand is a nice sleeper for deeper leagues. Owned in only 29 percent of CBSSports.com's leagues, he is dramatically underrated for mixed formats right now.
News:Travis Ishikawa hit a three-run triple, Aaron Rowand had three RBI and the San Francisco Giants overcame Tim Lincecum's struggles for a 10-6 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday in the majors' final opener. Rowand gave the Giants the lead again at 6-5 in the fourth with his homer to left, scoring Ishikawa. He finished 2-for-3 with one walk and one double.
Analysis: Rowand hit just 13 homers in 152 games with San Francisco last season, slumping after the break. We expected his numbers to drop after leaving the protection of the Phillies' lineup and they did. It'd be nice to see him improve in his second year with the team. However, he's only a low-end option in mixed leagues until further notice.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand hit his second home run of the spring season on Sunday against the Brewers in an exhibition game. He went 2-for-2 in the game, raising his batting average to .229.
Analysis: Rowand did not live up to expectations in his first season with the Giants last year. It'd be nice to see him improve in his second year with the team. However, he's only a low-end option in mixed leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand hit his first home run of the spring to start the Giants' four-run rally in the fifth inning against the Dodgers in an exhibition game on Thursday. It was Rowand's only hit in the game.
Analysis: Rowand was a bit of a disappointment in his first season with the Giants in 2008. Hopefully he'll get accustomed to his new surroundings and have increased production in 2009. He should be considered a low-end option in mixed leagues at this point.
News: CF Aaron Rowand went hitless Monday and still hasn't had an RBI in September. That is 12 games and 41 at-bats. He is hitting .220 for the month.
Analysis: Rowand has expectedly had a disappointing season in San Francisco. That is a pitcher's park and a punchless supporting cast. Consider him a lower-end mixed league outfielder down the stretch and for spring 2009 at this point.
News: San Francisco OF Aaron Rowand went 2-for-3 against the Padres on Saturday with two doubles. Rowand also walked and drove in a run for the Giants.
Analysis: Rowand is batting .287 and has hits in five of his last eight games. That makes him someone to consider in deeper mixed leagues in Fantasy.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand clubbed his 12th home run and finished with two RBI during Monday's game against the Braves. Rowand made it 4-0 when he hit a solo home run off Jorge Campillo with one out in the sixth. It was his second homer in six games and he has four RBI in that span.
Analysis: Rowand has been a big disappointment this season after hitting .309 with 27 bombs last year. Rowand is no longer in Philadelphia and we expected his numbers to drop in 2008, as they have. Rowand is at best a No. 4 Fantasy OF in mixed leagues when healthy.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, who left Thursday's game in Houston with tightness in his lower back and missed Friday's game in Atlanta, was 0-for-2 with a walk and an RBI in his return to the lineup Saturday at Atlanta.
Analysis: Rowand's power numbers have declined this season, and since he doesn't steal many bases, he looks like a No. 4 or 5 Fantasy OF in mixed leagues.
News: Giants manager Bruce Bochy said OF Aaron Rowand, who left Thursday's game in Houston with tightness in his lower back, should play on Saturday. He missed Friday's series opener against the Braves.
Analysis: Rowand has been a big disappointment this season after hitting .309 with 27 bombs last year. Rowand is no longer in Philadelphia and we expected his numbers to drop in 2008, as they have. Rowand is at best a No. 4 Fantasy OF in mixed leagues when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports that Aaron Rowand had nerve irritation in his right side and exited Thursday's game in the second inning. He felt it shortly before the first pitch and was in pain during his first-inning at-bat and while playing the field. He said he hopes to play Friday night in Atlanta, but he may be rested instead.
Analysis: Rowand has been a big disappointment this season after hitting .309 with 27 bombs last year. He has hit a little better over the last week, but is still only worth starting in deeper mixed leagues when healthy. Keep an eye on Rowand's status heading into the weekend to get a better idea about whether he will take part in Fantasy Week 21 (Aug. 18-24).
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand left San Francisco's game against Houston on Thursday with a sore back. Rowand was replaced by Fred Lewis in the bottom half of the second inning. Rowand was batting .287 with a team-best 11 homers entering play Thursday.
Analysis: Rowand has been a big disappointment this season after hitting .309 with 27 bombs last year. He has hit a little better over the last week, but is still only worth starting in deeper mixed leagues when healthy. Keep an eye on Rowand's status heading into the weekend to get a better idea about whether he will take part in Fantasy Week 21 (Aug. 18-24).
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand went 2-for-4 with a homer and a walk in Tuesday's loss to the Astros. Rowand, who struggled in June and July at the plate, now has 11 homers on the year.
Analysis: Rowand has been a big disappointment this season after hitting .309 with 27 bombs last year. He has hit a little better over the last week, but is still only worth starting in deeper mixed leagues.
News:Aaron Rowand will cherish his game-ending hit against the rival Dodgers. Rowand hit an RBI single through a drawn-in infield, and San Francisco scored twice in the bottom of the 10th inning to beat Los Angeles 3-2 on Saturday night in front of surprise guest Barry Bonds. "Any time you get an opportunity to have a walkoff, game-winning hit, those are some of the most exciting moments in your career, stuff that you don't forget," said Rowand, who signed with the Giants in the offseason after spending his first seven seasons in the majors with the White Sox and Phillies. "I'm sure most every player remembers every single one of their walkoff hits. It was special, obviously, being here and playing them," he added. Rowand's game-winning hit capped an emotional day for San Francisco, which welcomed Bonds back to AT&T Park for the first time this season. It was Rowand's fourth game-winng hit of his career.
Analysis: Rowand is hitting just .200 in August and .235 after the All-Star break. He is an outfielder worth starting in deeper leagues, but his slump makes him a candidate to sit in Fantasy Week 20 (Aug. 11-17). His lack of a supporting cast in San Francisco -- which is a pitcher's park, too -- really hurts him.
News:Aaron Rowand homered and drove in three runs and the San Francisco Giants beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 on Wednesday. Rowand's homer to left-center was his 10th of the season and made the Giants the last team this season to have a player reach double digits in home runs. The Giants center fielder drove in another run in the second with a sacrifice fly off Chuck James to make it 3-0. Rowand finished 2-for-2 with one walk.
Analysis: Rowand is 4-for-10 (.400) with five RBI during a three-game hitting streak. He is starting to get hot at the plate again after running into a bit of a cold spell in late July. Rowand is no longer in Philadelphia and we expected his numbers to drop in 2008, as they have. Rowand is at best a No. 4 Fantasy OF in mixed leagues.
News:Aaron Rowand had two hits and drove in two runs Saturday for the Giants, who fell to 4-11 in their past 15 games.
Analysis: Rowand is hitting .300 with a .500 slug since the All-Star break. He is a free swinger prone to streaks, but he is pretty lonely in that weak Giants offense. Consider Rowand an option for any league when he is going well, but his previous Fantasy status makes his name a little bigger than the numbers at this point.
News: Giants center fielder Aaron Rowand went 2-for-3 on Thursday against the Nationals in a 1-0 Giants win. Rowand stole his second base of the season in the game and is batting .292 on the year.
Analysis: Rowand now has hit in six straight games for the Giants and seven of his last eight. He's got a homer and six RBI in that span. Along with his decent average, that makes Rowand a No. 3 Fantasy outfielder in most formats.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand had just a two-run double in four at-bats Sunday against the Brewers. He struck out in his other three plate appearances. Rowand is 3-for-12 (.250) with one homer and three RBI in the first three games after the All-Star break.
Analysis: Rowand went into the All-Star break with just four hits in his last 26 at-bats. He is starting to emerge from that slump. Rowand had a decent first half with his new teammates, but since he is no longer surrounded by elite talent, he is more of a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy OF these days.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand was hitless in four at-bats Sunday against the Cubs, lowering his average to .291. Rowand heads into the All-Star break with just four hits in his last 26 at-bats.
Analysis: Rowand just missed the All-Star team as he was one of the five players up for the final roster spot. Corey Hart eventually won the voting online. Rowand had a decent first half with his new teammates, but since he is no longer surrounded by elite talent, Rowand is more of a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy OF these days.
News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: OF Aaron Rowand said he would look forward to going to the All-Star Game if fans vote him in as the NL's 32nd roster man, as part of an MLB Internet voting procedure. His competition is Pat Burrell (Phillies), Corey Hart (Brewers), Carlos Lee (Astros) and David Wright (Mets). Balloting ends Thursday.
Analysis: Rowand has experienced the expected dip in homers and run production with the move from a great hitter's park in Philly to a notorious pitcher's park in San Francisco. Consider him far less of a must-start in mixed leagues than his name might suggest.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, who hit only .225 in June, went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI on Friday against the Dodgers. He's now gone 5-for-8 in his last two games.
Analysis: Rowand's average had dipped below .300 after he had it in the .330 range, but it's back on the rise now. He doesn't have elite power and doesn't steal many bases, but he deserves to start as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy OF when going well.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand struck out three times and went 0-for-4 Wednesday, clearly not seeing the ball as he did when his average was above .300. Rowand's average has dropped from .342 to .290 in the last month, according to The Sports Xchange.
Analysis: He's not an elite power source, but he can pop a few homers. The slump shouldn't continue for too long. Treat him as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy OF in mixed leagues.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand struck out three times and went 0-for-4 Wednesday, clearly not seeing the ball as he did when his average was above .300. Rowand's average has dropped from .342 to .290 in the last month.
Analysis: He's not an elite power source, but he can pop a few homers. The slump shouldn't continue for too long. Treat him as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy OF in mixed leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand doubled and scored a run in four at-bats Thursday at Cleveland. He has a .227 batting average in June.
Analysis: Rowand is batting right at .300 overall, which tells you about how well he hit before June. He's not an elite power source, but he can pop a few homers. Treat him as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy OF in mixed leagues.
News: According to the Sports Xchange, Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who in years past just placed Barry Bonds as DH during interleague play, now has decisions to make. Bochy said it'll be a collection of players, mostly to give someone a rest from the daily grind of playing defense. Such as catcher Bengie Molina. The Giants begin a nine-game trip Friday through three AL cities, from Kansas City to Cleveland to Oakland. Rich Aurilia is another candidate, Bochy said. Also, Randy Winn and Aaron Rowand. Maybe Ray Durham, who has 199 interleague at-bats.
Analysis: For National League teams, interleague play gives the chance to see extra at-bats for players who are forced out of the lineup because the pitcher needs to hit. It also gives regular position players the chance to rest. Molina, Aurilia, Winn, Rowand and Durham should all benefit from interleague play with more at-bats. Molina and Rowand remain viable starting Fantasy options, while Aurilia, Winn and Durham are nothing more than NL-only guys.
News: Giants center fielder Aaron Rowand went 0-for-4 Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers. He struck out once and left a team-high six men on base. The O-fer snaps a mini four-game hitting streak for Rowand, who's batting .305 on the year.
Analysis: He won't put up incredible numbers, but Rowand is a solid Fantasy option in the outfield in all formats. He has hits in six of his last eight games and is able to score runs for the Giants.
News:Aaron Rowand's (hip) bad-hop single gave San Francisco the go-ahead run Sunday and capped a four-run fifth inning. Randy Winn hit a two-run single to tie it, and John Bowker's two-run homer in the seventh sealed the victory. The Giants have won the first three meetings in this four-game series.
Analysis: Rowand has been pretty solid in his first year after his big free-agent contract. Consider him a solid start in any format in Fantasy Week 11 (June 9-15) -- especially since the Giants have seven games in the week.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand , who left Friday's game against the Nationals in the seventh inning with an injury to his right hip flexor, didn't return Saturday. He is day to day.
Analysis: Rowand has been solid this season, batting .328 with eight homers and 36 RBI. He has been a bright spot on an otherwise dull team. Consider him a solid option among Fantasy outfielders in all leagues on a regular basis, when healthy. He looks like a somewhat risky start for Fantasy Week 11 (June 9-15).
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand left Friday's game against the Nationals in the seventh inning with an injury to his right hip flexor. Rowand was 1-for-3 with a run scored prior to leaving.
Analysis: Rowand has been solid this season, batting .328 with eight homers and 36 RBIs. He has been a bright spot on an otherwise dull team. Consider him a solid option among Fantasy outfielders in all leagues on a regular basis, when healthy. Check back to see the extent of the injury.
News: San Francisco's Aaron Rowand saw his 10-game hitting streak end Tuesday, but he drove in a run on a groundout.
Analysis: Rowand doesn't have much of a supporting cast, but he has been a solid player in his first season after signing his long-term deal. Consider him a solid option among Fantasy outfielders in all leagues on a regular basis.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand connected for a solo home run -- his eighth -- Sunday against the Padres, finishing 2-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout. He extended his hitting streak to nine games, batting .484 (15-for-31) over that stretch.
Analysis: Rowand hit .343 with five home runs in May and looks every bit as good as he did in his breakout 2007 season despite now playing in a pitcher's park. Treat him as a No. 3 Fantasy OF.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, who was drilled by a pitch on his left hand Wednesday, didn't miss Friday's game against the Padres. He went 1-for-5 with an RBI single and two strikeouts.
Analysis: Rowand was red hot going into Friday's game, batting .467 (7-for-15) with two home runs over his last four. Consider him day to day. When healthy, his .337 batting average and seven home runs make him no less than a No. 3 Fantasy OF.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Aaron Rowand was drilled by a pitch on his left hand Wednesday against Arizona. As a precaution, he may have X-rays before Friday's series opener against San Diego.
Analysis: Rowand robbed Stephen Drew of extra bases Thursday night and had two hits, including a double, to raise his average to a team-leading .341. Consider him day to day. When healthy, he's been very useful in most mixed formats as a No. 3 Fantasy outfielder.
News:The Sports Xchange note Aaron Rowand is hitting .337 after he went 2-for-3 with two RBI Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. He's tied with C Bengie Molina with 56 hits, tops on the team. Rowand is also No. 1 with seven homers and a .398 on-base percentage.
Analysis: We still think his numbers won't be as good as they were in Philadelphia last season, but Rowand can still be a solid No. 3 or 4 Fantasy OF. Keep him active in that role.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand hit a two-run homer off Mark Hendrickson in the second inning Sunday and followed with a RBI single in the third off the lefty on his way to a 2-for-3 outing during Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Marlins. Rowand finished with three RBI, one run and one walk. He has two homers in his last two games and six RBI.
Analysis: Rowand now has eight RBI in his last four games and is showing he doesn't need the Phillies to be successful. He is hitting .331 with seven homers and 28 RBI. Perhaps it is safe again to trust Rowand as a high-end Fantasy OF despite being in a less potent lineup.
News:Bengie Molina and Aaron Rowand hit consecutive home runs to help the Giants win their third consecutive game at Florida Friday. Molina and Rowand gave the Giants back-to-back homers for the first time this season. Rowand drove in three runs, and Molina and Rich Aurilia each had two RBI to lead the Giants.
Analysis: Rowand is actually posting some pretty good numbers in this lineup -- .325-6-25-20-0 -- and he has hit safely in five of his past six games with five RBI in that span. He's still a solid No. 3 or 4 Fantasy OF.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Aaron Rowand is 20-for-52 (.385) over his last 15 games. He hit his team-leading fifth homer Wednesday against Houston.
Analysis: Rowand continues to bounce around the Giants lineup, but so far the investment seems to be working out for San Francisco. We still think his numbers won't be as good as they were in Philadelphia last season, but Rowand can still be a feasible No. 3 or Fantasy OF in mixed leagues.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Aaron Rowand is 20-for-52 (.385) over his last 15 games. He hit his team-leading fifth homer Wednesday against Houston.
Analysis: Rowand continues to bounce around the Giants lineup, but so far the investment seems to be working out for San Francisco. We still think his numbers won't be as good as they were in Philadelphia last season, but Rowand can still be a feasible No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy OF in mixed leagues.
News:Aaron Rowand homered against his former club for the second time in just more than a week and San Francisco ended a season-worst five-game skid with an 8-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. Rowand went 3-for-4 two runs scored and a strikeout.
Analysis: Rowand received his first Gold Glove award, for 2007, from Phillies manager Charlie Manuel before the game. He's now hitting .342 with four homers and is a feasible No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy OF in mixed leagues.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand continued his hot-hitting Sunday against his former team -- the Phillies. Rowand stroked two singles in four at-bats and scored twice. Rowand has hit safely in six straight games (11-for-23) with five multi-hit outings in that span. He has two homers, five RBI and five runs as well.
Analysis: In his latest hot streak, Rowand has raised his average from .293 to .337. Rowand continues to bounce around the Giants lineup, but so far the investment seems to be working out for San Francisco. We still think his numbers won't be as good as they were in Philadelphia last season, but Rowand can still be a feasible No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy OF in mixed leagues.
News:Aaron Rowand gave the Giants a one-run lead with a solo shot leading off the top of the 10th inning Friday at Philadelphia. Playing his first game against his former team, Rowand got a standing ovation his first time up. Fans booed as he rounded the bases after connecting off J.C. Romero (2-0).
Analysis: Rowand left Philadelphia after two seasons for a $60 million, five-year contract. Revered in Philly for busting his face after running into the fence while making an outstanding catch in 2006, Rowand got a warm welcome when he came to the plate in the second inning. Rowand tipped his helmet to the crowd then struck out on three pitches. Rowand also doubled and scored the Giants' first run on Jose Castillo's single in the fourth. He has two hits in each of his past four games, and while his numbers won't be as good as last year's with Philadelphia, he could still serve as a viable No. 4 Fantasy OF.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand hit a solo home run off Rockies SP Ubaldo Jimenez Wednesday and also finished 2-for-4 for his third straight multi-hit game. Rowand was 6-for-11 (.545) in the three-game series against the Rockies with one homer and four RBI.
Analysis: Rowand needed a big series after recording just one hit in his previous 13 at-bats. Rowand has been hot-and-cold at times this season for the Giants, but is still hitting .326. His numbers won't be as good as last year's with Philadelphia, but Rowand could still serve as a viable No. 4 Fantasy OF.
News:Aaron Rowand doubled and drove in two runs Monday, including when he and Rich Aurilia each drew bases-loaded walks to force home a pair of insurance runs in the fifth. Rowand hit an RBI single in the first and Ray Durham also singled in a run that inning.
Analysis: Rowand is less intriguing in San Francisco, especially with a limited supporting cast, but he can get hot from time to time and be useful in any Fantasy league in spurts. Aurilia is nothing more than a versatile reserve for deeper NL-only formats at this point in his career.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand went 0-for-2 Sunday against the Reds, though he did get hit by a pitch. He's now 0-for-9 over his last three games and 1-for-13 over his last four.
Analysis: Rowand has only one home run and zero stolen bases. He had a career year last year with 27 home runs, but he plays in a much tougher park now. Consider him no better than a No. 4 Fantasy OF.
News: Giants CF Aaron Rowand had three hits Wednesday, two of them doubles, in a 3-2 win over the Padres. He also had an RBI single in the 13th inning.
Analysis: Rowand is 10 for his last 22 and has four multi-hit games in his last five. He is hitting .339 this season. We don't feel Rowand can touch last year's career totals, but he might still be worth using as a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy OF for most of the season.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand had his third straight multi-hit game when he doubled twice in four at-bats Monday against the Diamondbacks. Rowand has hit safely in the last four games (8-for-14) with one homer and four RBI.
Analysis: Rowand's average dropped to .263 before going on his four-game hit streak. It is now back up to .346. The Giants had trouble finding a spot in the lineup for Rowand, but he seems to have found a home as he is hitting well over .400 in eight games while occupying the fifth or sixth spot in the lineup. We still don't feel Rowand can touch last year's career totals, but he might still be worth using as a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy OF for most of the season.
News:Aaron Rowand hit a solo home run and an RBI single in Saturday's win at St. Louis. He was homerless in his first 13 games.
Analysis: Rowand was also homerless in his first 13 games last year before going deep against Washington's John Patterson on April 19. He finished with a career-best 27 home runs. Fantasy owners should hope that this is the start of a much-needed hot streak. He likely played a bit over his head last year, but he's a serviceable No. 4 Fantasy OF who might hit 20-25 home runs this year.
News:Aaron Rowand did some early agility drills to test his tender right groin, then returned to the starting lineup in CF against Arizona Monday after sitting out most of the past three games. He went 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI.
Analysis: Rowand likely played a bit over his head last year, but he's a serviceable No. 4 Fantasy OF who might hit 20-25 home runs this year.
News: The Oakland Tribune reports that manager Bruce Bochy said Aaron Rowand should be back in the starting lineup against Arizona Monday for the first time since Thursday.
Analysis: The outfielder was limited by rib and groin injuries. "He wants to play, he wants to be out there," Bochy said. "There's just no point in pushing it." He likely played a bit over his head last year, but he's a serviceable No. 4 Fantasy OF who might hit 20-25 home runs this year. Get him back active.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand returned from a two-game absence with a rib injury Monday against the Padres. He doubled in three at-bats, scoring two runs, walking once and striking out once.
Analysis: Rowand had a couple sets of X-rays taken on the ribs, but they didn't reveal any breaks. Since he was back in the lineup, he's probably fine going forward. He likely played a bit over his head last year, but he's a serviceable No. 4 Fantasy OF who might hit 20-25 home runs this year. Get him back active.
News: The Oakland Tribune reports that Aaron Rowand (ribs) plans to play in Monday's home opener against San Diego.
Analysis: Manager Bruce Bochy was optimistic that the Giants' paying customers would be able to see the team's new $60 million center fielder. Rowand is a candidate to reserve in smaller leagues for Fantasy Week 2 (April 7-13), but we have to imagine the Giants will want their best hitter in the lineup for his home debut after signing as a free agent.
News: X-rays on Aaron Rowand's ribs were inconclusive, manager Bruce Bochy said. He will be re-evaluated Monday and could have more X-rays when he returns to San Francisco. Rowand, who signed a five-year, $60 million contract in the offseason, hurt himself Wednesday night while diving for a ball in Los Angeles. Bochy wouldn't rule Rowand out for the opener. Rowand also played against the Brewers on Friday, but sat out Saturday's game and was not in the starting lineup Sunday. "We're pretty optimistic," Bochy said.
Analysis: Rowand is a candidate to reserve in smaller leagues for Fantasy Week 2 (April 7-13), but we have to imagine the Giants will want their best hitter in the lineup for his home debut after signing as a free agent.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand, making his debut with his new team, went 2-for-3 in the season opener Monday at the Dodgers.
Analysis: Rowand is coming off a career year, but he's moving into a bad situation in a pitcher's park with a poor supporting cast. He might hit around 20 homers, but he's probably closer to a No. 4 Fantasy OF than a No. 3.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand (ankle) returned to the starting lineup for Thursday's spring game against the Mariners. He started in center and hit fifth. He was hitless in three at-bats and struck out twice. He dropped his spring average to .305.
Analysis: Rowand is expected to anchor the middle of the Giants lineup this season after a breakout 2007 with the Phillies. Rowand batted .309 with 27 home runs and career bests of 89 RBI, 105 runs, 189 hits and 45 doubles in 161 games last season. The Giants, and Fantasy owners, will pray for the best in regards to Rowand's health. Rowand is now playing for a potential last place team and doesn't quite have the plate protection he did in Philadelphia. He heads into the season as a No. 3 Fantasy OF.
News: The Oakland Tribune reports that Aaron Rowand made the trip to Fresno, but he didn't play Wednesday after being hit by a pitch in the right shin on Tuesday. He was held out for precautionary measures, and he should be able to play Thursday against Seattle.
Analysis: Rowand is expected to anchor the middle of the Giants lineup this season after a breakout 2007 with the Phillies. Rowand batted .309 with 27 home runs and career bests of 89 RBI, 105 runs, 189 hits and 45 doubles in 161 games last season. The Giants, and Fantasy owners, will pray for the best in regards to Rowand's health. Rowand is now playing for a potential last place team and doesn't quite have the plate protection he did in Philadelphia. He heads into the season as a No. 3 Fantasy OF.
News: Giants outfielder Aaron Rowand left San Francisco's game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday after getting hit by a pitch from Rich Hill during the third inning. Rowand was apparently hit on his right ankle. He fell to the ground and stayed there for a minute before Giants head trainer Dave Groeschner helped him to his feet. He walked off the field under his own power. Fred Lewis ran for him. "I'm all right. It's just a shin burger," Rowand said. "My left leg got out of the way quick enough but my right leg didn't." Rowand, the Giants' biggest free agent signing during the offseason, singled in his first at-bat and is hitting .321 on the spring with a pair of home runs and 10 RBI.
Analysis: This is exactly the last thing the Giants need. Rowand is expected to anchor the middle of the Giants lineup this season after a breakout 2007 with the Phillies. Rowand batted .309 with 27 home runs and career bests of 89 RBI, 105 runs, 189 hits and 45 doubles in 161 games last season. The Giants, and Fantasy owners, will pray for the best in regards to Rowand's health. Rowand is now playing for a potential last place team and doesn't quite have the plate protection he did in Philadelphia. He heads into the season as a No. 3 Fantasy OF.
News: Giants OF Aaron Rowand went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer off Erik Bedard on Saturday against the Mariners. He finished with three runs scored and is batting .297 this spring.
Analysis: Rowand batted .309 with 27 home runs and career bests of 89 RBI, 105 runs, 189 hits and 45 doubles in 161 games last year with the Phillies, but he did it in a much better hitter's park and with the incentive for a long-term contract. Now, he is playing with a potential last place team in the NL West and has his big fat contract. He has the potential to go too high on Draft Day. Think of Rowand as a no better than a No. 3 OF in mixed leagues.
News:Aaron Rowand made his Giants debut during Thursday's spring opener against the Cubs. He managed singles in both of his plate appearances and even accounted for one run.
Analysis: Rowand batted .309 with 27 home runs and career bests of 89 RBI, 105 runs, 189 hits and 45 doubles in 161 games last year with the Phillies, but he did it in a much better hitter's park and with the incentive for a long-term contract. Now, he is playing with a potential last place team in the NL West and has his big fat contract. He has the potential to go too high on Draft Day. Think of Rowand as a no better than a No. 3 OF in mixed leagues.
News: Newly-signed OF Aaron Rowand has fit right in with the Giants clubhouse so far. "It's great," Rowand said. "I met a lot of guys in San Francisco for Fan Fest. I'm getting to know them. I like to get here early and get settled in. It's going to be fun. It's a good clubhouse." Nobody in the Giants' brass is surprised by the center fielder's immediate impact. "I think Aaron's the type of player who wants to do all he can not just on the field but working with his teammates or with young players to bring a club together to accomplish what they want to," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He likes to assume the responsibility of being one of the guys to pull all the guys together."
Analysis: While Rowand may be having a great time, Fantasy owners shouldn't expect it to carry over onto the field the way it did last year. Rowand batted .309 with 27 home runs and career bests of 89 RBIs, 105 runs, 189 hits and 45 doubles in 161 games last year, but he did it in a much better hitter's park and with the incentive for a long-term contract. He has the potential to go too high on Draft Day. Think of him as a no better than a No. 3 OF in mixed leagues.
News:Aaron Rowand agreed to a five-year, $60 million contract with the Giants on Wednesday. The 30-year-old Rowand is coming off his first Gold Glove award and All-Star selection while helping the Phillies to the NL East title. He batted .309 with 27 homers and career bests of 89 RBI, 105 runs, 189 hits, 45 doubles in 161 games. "Aaron is an all-around player who is coming into his prime and helps us check off two boxes -- an extremely talented defensive center fielder and a middle of the order presence," GM Brian Sabean said. "His ability in center field definitely plays to our ballpark and will help provide more stability to our pitching staff."
Analysis: The 30-year-old old Rowand had the finest season of his career heading into free agency, setting career highs in homers, RBI, runs, at-bats, walks, on-base percentage and hits. A free-agent-to-be having a career year? Go figure. After signing his big contract you might expect him to slow down some, especially going from a hitter's park to a pitcher's park, but Rowand is the type of head-first guy who won't take the foot off the gas pedal. The true question is whether he can stay healthy for a full season again? That head-first style tends to get in the way of that. Despite the risk, he is one of the best outfielders in Fantasy and ranks among out top 30 to target at the position on Draft Day.
News: Among those who declined arbitration offers Friday and remained free agents are outfielder Mike Cameron (San Diego), third baseman Pedro Feliz (San Francisco), reliever Eric Gagne (Boston), pitcher Livan Hernandez (Arizona), left-hander Ron Mahay (Atlanta), left-hander Trever Miller, catcher Mike Piazza (Oakland), outfielder Aaron Rowand (Philadelphia), outfielder Shannon Stewart (Athletics) and reliever Luis Vizcaino (Yankees).
Analysis: Track the offseason destinations on these veterans before finalizing a judgment of their Fantasy value.
News: On a deadline day that has lost much of its importance, major league teams offered salary arbitration Saturday to 17 of their former players who became free agents, a group that included outfielder Aaron Rowand and pitcher Livan Hernandez. Before last year, the deadline day was Dec. 7 and players not offered arbitration couldn't re-sign with their former teams until May 1. But under baseball's new labor contract, agreed to during last year's World Series, free agents can return to their former teams at any time. Philadelphia made the offer to Rowand and Arizona to Hernandez. Oakland offered arbitration to designated hitter Mike Piazza and outfielder Shannon Stewart, Kansas City to pitcher David Riske and San Francisco to infielder Pedro Feliz.
Analysis: The 30-year-old old Rowand had the finest season of his career heading into free agency, setting career highs in homers, RBI, runs, at-bats, walks, on-base percentage and hits. A free-agent-to-be having a career year? Go figure. After signing his big contract you might expect him to slow down some, but Rowand is the type of head-first guy we think won't take the foot off the gas pedal. The true question is whether he can stay healthy for a full season again? If so, he is one of the best outfielders in Fantasy and ranks among out top 30 to target at the position on Draft Day.
News: The following Phillies filed for free agency: RP Antonio Alfonseca, C Rod Barajas, SP Freddy Garcia, SP Jon Lieber, SP Kyle Lohse, RP Jose Mesa, UTL Abraham Nunez, RP J.C. Romero and outfielder Aaron Rowand.
Analysis: The 30-year-old old Rowand had the finest season of his career heading into free agency, setting career highs in homers, RBI, runs, at-bats, walks, on-base percentage and hits. A free-agent-to-be having a career year? Go figure. After signing his big contract you might expect him to slow down some, but Rowand is the type of head-first guy we think won't take the foot off the gas pedal. The true question is whether he can stay healthy for a full season again? If so, he is one of the best outfielders in Fantasy and ranks among out top 30 to target at the position on Draft Day.
News: The Phillies' first choice would be keeping Aaron Rowand in center. Rowand was an instant fan favorite with his diving catches and scrappy attitude, and he emerged as a perfect fit in the clubhouse. But the Phillies might not be willing to give him a deal similar to the $30 million, three-year contract extension Arizona's Eric Byrnes signed. "We like Aaron. Aaron likes us. Where the road leads us, I don't know," team president David Montgomery said. If Rowand leaves, they could fill his spot by moving speedy Shane Victorino from right to center or use Michael Bourn in center. But GM Pat Gillick said starting next season with an outfield combination of Jayson Werth, Bourn and Victorino would "be a stretch."
Analysis: Rowand has developed into a top 30 Fantasy outfielder. Consider him less intriguing if he leaves the friendly confines of Citizen's Bank Park in Philly, though.
News: Rockies SP Jeff Francis' lone problems during Game 1 of the NLDS against the Phillies came in the fifth inning when Aaron Rowand and Pat Burrell hit consecutive homers.
Analysis: Rowand will be motivated for a big postseason showing as he is still playing for his next contract. He has a career year in 2007 batting .309 with 27 home runs, 89 RBI and 105 runs scored. Wherever he lands, Rowand will likely be a top 30 Fantasy OF come Draft Day 2008.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand managed the only run off Nationals SP Matt Chico on Saturday, launching a seventh-inning solo home run to cut the Nats' lead to 4-1. He also struck out once in four at-bats.
Analysis: Rowand has had a career year, batting .311 with 26 home runs, 88 RBI and 105 runs scored. Select Rowand as a No. 3 Fantasy OF in 2008.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand pounded out four hits, including his 44th double, during Saturday's game against the Nationals. He is 10-for-32 (.313) with two homers and three RBI in his last seven games.
Analysis: Rowand will be focused as we head down the stretch for two reasons: the Phillies are still in the playoff hunt and he still needs to add to his resume because of the impending free agency period in the winter. Continue to start him in all Fantasy formats. He is having a great season.
News: Ryan Howard and Aaron Rowand hit two homers apiece and Philadelphia held off St. Louis 13-11 Monday.
Analysis: Rowand is a scorching hot, having a career year and a must-start in all leagues right now. He is coming up clutch in Fantasy crunch time.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand had three hits, including his 24th home run and 42nd double, during Saturday's game against the Mets. Rowand drove in two. He is now 6-for-12 (.500) with four RBI in his last three games.
Analysis: Rowand continues to post impressive numbers in 2007 (.313, 84 RBI, 96 R) as he plays for his next contract. He remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand recorded two singles and two RBI in four at-bats Thursday against the Rockies. He also walked once. Rowand came into Thursday's game hitless in his previous 11 at-bats.
Analysis: Rowand continues to post impressive numbers in 2007 (.311, 23 HR, 82 RBI) as he plays for his next contract. He remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand left Friday's game against the Marlins after four innings with a left hip strain, but he was back in the lineup Saturday. He went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Analysis: Rowand appeared to be healthy enough to remain active in Fantasy play. Despite the two strikeout game on Saturday, he's a viable No. 2 outfielder in most formats.
News: CF Aaron Rowand left Friday night's game after the fourth inning with a strained left hip. Rowand said he suffered the injury in the fourth inning when he chased down pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim's drive to right-center field and re-aggravated it a half-inning later when he legged out a single. Manager Charlie Manuel said Rowand likely won't play Saturday.
Analysis: Rowand has had a monster season by upping his average to .314. He also has 23 homers, 79 RBI, 91 runs and six stolen bases. Hopefully the hip injury doesn't turn out to be serious. He is day to day. When healthy, he is a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand left Friday's game against the Marlins after four innings with a left hip strain. He had one single in two at-bats before leaving the game.
Analysis: Rowand continues his monster season by upping his average to .314. He also has 23 homers, 79 RBI, 91 runs and six stolen bases. Hopefully the hip injury doesn't turn out to be serious. He is day to day. When healthy, he is a must-start Fantasy option.
News: In his 15th career game at Turner Field, CF Aaron Rowand singled and doubled Tuesday to improve his average in Atlanta to .333 (18-for-54).
Analysis: Rowand is having a career year and is a solid start in all leagues at this point.
News: Mets nemesis Pat Burrell homered twice Thursday. Ryan Howard and Aaron Rowand also connected for the Phillies. Rowand hit his 22nd homer.
Analysis: Rowand is having a career year and is a solid start in all leagues at this point.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand tallied three singles in five at-bats during Sunday's game against the Padres. He drove in two runs and accounted for one run as well. Rowand extended his hitting streak to six games. He is 11-for-25 (.440) with one homer and five RBI in that span.
Analysis: Rowand is on pace for career highs in homers, RBI and runs scored. A potential free-agent-to-be having a great year. Rowand has developed into a solid start in all Fantasy leagues. Keep him active, especially since that's a great home hitter's park and the best lineup in the NL to be a part of. Rowand is even managing to stay healthy.
News: Aaron Rowand's two-run shot in the fourth Tuesday, his 21st, put the Phillies ahead 4-3.
Analysis: Rowand is on pace for career highs in homers, RBI and runs scored. A potential free-agent-to-be having a great year. We wouldn't have figured. OK, so we're not stupid. Rowand has developed into a solid start in all Fantasy leagues. Keep him active, especially since that's a great home hitter's park and the best lineup in the NL to be a part of. Rowand is even managing to stay healthy.
News: Aaron Rowand was hitless in three at-bats in Sunday's oft-delayed game at Pittsburgh with one run scored and two strikeouts. "It was frustrating, obviously, having to wait, then start, then wait, then start again -- it was a difficult way to finish the game," Philadelphia's Aaron Rowand said.
Analysis: Rowand will hope for better results (and weather) when play resumes for the Phillies on Tuesday against probable starter Brett Tomko and the Dodgers. He remains a must-start in all leagues heading into Fantasy Week 21 (Aug. 20-26).
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand had to leave Friday's game with blurry vision but was back on the field Saturday against the Braves. He had no trouble seeing the ball as he hit his 19th home run.
Analysis: Rowand, one of the Phillies' most consistent hitters, complained of vision problems during batting practice Friday and told manager Charlie Manuel the baseball looked, "fuzzy and gray-looking." It doesn't appear as though troubles carried into Saturday. Barring any bizarre setbacks, it appears safe to keep Rowand active in all Fantasy lineups.
News: CF Aaron Rowand left Friday night's game after striking out in the first inning because of blurred vision in his right eye. He'll be examined Saturday at Wills Eye Hospital.
Analysis: Rowand, one of the Phillies' most consistent hitters, complained of vision problems during batting practice and told manager Charlie Manuel the baseball looked, "fuzzy and gray-looking." Rowand is batting .315 with 34 doubles, 18 homers and 65 RBI. Rowand is a must-start Fantasy option when he's healthy.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand hit three singles and drove in three runs during Sunday's game against the Brewers. Rowand came into Sunday's game with just three hits in his previous 24 at-bats.
Analysis: Rowand was slumping in the last week, but let's hope Sunday's three-hit performance will wake him up at the plate. Rowand remains a must-start Fantasy option as he plays for his next contract.
News: Aaron Rowand took Ted Lilly deep in the third inning of Monday's game at Chicago Cubs, hitting a three-run homer (15) to center to give the Phils all the runs they'd need in their 4-1 win. He saw two fellow outfielders fall to injury in Shane Victorino (calf) and Michael Bourn (ankle). "You ask yourself, 'When is it going to end?'" Aaron Rowand said. "We just have to keep our fingers crossed and pray that neither of them are out for an extended period of time."
Analysis: Rowand finished 2-for-4 with the three RBI (60). He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues as long as he can avoid the injury bug which has been striking the Phillies lately.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand (shoulder) returned to the team's lineup Sunday against the Pirates. He picked up his 33rd double, while striking out twice and plating his 57th RBI.
Analysis: Rowand tweaked his shoulder playing tag with neighborhood kids Thursday. He missed just two games as a precaution, but appears fully recovered from his minor injury. Continue to start him in most Fantasy formats. The free-agent-to-be is having a solid season.
News: Phillies All-Star CF Aaron Rowand was out of the lineup for the second straight game Saturday against the Pirates after tweaking his shoulder playing tag with neighborhood kids Thursday. Rowand said he was fine to play, but manager Charlie Manuel wanted to give him an extra day off.
Analysis: Rowand appears ready to get back into the lineup, but will likely continue to take ridicule for how he injured himself. He is a must-start Fantasy option when healthy.
News: The Phillies were without All-Star center fielder Aaron Rowand for Friday night's game against Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Rowand said he "tweaked" his left shoulder while playing tag with neighborhood kids, and was listed day to day. He should be fine for Week 18, but check his status throughout the weekend.
News: Aaron Rowand hit a tie-breaking homer and finished with three hits and three runs scored in Philadelphia's 4-3 win against Washington on Tuesday.
Analysis: A potential free-agent-to-be having a great year. We wouldn't have figured. OK, so we're not stupid. Although Rowand is playing out of his own socks right now, he has developed into a solid start in all Fantasy leagues. Get him active, especially if he remains with the Phillies through the trade deadline and the second half. That's a great home hitter's park and the best lineup in the NL to be a part of. Rowand is even managing to stay healthy.
News: Shane Victorino and Aaron Rowand had five hits each in Tuesday's game at L.A. Dodgers, as the Phillies fell one shy of their franchise record of 27 hits in a game. Rowand finished with three doubles, a home run (13), three runs scored and two RBI (49) while Victorino had a triple (3), two runs scored and two RBI (39) in the lopsided win.
Analysis: Rowand has fired out of the All-Star break with an impressive five-game hitting streak, going 15-for-23 (.652) with seven doubles, two home runs and six RBI. Needless to say, he is a must-start in all Fantasy leagues right now.
News: Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard and Aaron Rowand homered, Pat Burrell added four RBI and Philadelphia avoided its 10,000th loss again by beating the St. Louis Cardinals 10-4 on Saturday. Rowand finished the game 4-for-4 with two runs, one RBI and three doubles. He now has three or more hits in three of his last five games.
Analysis: Rowand is in for a big payout as a free-agent-to-be and that should motivate him the rest of the season. He continues to be a solid Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange notes: CF Aaron Rowand flied out to right field with the bases loaded in the ninth inning to end Tuesday's All-Star Game, and in hindsight, NL manager Tony La Russa admitted he should've pinch-hit for Rowand with Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols. But Rowand has thrived in such situations all season.
Analysis: Entering Friday night's game against St. Louis, he was batting .349 with two homers and 32 RBI with runners in scoring position and .571 with one homer and 12 RBI with the bases loaded. "I don't feel any different than any other at-bat," Rowand said of his success in the clutch. "If you get over-geeked and try to do too much, that's when you get yourself out." Rowand is in for a big payout as a free-agent-to-be and that should motivate him the rest of the season. He continues to be a solid Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Phillies CF Aaron Rowand can become a free agent after the season, and with an All-Star Game selection on his resume, he's setting himself up for a big payday. Rowand would like to return to Philadelphia next season, but his agent, Craig Landis, told the Wilmington (Del.) News Journal that the Phillies haven't initiated contract talks. "Aaron would certainly consider the Phillies, but we haven't had that choice thus far," Landis said.
Analysis: Last winter, Rowand avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal, and he'll certainly get a raise, even though the free-agent market may be flooded with center fielders, including Torii Hunter, Andruw Jones and Ichiro Suzuki. Landis suspects the Phillies may prefer younger, less expensive center-field options Michael Bourn or Shane Victorino. Regardless, Rowand is in for a big pay out and that should motivate him the rest of the season. He continues to be a solid Fantasy option.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand (thumb) returned to the team's starting lineup Friday against the Rockies.
Analysis: When healthy, Rowand is a solid Fantasy option in all formats since he can help you in all five hitting categories.
News:The Sports Xchange notes: CF Aaron Rowand was supposed to take Tuesday night off to rest his bruised right thumb. But he pinch-hit in the eighth inning, and because the game lasted 13 innings, the All-Star got two more at-bats and jammed his thumb while hitting into a fielder's choice in the 10th.
Analysis: Rowand didn't bat Wednesday, and with the Phillies idle Thursday, he said he's aiming to play Friday night in Colorado with a protective pad on his thumb. When healthy, he is a solid Fantasy option in all formats since he can help you in all five hitting categories.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand (thumb) did not start Wednesday's game against the Astros.
Analysis: Rowand remains day to day. When healthy, he is a solid Fantasy option in all formats.
News: OF Aaron Rowand was out of the starting lineup on Tuesday with a bruised right thumb. Manager Charlie Manuel said Rowand, one of Philadelphia's three All-Stars, was questionable for Wednesday's series finale in Houston, depending on how the minor injury responds to treatment. "We'll see how it goes," manager Charlie Manuel said.
Analysis: Rowand continues to be a hitting machine with the Phillies in 2007. The free-agent-to-be is having a strong season. He should be reserved in daily leagues, however, until further notice. It doesn't sound like this injury will linger.
News: Three Phillies hit homers during Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader against Mets including OF Aaron Rowand, who hit a solo shot off of Orlando Hernandez. The homer extended Rowand's hitting streak to eight games. He is 10-for-29 (.345) with one homer and three RBI in that span.
Analysis: Rowand continues to be a hitting machine with the Phillies in 2007. The free-agent-to-be is having a strong season. Consider him an option to start regularly in any Fantasy leagues, especially if he is going well.
News: OF Aaron Rowand leads NL center fielders in hits (82), batting average (.322), runs (45), on-base percentage (.397), slugging percentage (.502) and total bases (128).
Analysis: Rowand is a free-agent-to-be having a strong season. Consider him an option to start regularly in any Fantasy leagues, especially if he is going well.
News: OF Aaron Rowand, who left Sunday's game with leg cramps, was in the lineup Monday at Cleveland. He finished hitless in four at-bats with a strikeout.
Analysis: Rowand is very familiar with Jacobs Field after his time with the White Sox. It appears safe to get him back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues.
News: Aaron Rowand (leg) is in the starting lineup for Monday's interleague game at Cleveland. He is batting fifth and starting in center field for manager Charlie Manuel.
Analysis: It is a homecoming for Manuel and Rowand is also very familiar with Jacobs Field after his time with the White Sox. It appears safe to get him back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues.
News: Aaron Rowand left Sunday's game vs. Detroit after the seventh inning with left leg cramps. Rowand said he felt his leg "lock up" while he jogged off the field after the top half of the inning. He tried to hit and felt the same thing, so he took himself out of the game.
Analysis: Consider him day to day, but we wouldn't remove him from active lineups for the upcoming scoring period over some leg cramps. He's having an excellent year and remains a great start.
News:The Sports Xchange is reporting that Aaron Rowand said it wasn't personal. Rowand burned his former team, the Chicago White Sox, by belting a grand slam in the seventh inning and collecting five RBI Wednesday for the Phillies. Rowand, who didn't start because of a sore shoulder, was brought out of the dugout for a curtain call after the homer. But Rowand insisted he has no hard feeling after being traded by the White Sox on Nov. 25, 2005, in the deal that sent Jim Thome to Chicago. "Hitting it against them, yeah, that was neat," Rowand said. "But I know (White Sox GM) Kenny Williams. He's a great guy, a great GM. He wants to win more than anybody I know. And he thought Thome made them better. I never had any animosity or ill will. It was just great to be able to get us closer to the Mets."
Analysis: Rowand, arguably the Phillies' most consistent hitter, has stayed healthy this season and is batting .318 with nine homers and 35 RBI. Rowand's numbers have taken a dip since the beginning of May, but there is a good chance he will hit above .300 for the remainder of the season and drive in a decent amount of runs. He is still someone worth using in all Fantasy formats.
News: Aaron Rowand's day off turned into a career day. Rowand hit a grand slam and drove in five runs, helping the Philadelphia Phillies complete their first home sweep this season with an 8-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. Rowand wasn't in the starting lineup against his former team, but drove in the tying run on a groundout as a pinch-hitter in the sixth. His five RBI tied a career-high. "I'll take it. I'm a little banged-up, but it worked out pretty good," Rowand said. The grand slam was his only hit in his last eight at-bats.
Analysis: Rowand's numbers have taken a dip since the beginning of May, but there is a good chance he will hit above .300 for the remainder of the season and drive in a decent amount of runs. He is still someone worth using in all Fantasy formats.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand went 2-for-4 with two runs during Saturday's game against the Royals. He has hit safely in his last five games. He is 7-for-19 (.368) with two RBI during that stretch.
Analysis: Rowand recently moved into the fifth spot in the lineup and that hasn't slowed his production at the plate. Rowand has been one of the top Fantasy producing outfielders through the first two months and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Aaron Rowand moved into the No. 5 spot in the lineup Thursday at the Mets, replacing slumping LF Pat Burrell. Asked if Rowand is better lineup protection for slugger Ryan Howard, Charlie Manuel said, "We're going to find out. He's got a higher average, a good on-base percentage and a little bit better slugging percentage at this time."
Analysis: Rowand has been one of the top Fantasy producing outfielders through the first two months and remains a must-start Fantasy option. Hitting in the fifth spot can only help his value at this point.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand went 2-for-5 with two runs, one double and one RBI during Sunday's game against the Braves. Rowand saw a five-game hitting streak come to an end Saturday after getting out in his lone at-bat.
Analysis: Rowand's great start to the 2007 season continued with his 13th double of the season Sunday. He has been one of the top Fantasy producing outfielders through the first two months and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand went 2-for-5 with one run, one homer and two RBI during Sunday's game against the Blue Jays. Rowand tagged his seventh homer off of Blue Jays rookie SP Jesse Litsch. Rowand has two homers in his last five games after going 17 games without a dinger.
Analysis: Rowand entered May with a .378 average and is currently hitting .333. Don't worry too much. Rowand wasn't going to stay in the high .300s for the entire season. He is still having a great 2007 campaign and should be starting in most Fantasy formats at this time.
News: Aaron Rowand hit a three-run homer in the second inning of Wednesday's game against the Brewers. He finished 1-for-4, as his batting average actually dropped to .340 as a result.
Analysis: After hitting five home runs in the month of April, Rowand had gone without a big fly in 14 games in the month of May before connecting Wednesday. Despite the recent power outage, he remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: CF Aaron Rowand batted third Wednesday night at Arizona, marking the first time this season that he'd hit in that spot in the lineup. But Rowand deserved the promotion. He has reached base safely in 32 of 34 games, and after going 2 for 4 against the Diamondbacks, he's batting a team-leading .360.
Analysis: Continue to start Rowand in all leagues and ride him while he's hot.
News: CF Aaron Rowand batted leadoff for only the second time Tuesday night at Arizona. Manager Charlie Manuel moved regular leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins to the No. 3 spot.
Analysis: Rowand and Rollins have been off to great starts this season and they are must-starts right now. Rollins has emerged as an elite Fantasy player.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand reached base safely for the 24th consecutive game on Thursday at San Francisco. He finished 1-for-4 with two runs scored and a walk.
Analysis: Rowand is having a great start to the season as he is playing for his next contract. He has become a must-start Fantasy option in all formats while he is on a roll.
News: Aaron Rowand (stiff lower back) is back in the lineup for Tuesday's game at Atlanta. He is batting second and starting in center field in manager Charlie Manuel's lineup.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Rowand back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues which allow daily transactions.
News: Aaron Rowand, who was forced to leave Monday's game at Atlanta in the seventh inning, is battling a stiff lower back.
Analysis: With the Phillies facing a left-handed pitcher in Mark Redman, Rowand might be rested on Tuesday at Atlanta to rest his injury. He is considered day to day.
News: Aaron Roward left Monday's game at Atlanta in the seventh inning. He was replaced by Michael Bourn in center field. He was 1-for-1 and was hit by a pitch before leaving, although it is uncertain whether or not the HBP contributed to his departure.
Analysis: The exact source and severity of Rowand's injury is not yet known. When we get word from the team on the extend of his injury we'll pass it along to you.
News: CF Aaron Rowand hit .435 with five homers and 10 RBI during his career-high 16-game hitting streak. He went 0-for-3 against Florida on Sunday.
Analysis: Rowand is having a great start to the season as he is playing for his next contract. He has become a must-start Fantasy option in all formats while he is on a roll.
News: Manager Charlie Manuel flip-flopped Wes Helms and Aaron Rowand in the Nos. 6-7 spots in the lineup Friday.
Analysis: The hot-hitting Rowand entered with a .364 batting average and extended his career-best hitting streak to 15 games with a second-inning homer. Helms was at .301. Rowand is having a great start to the season as he is playing for his next contract. He has become a must-start Fantasy option in all formats while he is on a roll.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand was 4-for-5 with a solo homer during Friday's win over the Marlins, extending his career-best hitting streak to 15 and falling a triple short of the cycle. Rowand is batting .448 (26-for-58) with five homers and 10 RBI during his hitting streak.
Analysis: Rowand is having a great start to the season as he is playing for his next contract. He has become a must-start Fantasy option in all formats while he is on a roll.
News: CF Aaron Rowand hit a solo shot for the Phillies Thursday against the Nationals to extend his career-best hitting streak to 14 games. During the streak, Rowand is batting .415 (22-for-53) with three homers and nine RBI.
Analysis: Rowand is having a career year during a potential walk year. Go figure. Consider him a candidate to start in all leagues at this point, especially with that potent Phillies lineup and home hitter's park.
News: Phillies CF Aaron Rowand matched his career-best hitting streak Wednesday against the Nationals by hitting in his 13th consecutive game. During the streak, Rowand is batting .420 (21-for-50). But manager Charlie Manuel isn't about to move Rowand out of the No. 7 spot in the lineup. "He's the kind of guy that I figure I can move around," Manuel said, "but right now, I like where he's at."
Analysis: Rowand is having a career year during a potential walk year. Go figure. Consider him a candidate to start in all leagues at this point, especially with that potent Phillies lineup and home hitter's park.
News: Aaron Rowand extended his hitting streak to 13 games, tying his career-best with the Chicago White Sox in 2005.
Analysis: Rowand is having a career year during a potential walk year. Go figure. Consider him a candidate to start in all leagues at this point, especially with that potent Phillies lineup and home hitter's park.
News: Aaron Rowand was 2-for-4 with a double (5) and a home run (3) with two RBI (10) in Tuesday's game at Washington, as he now has a 12-game hitting streak.
Analysis: Rowand is 20-for-46 (.435) during his impressive run, with eight multi-hit games dating back to April 11. He is white hot right now and should be starting in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Aaron Rowand extending his hitting streak to 12 games with an RBI double in the second inning. He homered later in the game.
Analysis: Rowand is having a career year during a potential walk year. Go figure. Consider him a candidate to start in all leagues at this point, especially with that potent Phillies lineup and home hitter's park.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand is hitting .421 (16-for-38) with three doubles, two homers and five RBI during his current 10-game hitting streak.
Analysis: Rowand seems to be putting it all together at the plate right now and that makes him an intriguing Fantasy option in all formats. He remains a solid start in NL-only leagues, but Fantasy owners in mixed leagues can use him now as a No. 2 or 3 option as well.
News: Aaron Rowand extended his hitting streak to 10 games (16-for-38, .421) with two hits hits at Cincinnati Sunday.
Analysis: Rowand seems to be putting it all together at the plate right now and that makes him an intriguing Fantasy option in all formats. He remains a solid start in NL-only leagues, but Fantasy owners in mixed leagues can use him now as a No. 2 or 3 option as well.
News: Phillies CF Aaron Rowand went 1-for-4 with a solo home run during Saturday's win over the Reds. He has now hit safely in his last nine games. He is hitting .441 with two homers and five RBI during that stretch.
Analysis: Rowand seems to be putting it all together at the plate right now and that makes him an intriguing Fantasy option in all formats. He remains a solid start in NL-only leagues, but Fantasy owners in mixed leagues might want to give Rowand a look as a backup option.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand went 1-for-4 with a solo home run during Thursday's 4-2 win over the Nationals. The homer was Rowand's first of the 2007 season. Rowand is on a seven-game hitting streak in which he has gone 11-for-26 (.423).
Analysis: The power numbers and RBI seem to be eluding Rowand at this time, but the good news is that he is still hitting the ball at a great pace. Consider him more of a low-end Fantasy option in larger mixed leagues at this time. He is still a solid start in NL-only leagues.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand went 2-for-3 with one double, two RBI and two walks during Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Mets. He is now hitting .296 with four RBI in eight games this season.
Analysis: Rowand is hitting low in the Phillies lineup so his Fantasy production might not be as high as in the past. Consider him more of a low-end Fantasy option in larger mixed leagues at this time.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand went 2-for-5 with two strikeouts during Thursday's 8-4 loss to the Braves. In three games against the Braves, he hit .308 with one RBI and one stolen base.
Analysis: Rowand was mentioned in trade rumors all spring, but he remains in a nice hitter's park in Philadelphia and should put up numbers worthy of a using as a low-end Fantasy outfielder.
News: Phillies CF Aaron Rowand went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Monday's opening-day loss to Atlanta. He also drew a walk in the 10-inning affair.
Analysis: Rowand was mentioned in trade rumors all spring, but he remains in a nice hitter's park in Philadelphia and should put up numbers worthy of a No. 2 OF in most formats.
News: Phillies CF Aaron Rowand has been out of the starting lineup for three straight games, though he isn't injured.
Analysis: Rowand has been mentioned in trade rumors all spring and is batting .172 (10-for-58). Manager Charlie Manuel said Rowand just needed a few days off. He's second on the team in at-bats. Fantasy GMs should feel comfortable selecting him in the middle rounds on Draft Day. Rowand remains in a nice hitter's park in Philadelphia and should put up numbers worthy of a No. 2 OF in most formats.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand broke out of a 4-for-33 slump with his first home run of the spring Thursday. He has struck out seven times and only walked once this spring.
Analysis: Fantasy GMs should feel comfortable selecting him in the middle rounds on Draft Day. Rowand remains in a nice hitter's park in Philadelphia and should put up numbers worthy of a No. 2 OF in most formats.
News: The Phillies have been unable to make a deal to bolster their bullpen this spring. It looks like the team will carry six starters into the regular season. Phillies SP Jon Lieber and OF Aaron Rowand have been mentioned in trade rumors, but the team hasn't come close to making a deal. "There's nothing imminent on the trade front," general manager Pat Gillick said Thursday.
Analysis: Either Lieber or Adam Eaton is likely to be the odd man out of the Phillies' rotation. Lieber -- who has started at least 20 games in each of the last nine seasons and was Philadelphia's opening day starter last season -- said he has approached this like any other spring. Last year, after a poor start and then a stint on the disabled list, Lieber posted a 3.38 ERA and went 5-3 over the last two months of the season, a sign that maybe the 36-year-old has something left. He's trade bait, but we say he's nothing more than a flier for the deepest of NL-only leagues at this point. Rowand remains a top 40 Fantasy outfielder with the Phillies.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reported last week that general manager Ken Williams had been in talks with Philadelphia GM (and good friend) Pat Gillick about a deal that would send middle relief help, including left-hander Boone Logan, to the Phillies for former White Sox outfielder Aaron Rowand. Williams would neither confirm nor deny those talks, however. "I can't give you any direction on any of that because tomorrow it will be something different," Williams said to the newspaper. "The next day it will be something else. After all, it has been pointed out to me that I have made the most trades the last six years (51), so with that comes a lot of speculation."
Analysis: There were rumors that the Sox were tinkering with the idea of bringing back Rowand last July, but a deal never materialized. That was not the case during the Winter Meetings. Before the Freddy Garcia deal was completed, the two teams almost reached an agreement that would have brought Rowand back to the South Side. The December deal, however, fell apart, as the focus switched to Garcia being sent to Philadelphia for pitchers Gavin Floyd and Gio Gonzalez. But with teams now assessing their holes this spring and the regular season just weeks away, the climate to get a deal done has picked up all around the league. Whether he is in the Phillies or White Sox lineup, Rowand is going to be protected. But since he is still a Phillie, he remains a top 40 Fantasy outfielder.
News: Phillies CF Aaron Rowand (ankle) was able to play Saturday vs. Boston, finishing 2-for-3 with a run scored and a strikeout.
Analysis: The ankle injury appears to be a non-issue now and Fantasy GMs should feel comfortable selecting him in the middle rounds on Draft Day. Rowand remains in a nice hitter's park in Philadelphia and should put up numbers worthy of a No. 2 OF in most formats.
News: The Padres and Phillies have backed off a trade of outfielder Aaron Rowand for Scott Linebrink, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.Analysis: Rowand would lose a lot of value going to that pitcher's park. Linebrink might lose some initial value, too, but he could be in line for saves behind the aging Tom Gordon. Forget about it for now, though. Rowand remains in a nice hitter's park, while Linebrink will continue to be one of the best setup men in Fantasy Baseball because of his pitcher's park.
News: Center fielder Aaron Rowand avoided arbitration with the Phillies on Tuesday by agreeing to a $4.35 million, one-year contract. "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 came to Philadelphia in the trade that sent Jim Thome to Chicago after the 2005 season.
Analysis: Rowand hit .262 with 12 home runs and 47 RBI in 109 games before his season ended after he broke his ankle in a collision during an Aug. 22 game at Chicago. Those numbers aren't quite what was expected of him in 2006, so consider him more of a lower-tier mixed-league Fantasy outfielder. He looks like he will top out around .280-20-80-80 in a good year.
News: Aaron Rowand and the Phillies both declined their respective options for the 2007 season Wednesday, making the center fielder eligible for salary arbitration. Rowand, acquired last offseason from the Chicago White Sox for Jim Thome, became an instant fan favorite in Philadelphia after he broke his nose on a spectacular run-saving catch against the Mets in May. After Rowand declined a $3.25 million player option, the Phillies declined a $5 million team option. He made $3.25 million this year. Rowand joined pitchers Ryan Madson, Brett Myers, Geoff Geary and All-Star second baseman Chase Utley as arbitration-eligible players.
Analysis: Rowand hit .262 with 12 home runs and 47 RBI in 109 games before his season ended after he broke his ankle in a collision during an Aug. 22 game at Chicago. Those numbers are quite what was expected of him in 2006, so consider him more of a lower-tier mixed-league Fantasy outfielder. He looks like he will top out around .280-20-80-80 in a good year.
News: CF Aaron Rowand, who had surgery for a broken ankle on Aug. 25, was off crutches and in uniform on Friday. He hit balls off a tee and walked with a slight limp. Rowand hopes to be ready for the playoffs if the Phillies make it. "It's not 100 percent healed yet, but it's well on its way and it's close," he said.
Analysis: Rowand is out for the regular season, so don't consider him for Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 25-Oct. 1).
News: CF Aaron Rowand, who had surgery for a broken left ankle Aug. 25, had his cast removed and hopes to return if the Phillies reach the playoffs.
Analysis: Rowand is out for the regular season, so don't consider him for Fantasy Week 26 (Sept. 25-Oct. 1).
News: Phillies CF Aaron Rowand was scheduled to get the cast taken off his fractured ankle Friday, but it's doubtful that he'll be ready to take the field for the rest of the regular season.
Analysis: Rowand’s first season with the Phillies is all but done. While his gung-ho, go-all-out attitude is admirable, no player has ever won an award for spending the most time on the disabled list. Scout the waiver wire to find a late-season backup outfielder instead of hoping Rowand makes a miraculous comeback.
News: Philadelphia CF Aaron Rowand (ankle) will be re-examined on Friday. He had surgery for a broken ankle last week.
Analysis: Rowand’s first season with the Phillies is all but done. While his gung-ho, go-all-out attitude is admirable, no player has ever won an award for spending the most time on the disabled list. Scout the waiver wire to find a late-season backup outfielder instead of hoping Rowand makes a miraculous comeback.
News: According to MLB.com, Aaron Rowand will be out at least four weeks before he is able to begin rehabbing after undergoing surgery on his broken left ankle on Friday. Two screws were inserted into the ankle and he was placed in a cast, general manager Pat Gillick said. "We're looking at the end of the season," Manuel said. "I think we'll have to wait and see what kind of condition he's really in. If he misses six weeks, he'll need some time hitting in games. I don't know how we'd do that other than maybe the instructional league to get him game action."
Analysis: The injury prematurely ends Rowand's first season in Philly, but Fantasy owners have no time for remorese. They'll have to look to the players who will benefit from this trade and try to make the most of it. Shane Victorino will continue to start every day in center field and David Dellucci will be the everyday right fielder. He will no longer have to sit against left hand pitching.
News: Phillies CF Aaron Rowand was to have his broken left ankle re-examined Friday by foot specialist Dr. Steven Raikin in Voorhees, N.J. Rowand was injured in a collision with 2B Chase Utley on Monday.
Analysis: We say you are safe dropping him in leagues you don't have DL spots to stash him on. Even if he returns in late September, it would only be if the Phillies are still in the race (perhaps) and in a limited capacity.
News: Phillies center fielder Aaron Rowand might miss the rest of the season after suffering a broken ankle in a nasty collision in Monday's 6-5 win over the Cubs. Rowand was put on the 15-day DL on Tuesday, but is expected to miss four to six weeks, team officials said. Rowand has been outstanding defensively for the Phillies, who are locked in a tight race for the wild card. David Dellucci and Shane Victorino will both be everyday outfielders now, along with veteran Pat Burrell.
Analysis: Rowand is hitting .262 with 12 home runs and 47 RBI this season after arriving in Philadelphia from the Chicago White Sox in a trade for Jim Thome. He was a popular breakout candidate this spring, but his breakthrough never materialized. We say you are safe dropping him in leagues you don't have DL spots to stash him on. Even if he returns in late September, it would only be if the Phillies are still in the race (perhaps) and in a limited capacity.
News: The Philadelphia Daily News reports that Aaron Rowand broke his ankle Monday against the Cubs when he collided with Chase Utley in the field.
Analysis: Rowand will miss at least five weeks, making him unavailable for the remainder of the regular season in Fantasy play. Shane Victorino will likely take over in center field with Pat Burrell in left and David Dellucci in right. Chris Roberson will also get some extra at-bats.
News: Chase Utley's homer wasn't his only hit Monday night. A nasty collision between Aaron Rowand and Utley overshadowed the Philadelphia Phillies' 6-5 victory over the Chicago Cubs. "They came together pretty good," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "It was fortunate someone didn't get hurt worse." Rowand hobbled off the field with a sprained left ankle after tangling with Utley in the eighth inning. Rowand was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for precautionary X-rays. "I hope it's not broken," he said. "I want to get back out there soon, because I've been swinging the bat better lately. I'll keep my fingers crossed." Rowand said he hit a hole in the outfield while running and didn't see Utley until it was too late. He immediately felt pain in his neck, as well as his wrist. But after he got up, only his ankle hurt. "My foot wasn't planted when I hit Chase," Rowand said. "We'll see what happens. The doctor said that if he had to guess, he didn't think" it was broken. Rowand was down for a few minutes before leaving with the help of two teammates.
Analysis: Chris Roberson replaced Rowand in center field. If Rowand is out for an extended period, expect him to get the bulk of the at-bats, making him a decent NL-only pickup because of his speed.
News: Aaron Rowand is getting precautionary X-rays on a sprained right ankle after leaving in the eighth inning after a collision with Chase Utley.
Analysis: Chris Roberson replaced Rowand in center field. If Rowand is out for an extended period, expect him to get the bulk of the at-bats, making him a decent NL-only pickup because of his speed.
News: Aaron Rowand was 0-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI in Monday's game against the Mets. He was hit by a pitch for the 17th time this season. That is the second-highest total in team history.
Analysis: Rowand remains a decent option in deeper leagues because of potential to help in numerous categories, but he has been disappointing overall this season.
News: Aaron Rowand hit an RBI single with one out in the 14th inning to lift Philadelphia over Cincinnati 6-5 on Friday.
Analysis: Rowand remains a decent option in deeper leagues because of potential to help in numerous categories, but he has been disappointing overall this season.
News: Phillies CF Aaron Rowand went 2-for-4 and stole two bases in a game for the first time this season on Tuesday at Atlanta.
Analysis: He remains a decent option in larger mixed leagues because of potential to help in numerous categories, but he's been disappointing overall this season.
News: CF Aaron Rowand encouraged manager Charlie Manuel with his opposite-field homer Wednesday. A sore shoulder made extending for pitches difficult for Rowand, but that homer seemed to show that his shoulder was improving.
Analysis: Rowand followed that up with a home run to left Thursday night. He has been a mild disappointment in his first season in Philly. The fans might love him, particularly for that now-legendary catch vs. the Mets, but he's not quite producing the Fantasy numbers we believed he was capable of. He as been better of late, though, so perhaps this is his true arrival in Philly.
News: Aaron Rowand homered Thursday for the Phillies, who had 16 hits a night after getting 18 in a 16-8 romp. By the way, Rowand is trying to play through persistent, nagging injuries. He suffered a injured rib in July that bothered him, and lately his right shoulder has been sore.
Analysis: Rowand has been a mild disappointment in his first season in Philly. The fans might love him, particularly for that now-legendary catch vs. the Mets, but he's not quite producing the Fantasy numbers we believed he was capable of. Has been better of late, though, so perhaps this is his true arrival in Philly.
News: CF Aaron Rowand is trying to play through persistent, nagging injuries. He suffered a injured rib in July that bothered him, and lately his right shoulder has been sore.
Analysis: Rowand struggled to make a throw to the plate Tuesday, but he says the shoulder injury gives him more difficulty extending for outside pitches at the plate. He remains useful in NL-only formats, but you might want to go another way in mixed leagues until he heals up.
News: Aaron Rowand was 2-for-5 with a solo home run (10), two runs scored in Saturday's game against the Marlins.
Analysis: Despite the home run, Rowand has stumbled through the month of July posting a paltry .203 average with only two home runs and 12 RBI. He remains useful in NL-only formats, but you might want to go another way in mixed leagues.
News: Aaron Rowand was hit by a pitch Thursday against Arizona for the 15th time this season, moving into third place on the season list. Dave Hollins was hit 19 times in 1992 and Phil Bradley 16 times in 1988.
Analysis: He's a very nice OF in NL-only formats and can be used as a low-end option in mixed formats.
News: Rowand (shoulder) was back in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks. He is batting sixth and starting in center field for manager Charlie Manuel.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Rowand back into the active Fantasy lineup in all NL-only leagues which allow daily transactions.
News: Aaron Rowand was given the night off for Monday's game against the Braves due to a sore shoulder. He might also have been rested due to his current 1-for-17 slump. "Aaron's banged up a little," manager Charlie Manuel said. "Resting him a day or two might help him."
Analysis: Rowand is considered day to day. Shane Victorino got the start in center field in his absence.
News: Aaron Rowand and Jimmy Rollins homered for the Phillies on Tuesday.
Analysis: Rowand has been a low-end mixed league outfielder, but he can be more useful in spurts when he's hot. Like now.
News: Aaron Rowand has six RBI in his past five games for the Phillies. In that span, he's hitting 6-for-14 (.429).
Analysis: Rowand is slowly getting his mixed-league starter status back, so consider him this week as he travels to San Diego and plays Atlanta at home.
News: Aaron Rowand became a fan favorite in Philadelphia with a spectacular catch in center field that landed him on the DL with facial injuries. The Phillies hope he starts looking like his old self again. Rowand hit .226 in 31 games since returning to the lineup, but got a big hit for Philadelphia on Tuesday. His RBI double drove in Ryan Howard in the bottom of the ninth inning of a 6-5 victory over the San Diego Padres. "Aaron really needed it, he's been scuffling," manager Charlie Manuel said. "He's been overswinging too much lately. On the hit, he stayed back real nice, used his hands and went with the pitch."
Analysis: Rowand has lost his status as a solid mixed-league outfielder. "Everyone goes through tough periods at the plate during the course of the season," Rowand said. "When I came off the DL, I was hitting balls hard, but they were right at people. You try to do more and you swing yourself into a bigger funk." Rowand should be able to get hot -- especially in that ballpark and lineup, so consider him when he's going well again.
News: Aaron Rowand went 1-for-3 against Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield Monday and is now 11-for-17 versus the knuckleballer.
Analysis: Despite his success against Wakefield, Rowand is still working his way back from that run-in with the center field wall in Philly. He's worth owning in most leagues, but should be reserved until he gets it going.
News: The Phillies struck out 15 times Saturday, with Pat Burrell fanning three times and Aaron Rowand, David Dellucci, David Bell and Sal Fasano twice each.
Analysis: Rowand insists he isn't in a slump. "I'm hitting the ball hard," he said. Rowand can be reserved or cut right now in smaller mixed leagues where only the All-Star caliber outfielders are used.
News: Phillies CF Aaron Rowand is batting .237 since coming off the disabled list late last month, but he insists that he isn't in a slump. "I'm hitting the ball hard," said Rowand, whose average has dipped from .310 before running into the center-field wall at Citizens Bank Park, to .279 entering Friday's series at Boston.
Analysis: Continue to consider him a viable starter in all Fantasy leagues at this point, though if the slump continues, he'll need replacing for at least a few games.
News: Aaron Rowand had his third three-hit game of the year, his first since April 14.
Analysis: Rowand is hitting .296 on the season and has been as good as advertised in his first season in Philly. Consider him a viable starter in all Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand hit a solo home run off of Nationals starter Livan Hernandez on Wednesday. Rowand went 1-for-4 in the game.
Analysis: Rowand is 3 for his last 7. Keep him active in all formats.
News: Phillies OF Aaron Rowand went 2-for-3 Tuesday vs. Washington with a run scored. He's put together a three-game hitting streak. He's also hitting .307.
Analysis: Keep Rowand active in all formats.
News: CF Aaron Rowand is back in action after breaking his nose 2 1/2 weeks ago, and he's still busting it in the outfield. He chased down two well-hit flyballs Sunday, making the grabs in full stride on the warning track. There were plenty of people on the play recalling Rowand's face-first collision with the center-field fence, the one that landed him on the DL, but he wasn't one of them. "It didn't matter to me one way or the other," said Rowand. His teammates certainly were awestruck by his ability to disregard the potential for a repeat collision.
Analysis: Rowand is only 1-for-7 at the plate since returning, but his timing will return soon. Keep him active in all formats.
News: Phillies centerfielder Aaron Rowand returned from the 15-day disabled list to a hero's welcome Saturday night. Rowand received a standing ovation from the crowd at Citizens Bank Park during the announcement of starting lineups and in the outfield portions when he jogged out to his position in center field in the first. The ovation was even louder when Rowand took his first at-bat during the first inning before he lined out softly to first base.
Analysis: The blue-collar city immediatedly found its newest hard-nosed hero, flooding local sports talk radio stations about one of the greatest catches in Phillies history. Rowand's efforts were a far cry from recent Philly athletes including Kenny Lofton, who was quoted last season that he wouldn't sacrifice his body crashing into the wall for a ball. According to a Phillies official, Rowand jerseys were the hottest among team merchadise over the last two weeks. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel wasted little time getting Rowand back into the lineup. He started in center and batted sixth. Going in the game, he was batting .310 with six homers and 17 RBIs. Manuel said he wouldn't be surprised if Rowand would challenge the wall again.
News: Chris Roberson was sent to Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre after Friday's game to make room for Aaron Rowand, who came off the disabled list.
Analysis: Rowand became a fan favorite with the catch that sent him on the DL. Get him active for Fantasy Week 9 (May 29-June 4). He'll once again be a reliable Fantasy outfielder.
News: Injured Phillies CF Aaron Rowand (nose) and C Mike Lieberthal (knee) are expected to play in a simulated game Friday.
Analysis: Rowand is expected to return as soon as possible off the disabled list, which is May 27. Get him active for Fantasy Week 9 (May 29-June 4).
News: Aaron Rowand took batting practice Friday for the first time since breaking his nose in a collision with the center-field fence eight days earlier. When Rowand was shown on the ballpark's video screen in the middle of the fourth inning, he received a standing ovation. "The fan reaction has been great. It's very humbling," said Rowand. "I don't think I quite get it. I feel like it's part of my job, part of the job hazard ... part of the job description." Rowand intends to return as soon as he's eligible to come off the disabled list May 27.
Analysis: Reserve Rowand in all Fantasy leagues right now. He has been a nice surprise for the Phillies in center field, filling a position that has been a problem for the team for a few years. He's worth starting in all formats when healthy.
News: Mike Lieberthal and CF Aaron Rowand took batting practice for the first time Friday since going on the DL. Both players had hit off a tee. Lieberthal has a bruised left knee and Rowand broke his nose and sustained facial fractures running into a wall to make a catch last week.
Analysis: Reserve Rowand in all Fantasy leagues right now. He has been a nice surprise for the Phillies in center field, filling a position that has been a problem for the team for a few years. He's worth starting in all formats when healthy.
News: Phillies CF Aaron Rowand, who broke his nose in a nasty collision with the center field fence at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, will be able to begin baseball workouts by early next week and hopes to come off the disabled list as soon as the 15 days are up.
Analysis: Reserve Rowand in all Fantasy leagues right now. He has been a nice surprise for the Phillies in center field, filling a position that has been a problem for the team for a few years. He's worth starting in all formats when healthy.
News: Phillies center fielder Aaron Rowand was put on the 15-day disabled list Friday, one day after he broke his nose on a spectacular catch in a 2-0 win over the New York Mets. With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the first inning, Rowand ran face-first into the fence while making an over-the-shoulder catch of a deep fly by Xavier Nady. He broke his nose and sustained fractures around his left eye. Rowand held up his glove to show he made the catch and was immediately tended to by medical personnel. He held a towel on his face as he was helped off the field to a standing ovation and taken to a hospital.
Analysis: "Right now, it looks like it's going to take 15 to 20 days," manager Charlie Manuel said before Friday night's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Reserve Rowand in all Fantasy leagues right now. He has been a nice surprise for the Phillies in center field, filling a position that has been a problem for the team for a few years. He's worth starting in all formats when healthy.
News: Phillies center fielder Aaron Rowand was put on the 15-day disabled list Friday, one day after he broke his nose on a spectacular catch in a 2-0 win over the New York Mets. The Phillies called up outfielder Chris Roberson from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take Rowand's roster spot. With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the first inning, Rowand ran face-first into the fence while making an over-the-shoulder catch of a deep fly by Xavier Nady. He broke his nose and sustained fractures around his left eye. Rowand, who was acquired in the trade that sent Jim Thome to the White Sox, held up his glove to show he made the catch and was immediately tended to by medical personnel. He held a towel on his face as he was helped off the field to a standing ovation and taken to a hospital.
Analysis: Reserve Rowand in all Fantasy leagues right now, as he will miss at least two weeks if not more. He's worth hanging onto if you can afford the roster space, however. Rowand has been a nice surprise for the Phillies in center field, filling a position that has been a problem for the team for a few years. He's worth starting in all formats when healthy.
News: Aaron Rowand (broken nose) suffered a broken nose in Thursday's rain-shortened win against the Mets. He was admitted to a local area hospital and will undergo further evalutation after his violent collision with the center-field wall. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said a stint on the 15-day disabled list might be likely for his starting center fielder. "He's hurt pretty bad," Manuel said. "He's going to be out for a while. How long? I don't know yet."
Analysis: Reserve Rowand in all Fantasy leagues right now, as it appears he will miss at least a few days, if not two weeks or more. He is not a recommended play in any format for Fantasy Week 7 (May 15-21) even if he does avoid a stint on the DL.
News: Aaron Rowand broke his nose and was taken to the hospital Thursday night after a fantastic catch knocked him out of Philadelphia's game against the New York Mets.With two outs and the bases loaded in the first inning, Xavier Nady hit a deep drive off Gavin Floyd to center field that put Rowand on the run. Rowand made the catch in his outstretched glove as he smacked face first into the fence and collapsed to the ground. He gamely held up his mitt to show the ball, then rested on his hands and knees as trainers and Phillies manager Charlie Manuel ran out. Rowand, acquired in the trade that sent Jim Thome to the White Sox, held a towel on his face as he was helped off the field to a standing ovation. Shane Victorino replaced Rowand in the second inning.
Analysis: Hopefully he won't miss too much time, and he remains a great option when healthy. It's nice to see a player put his body on the line to make a catch in May, but his owners can't be pleased. He's day-to-day.
News: Aaron Rowand left Thursday's game against the Mets with a broken nose and facial lacerations after crashing into the outfield wall while making an amazing catch.
Analysis: Hopefully he won't miss too much time, and he remains a great option when healthy. It's nice to see a player put his body on the line to make a catch in May, but his owners can't be pleased. He's day-to-day.
News: CF Aaron Rowand was in a great deal of pain after getting hit in the hand with a Pedro Martinez pitch Tuesday, but he remained in the game. Rowand has been hit by a team-high four pitches this season.
Analysis: Don't let the HBP scare you. Rowand remains a must-start in all leagues, especially since he's hitting in the middle of the lineup.
News: Aaron Rowand led off the second with a triple and scored on David Bell's double Tuesday off Pedro Martinez.
Analysis: Rowand is off to a great start this season and is a viable outfielder in any Fantasy league. The move down in the lineup from the No. 2 hole is going to get him more RBI opportunities.
News: Aaron Rowand went 2-for-4 with a solo shot against the Giants Friday.
Analysis: Rowand has been a nice surprise for the Phillies in center field, filling a position that has been a problem for the team for a few years. He's worth starting in all formats.
News: Aaron Rowand's fiery personality is a much-needed ingredient in the Philadelphia Phillies' low-key clubhouse. His clutch hits are even more important. Rowand's two-run homer in the eighth inning lifted the Phillies to their third straight comeback victory, 5-4 over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night. "When you get on a roll like this, it definitely changes the attitude and the confidence level of the team," said Rowand, who had a go-ahead, three-run triple in the seventh inning of an 8-5 win at Florida on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Rowand, who came to Philadelphia in the trade that sent slugger Jim Thome to the Chicago White Sox, has nine RBI in his last six games. "Rowand's a good player, a team player," Manuel said. "He's a tough guy and a good guy. He talks at the right time. I like the way he plays. You have to sit and listen to him because he makes you." Rowand had three RBI on the day, to bring his total to 14 on the season. Start him in all formats.
News: Aaron Rowand was 2-for-4 with a walk and four RBI in Tuesday's game at Florida. "It builds confidence," Rowand said about his role in the team's comeback, "because when you do it, the next time you're put in that situation, you know you can."
Analysis: Rowand entered Tuesday's game with nine hits in his past 42 at-bats (.214) with one home run and two RBI over his past 10 games, so this was much appreciated by his impatient Fantasy owners.
News: Aaron Rowand hit a solo homer against Pittsburgh Saturday. He went 1-for-4 and he now has three homers on the season.
Analysis: Rowand was hitting from the third spot in the lineup once again. He's close to hitting .300 again and we recommend starting him in all formats.
News: Manager Charlie Manuel shuffled his lineup on Monday, moving 1B Ryan Howard up to the fifth spot and 2B Chase Utley to the No. 2 hole. CF Aaron Rowand slid down to sixth. "If it doesn't work, I'll go try another," Manuel said. Manuel oddly had Howard, their best power hitter, hitting sixth or seventh. "I think it gives us a strong top," Manuel said. "We got about six guys right in a row that can hit the long ball."
Analysis: Rowand is hitting .324 with two HRs and five RBI through his first 68 at-bats. He's also stolen three bases so far this season -- consider him a fine option in all leagues.
News: Aaron Rowand is hitting .324 with two HRs and five RBI through his first 68 at-bats. He's also stolen three bases so far this season.
Analysis: Consider him a fine option in all leagues.
News: Aaron Rowand homered Wednesday at Atlanta for the first time since coming over to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Analysis: Rowand gave the Phillies a 6-3 lead with his first NL homer, a two-run job, down the left-field line. "It was great to get it out of the way," said Rowand, acquired from the Chicago White Sox during the offseason in the Jim Thome trade. Rowand is a sleeper to hit close to .290 with pop and steals. Consider him a fine option in all leagues.
News: CF Aaron Rowand went to Chicago on Tuesday to receive the World Series ring he won with the White Sox last season.
Analysis: Rowand is a sleeper to hit close to .290 with pop and steals. Consider him a fine option in all leagues.
News: Aaron Rowand, acquired in the trade that sent Jim Thome to the Chicago White Sox, doubled in his first at-bat for the Phillies on Monday vs. the Cardinals. He finished 2-for-3 with a run.
Analysis: He'll help defensively and be a sleeper to hit close to .290 with some pop and steals. Consider him a fine option in all leagues.
News: Aaron Rowand plans to use Tuesday's day off to return to Chicago and pick up his World Series ring in a pregame ceremony before the White Sox host Cleveland. "It will be nice to thank the fans for the time I was able to spend there," Rowand said.
Analysis: Rowand will hit second or seventh in one of the best lineups and hitter's parks in baseball. He'll help defensively and be a sleeper to hit close to .290 with some pop and steals. Consider him a solid latter-round option in standard mixed leagues.
News: Phillies CF Aaron Rowand played his first game since being hit on the hand by a pitch Tuesday night. He was 2-for-3 with a walk.
Analysis: Rowand will hit second or seventh in one of the best lineups and hitter's parks in baseball. He'll help defensively and be a sleeper to hit close to .290 with some pop and steals. Consider him a solid latter-round option in standard mixed leagues.
News: Phillies CF Aaron Rowand was hit on the hand by a first-inning pitch but stayed in the game.
Analysis: Rowand will hit second or seventh in one of the best lineups and hitter's parks in baseball. He'll help defensively and be a sleeper to hit close to .290 with some pop and steals. Consider him a solid latter-round option in standard mixed leagues.
News: OF Aaron Rowand is hitting .343 with two homers in his last 10 spring games.
Analysis: Reports suggest that Rowand will start the season hitting seventh, but he could always move up if his bat continues to stay warm into the regular season. He'll help defensively and be a sleeper to hit close to .290 with some pop and steals. In CBS SportsLine.com's latest NL-only experts Head-to-Head draft, he was selected in the 12th round (113th overall), way down from where he was taken before spring training started.
News: OF Aaron Rowand snapped an 0-for-20 spring slump with a three-run homer.
Analysis: Manuel plans to bat Rowand second in the lineup, between Jimmy Rollins and Bobby Abreu, though he could hit sixth or seventh at times to provide some punch at the bottom of the order. As it is, Rowand is a solid sleeper in the latter rounds of mixed leagues. In CBS SportsLine.com's NL-only experts 5x5 Rotisserie draft, he was selected with the last pick in the fifth round (60th overall).
News: Aaron Rowand had a breakout season in 2004, hitting .310 with 24 homers and 69 RBI, but he fell to .270 with 13 homers and 69 RBI last year, and hit .267 with seven doubles in the playoffs. Expectations seem to be high in Philadelphia now. "I think the guy is a solid player and he loves to play," manager Charlie Manuel said. "His hustle is going to be good for our team. I think he's capable of hitting .300 and he'll hit a few home runs. He might hit 20-25 in our park."
Analysis: Manuel plans to bat Rowand second in the lineup, between Jimmy Rollins and Bobby Abreu, though he could hit sixth or seventh at times to provide some punch at the bottom of the order. As it is, Rowand is a solid sleeper in the latter rounds of mixed leagues. In CBS SportsLine.com's NL-only experts 5x5 Rotisserie draft, he was selected with the last pick in the fifth round (60th overall).
News: In CBS SportsLine.com's NL-only experts 5x5 Rotisserie draft, Phillies OF Aaron Rowand was selected with the last pick in the fifth round (60th overall).
Analysis: Rowand will see an increase in runs scored and homers this season because of his new lineup and hitter's park, but his RBI opportunities will dip some after spending the bulk of last season in the 5-6-7 spots. As it is, Rowand is a solid sleeper in the latter rounds of mixed leagues. He could post the best season of his career with the move to Philly.
News: Charlie Manuel said Jimmy Rollins would remain in the leadoff spot in the batting order, while offseason acquisition Aaron Rowand probably would hit second. Manuel also likes Bobby Abreu as the No. 3 hitter, with Pat Burrell and Chase Utley alternating as the cleanup men vs. LH and RH pitching. Reigning NL ROY Ryan Howard will hit sixth, followed by Mike Lieberthal and David Bell or Abraham Nunez.
Analysis: Rowand will see an increase in runs scored and homers this season because of his new lineup and hitter's park, but his RBI opportunities will dip some after spending the bulk of last season in the 5-6-7 spots. As it is, Rowand is a solid sleeper in the latter rounds of mixed leagues. He could post the best season of his career with the move to Philly.
News: The Phillies traded Jim Thome and cash to the White Sox for center fielder Aaron Rowand on Friday. Rowand, who hit .270 with 13 homers and 69 RBI, fills Philadelphia's need for a center fielder. The Phillies weren't planning to re-sign Kenny Lofton, who hit .335 while platooning with Jason Michaels in center last year.
Analysis: In Philly's bandbox ballpark, Rowand could hit 20-plus homers with 80-90 RBI. Despite having to learn new pitchers, consider this a good move for his Fantasy value. He is in the thick of his prime years and has 20-homer, 20-steal ability, so consider him in mixed leagues still despite his off 2005 campaign.
News: The Phillies reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday to send Jim Thome and cash to the White Sox for center fielder Aaron Rowand. The deal is subject to the players passing physicals, and because the of the cash involved, it also must be approved by the commissioner's office. Rowand, who hit .270 with 13 homers and 69 RBI, fills Philadelphia's need for a center fielder. The Phillies weren't planning to re-sign Kenny Lofton, who hit .335 while platooning with Jason Michaels in center last year.
Analysis: In Philly's bandbox ballpark, Rowand could hit 20-plus homers with 80-90 RBI. Despite having to learn new pitchers, consider this a good move for his Fantasy value. He is in the thick of his prime years and has 20-homer, 20-steal ability, so consider him in mixed leagues still despite his off 2005 campaign.
News: Aaron Rowand was 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a strikeout in Sunday's series finale against the Yankees.
Analysis: Despite the home run, Roward is still batting only .158 (6-for-38) over the past nine games to drop his average from .289 to .277 from Aug. 9.
News: Aaron Rowand had his 10-game hitting streak snapped against the Yankees Wednesday.
Analysis: Rowand certainly isn't having the season he did in last season's breakout year, but he is still worth starting in all formats.
News: Rowand was 3-for-4 with a double and a solo home run in Thursday's game against the Red Sox. He also came across to score two runs.
Analysis: Rowand is now 15-for-35 (.429) with five RBI over the past nine games to raise his average from .273 to .289.
News: OF Aaron Rowand .471 (8-for-17) over his past four games.
Analysis: Rowand has been a big disappointment this season for his Fantasy owners. He might have a big second half in him, though, so keep him (or get him) active during this hot streak.
News: CF Aaron Rowand wasn't in the lineup Wednesday. Regular LF Scott Podsednik was in CF and Carl Everett in LF. "Rowand's just getting a rest and we needed another left-handed bat (Everett is a switch-hitter)," manager Ozzie Guillen said.
Analysis: There is nothing wrong with Rowand, he just needed a rest and the White Sox have the depth in the outfield now with Frank Thomas working in as the DH and Jermaine Dye an Everett available to man the corner-outfield spots.
News: Aaron Rowand extended his hitting streak to 10 games, going 1-for-4 Sunday. He is hitting .289 this season.
Analysis: Rowand will not sit as the White Sox lose the DH in NL parks this week. Keep him active in Fantasy.
News: Aaron Rowand went 2-for-4 with a run and a stolen base Wednesday against Texas. He has a career-high 12-game hitting streak, batting .370 over that span.
Analysis: Rowand is a five-tool player that is an emerging player with the White Sox. After making the 20-20 club last year, he's on pace for 11 home runs and 23 stolen bases.
News: Aaron Rowand went 3-for-4 with a double, RBI and a run Monday against the Rangers. He's hit in 10 straight games now.
Analysis: Rowand has a hit in 13-of-14 games in the month of May. He's hitting .368 (14-for-38) during the hit streak.
News: Timo Perez started in place of Aaron Rowand in CF. Manager Ozzie Guillen said he wants to keep Perez sharp.
Analysis: Rowand entered the game in a 3-for-21 slump, dropping his average to .235. He is still worth starting as a No. 3 or 4 outfielder as he tries to shake off this slump.
News: Aaron Rowand went 1-for-3 with two runs and two walks Sunday against the Tigers. He went 1-for-10 in the three-game series.
Analysis: Rowand is a decent option in all leagues. Despite the lack of power so far, the 27-year-old proved he has 20/20 talent with his breakthrough 2004 season.
News: Aaron Rowand had three hits and scored twice Tuesday night, raising his average to .260 amid a five-game hitting streak.
Analysis: Rowand is heating up after a slow start. He is talented enough to consider starting through his rough stretches, because he could get hot on a game's notice.
News: Aaron Rowand was 0-for-3 in Monday's game at Cleveland. He also was hit by a pitch and was caught stealing.
Analysis: Rowand has collected only three hits in his first 26 at-bats (.115) through the first seven games. As a result, he has slid to the seventh spot in manager Ozzie Guillen's lineup.
News: Aaron Rowand was 0-for-5 in Thursday's game against the Indians. He stranded two runners on base.
Analysis: Rowand has collected only one hit in his first 12 at-bats (.083) in three games this season. He is still a good play in AL-only Fantasy leagues, so don't panic just yet.
News: Aaron Rowand was 0-for-3 in Monday's regular season opener against Cleveland. He drove in the only run of the game and swiped a base.
Analysis: Rowand will look to get into the hit column when the series resumes on Wednesday against Kevin Millwood and the Indians.
News: Aaron Rowand was 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI in Wednesday's spring game against the Brewers.
Analysis: Rowand had been sidelined for a pair of games due to a shoulder bruise.
News: Aaron Rowand, penciled into the No. 2 hole in the White Sox lineup, is batting .520 (13-25) this spring and hit two home runs in Monday's win over the Cubs.
Analysis: Chicago's center fielder hit .310 last year in 140 games and hit 24 homers while chipping in with 17 SBs. He had value heading into the spring but with his hot start, he could end up being a steal.
News: After two days of full-squad workouts -- still too early to make any concrete decisions -- manager Ozzie Guillen told the AP Aaron Rowand has the edge to play center with Scott Podsednik slated to move from center to left. "He earned the spot and he deserves to be there," Guillen said of Rowand, who batted .310 with 24 homers last season while playing a steady center.
Analysis: This won't affect either Rowand's or Podsednik's Fantasy value at this point.
News: The Chicago White Sox agreed to terms with OF Aaron Rowand on a two-year contract.
Analysis: The plan right now is to leave Rowand in center and move newly acquired Scott Podsednik to left. That in itself doesn't have any Fantasy pertinence, but it shows how committed the White Sox are to their best young hitter. If 2004 was no fluke, the White Sox have a perennial All-Star on their hands. Active pursue Rowand to be a part of your outfield.
News: Aaron Rowand went 3-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI on Friday against the Red Sox. It was his first two-home run game in the majors and the four RBI tied a career-high.
Analysis: Rowand is batting .321 (42-for-131) with eight home runs and 19 RBI since June. He is developing into a very solid, five-tool player. At this point, he warrants starting consideration in all Fantasy formats. He is on pace to make the 20/20 club and hit .300 this year.
News: Aaron Rowand is batting .365 (27-for-84) with six home runs and 13 RBI against left-handed pitchers and .261 (62-for-208) with just three home runs and eight RBI against right-handers.
Analysis: Rowand continues to play everyday. He is a decent start in AL-only formats, but does not produce enough to warrant starting in deeper mixed Fantasy leagues. Average to good Fantasy outfielders are a dime a dozen and Rowand is tied for 58th among outfielders with nine long balls.
News: Aaron Rowand is batting .420 (29-for-69) with eight doubles, four home runs, 10 RBI and 15 runs in his last 21 games. He raised his average from .220 to .306 in that hot span.
Analysis: Rowand has multi-hit efforts in seven of his last nine starts, batting .486 (18-for-37) in that stretch. He is worth starting in AL-only formats and is worth considering in deeper mixed Fantasy formats while on this hot streak.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Aaron Rowand is leading the major leagues with a .455 batting average (25-for-55) over the past month going back to May 23 (minimum of 60 plate appearances).
Analysis: Rowand has not been a full-time player, but he is certainly worth owning in AL-only leagues. Mixed-league owners should keep an eye out for him if he lands a full-time job due to injury.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times says Aaron Rowand will split playing time in right field with Timo Perez.
Analysis: Willie Harris will play full-time in center field while Magglio Ordonez is out.
News: Aaron Rowand went 4-for-7 with a homer, three RBI and four runs scored at Minnesota Sunday.
Analysis: Rowand has been in and out of the lineup lately. Wait to see what this performance does to his playing time before starting him outside of larger AL-only leagues.
News: Aaron Rowand returned to the lineup during the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Toronto after missing four straight games. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen says that despite Rowand's absence, he remains the team's everyday center fielder. "I talked to him (Thursday) and told him to be ready for (Saturday)," said Guillen.
Analysis: Rowand did not hit well in April after having a fine spring training. It would be no shock if he lost the starting center field job once top prospect Jeremy Reed is deemed major-league ready.
News: White Sox hitting coach Greg Walker told the Chicago Sun-Times that Aaron Rowand is on schedule for opening day despite his missing a week with two sprained wrists. "I think he'll pick it right up," Walker said. "He's got his swing grooved in already. The only thing he has to work on is rhythm and timing. I'm not real concerned about him at all. He's swinging the bat really good."
Analysis: Rowand, who said he is close to 100 percent, will begin the year as the White Sox's starting center fielder. He's a decent late-round pick in AL-only formats.
News: Aaron Rowand (wrists) was back in the lineup against the Cubs Friday. He went 0-for-2 with a run scored.
Analysis: Rowand is the leading contender for the cener field job. He should be used as a starting outfielder in AL-only leagues.
News: Aaron Rowand, who has been out since Sunday with two sprained wrists, will attempt to return Friday against the Cubs, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "There is still a little tenderness in there, but it's gotten to the point that I can deal with it," he said. "It's gotten a lot better every day. I went out and took a bucket and a half [of balls] off the tee and a bucket and a half off the pitching machine. It felt pretty good."
Analysis: Rowand, who leads the White Sox with a .522 average and eight RBI this spring, leads in the race for the starting center field job. He's worth grabbing to fill out your starting outfield in an AL-only league.
News: Aaron Rowand went 3-for-4 with three RBI and one run scored against the Cubs on Friday.
Analysis: Rowand is still a part-time player. He might make a case for more time with more games like this. Keep him as a reserve if you can stash him in keeper leagues.
News: The White Sox recalled Aaron Rowand from Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday.
Analysis: Rowand will likely split time in center field with Armando Rios. Both have only minimal Fantasy appeal in AL-only leagues.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the White Sox are likely to recall Aaron Rowand from Triple-A Charlotte. He was batting .242 (29-for-120) with three home runs and 13 RBI in 32 games for Charlotte.
Analysis: Rowand will likely reclaim his old starting center field job, but until he proves he can hit consistently at the major-league level, he's not worth adding to a Fantasy roster.
News: White Sox manager Jerry Manuel told the Arlington Heights Daily Herald that Aaron Rowand, who is hitting just .227 for Triple-A Charlotte, will return to his old job as the team's starting center fielder once he finds his stroke. "When Rowand is swinging real well and they think he is ready to come back to the big leagues, he'll be a guy that will come back and we'll do what we can to get him in there," Manuel said.
Analysis: Rowand isn't hitting well enough and doesn't have the upside to warrant keeping on a Fantasy roster awaiting his return to the majors.
News: The White Sox optioned Aaron Rowand to Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday, according to the Arlington Heights Daily Herald. He was batting just .133, including just three hits in his last 37 at-bats, and will have more time to relax at the plate in a less demanding environment.
Analysis: Rowand's long-term position in the organization is now in danger, as top prospect Joe Borchard might jump ahead of him on the depth chart rather quickly. Drop Rowand if you had him on your roster, and consider adding Willie Harris, who was promoted Thursday.
News: White Sox manager Jerry Manuel told the Chicago Tribune that Aaron Rowand, who has just two hits in his last 33 at-bats, still hasn't formally lost the starting center field job to Armando Rios. "We just have to figure out a way to get Aaron going," said Manuel. "Once we get back home, we'll be able to get out early [for extra hitting] and do some things to help him." However, general manager Ken Williams indicated that if Rowand continues to struggle, it's possible that the outfielder will be optioned to Triple-A Charlotte and replaced by Willie Harris.
Analysis: Rowand shouldn't be in anyone's active Fantasy lineup while he continues to struggle. In fact, if you own him, consider picking up Rios and/or Harris as insurance.
News: Aaron Rowand was back in the starting lineup Thursday. He went hitless in four at-bats, dropping his batting average to .167. He has only two hits in his last 22 at-bats.
Analysis: Rowand's starting job could be in jeopardy, especially considering how well Armando Rios has played this season.
News: Aaron Rowand, who was out of the starting lineup the past three games, will start Thursday. Armando Rios will return to the bench.
Analysis: Rowand is batting just .188 this season, so keep him reserved until he breaks out of this early-season slump.
News: Aaron Rowand, who is in a 2-for-18 slump, got in some extra hitting prior to Tuesday's game. "I'm a guy who swings all the time during the offseason," Rowand told the Chicago Tribune. "Not being able to do that definitely had an effect on my mechanics. We've been tinkering, trying to get everything right. It's slowly but surely coming around."
Analysis: Rowand has temporarily lost his starting job in centerfield to Armando Rios, so starting him on Fantasy teams is a gamble.
News: Despite hitting just .188 this season, Aaron Rowand is still the White Sox's starting center fielder. However, he was out of the lineup Sunday and will probably sit out Tuesday as well. Armando Rios is expected to start once again.
Analysis: Using Rowand during the upcoming scoring period has to be considered a gamble for Fantasy owners.
News: Aaron Roward returned to center field on Thursday. He was 1-for-4 with a run scored and RBI.
Analysis: Rowand is worth adding as a No. 4 or 5 outfield in AL-only leagues.
News: Aaron Rowand (finger) was back in the lineup Wednesday as the designated hitter. He was 1-for-4 with a run scored.
Analysis: Rowand will be relegated to designated hitter duties for a few days. He might return to the outfield on Friday. He is only worth using to fill out your outfield spots in AL-only leagues.
News: Aaron Rowand (finger) will return to action on Wednesday as the designated hitter, according to the Chicago Tribune. "My strength feels great right now and I am hitting the ball well in batting practice," he said. "My shoulder is not bothering me. I think the biggest thing is going to be throwing because [the cut] is on that [middle] finger." Rowand will play the outfield Thursday against Arizona.
Analysis: Rowand is only worth using to fill out your outfield spots in an AL-only league.
News: Aaron Roward (finger) is expected to be the designated hitter on Tuesday when he returns to the lineup. He might play center field on Friday, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Analysis: Rowand has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that Aaron Rowand, who injured his right middle finger on Tuesday, should return as the designated hitter by this weekend. He remains on track to make his debut in center field March 14. "It's just a matter of getting the swelling down," White Sox manager Jerry Manuel said. "There's no pain in it. He should be swinging in about two days."
Analysis: Rowand still appears safe to use to fill out your outfield in an AL-only league, but if this injury continues to bother him and Joe Borchard continues to play well, a battle for the center field job might heat up.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Aaron Rowand experienced a setback Tuesday in his first exhibition game after suffering injuries in a November off-road motorcycle accident. He was hit on the back of his right middle finger while trying to fight off an inside pitch late in the game, and suffered a one-inch gash that will require stitches. Rowand wasn't expected to start playing the outfield until March 14, and trainer Herm Schneider said a best-case scenario has Rowand swinging a bat again before the end of the week.
Analysis: Rowand is still a useful player to round out your outfield in an AL-only league, but he's looking somewhat risky right now. Don't invest much in him until he proves himself healthy.
News: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Rowand, who had an off-road motorcycle mishap during the offseason, is expected to start hitting off a batting tee later this month. He should be completely healthy by opening day.
Analysis: Rowand is the favorite for the starting center field job, and he's a useful Fantasy starter, at least in AL-only leagues.
News: Rowand underwent successful surgery Thursday to repair his ribs and left shoulder blade. He is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.
Analysis:
News: Rowand was scheduled for surgery Wednesday after being injured in an off-road dirt bike accident. He broke two ribs and the scapula bone in the back of his left shoulder and also bruised the shoulder in the accident, which occurred earlier this month. Rowand is expected to be ready for spring training, but his status will be re-evaluated following the operation.
Analysis:
News: Rowand returned to the lineup Wednesday against Anaheim after missing a game with a neck injury. He went 0-for-5 and continues to be too inconsistent to merit using in AL-only leagues.
Analysis:
News: Rowand missed Tuesday's game against Anaheim due to a sore neck. The injury is not deemed serious, and he was available to play in an emergency. Rowand is day to day, and will be replaced in the lineup by Willie Harris in any games he can't play.
Analysis:
News: Rowand will be the White Sox's starting center fielder now that Kenny Lofton has been traded to the Giants. Consider picking up Rowand if you need an outfielder in an AL-only league.
Analysis:
News: Rowand, who finished 2001 as the starting center fielder for the White Sox, is battling Brian Simmons and Willie Harris this spring to make the team as a reserve outfielder. We're confident Rowand will make the team, but he's not going to play much with the Chicago outfield already set. He's only worth picking up as a potential sleeper in AL-only leagues in case one of the starters gets hurt.
Analysis:
News: According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Rowand will be the team's starting centerfielder to begin the regular season. "As of now, it's Aaron Rowand," Manager Jerry Manuel said. "Brian Simmons will be a backup as of now. Brian can play all three positions, and if he performs well, we'll give him opportunities." Rowand will be worth a low bid on Draft Day.
Analysis:
News: Rowand started in center field after missing one game with a sore right shoulder. His shoulder appeared to be just fine as he batted 2-for-5 with three runs scored and two RBI.
Analysis:
News: Rowand missed Tuesday's game because of a shoulder sprain. Chris Singleton replaced him in center field. Rowand will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.
Analysis:
News: Rowand suffered a mild shoulder sprain Monday when he ran into the outfield wall after making a seventh-inning catch. The centerfielder left the game after making the grab but is listed as day to day. Chris Singleton will start in center field if Rowand is unable to play Tuesday.
Analysis:
News: Rowand was sent to the minors to make room for the newly-signed Jose Canseco. Keep an eye on him in keeper leagues, because he may eventually supplant Chris Singleton in center field for Chicago.
Analysis:
