The San Francisco Giants signed free- agent outfielder Aaron Rowand to a five-year contract on Wednesday. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Rowand is coming off his best big-league season with Philadelphia, in which he hit .309 and set career-highs with 27 home runs, 89 RBI, 189 hits, 105 runs and 45 doubles.
He also took home his first Gold Glove for the NL East champions. Rowand led all National League center fielders with a .995 fielding percentage and was credited with 11 assists.
“Aaron (Rowand) 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,” said Giants vice president and general manager Brian Sabean. “His ability in center field definitely plays to our ballpark and will help provide more stability to our pitching staff. His no nonsense approach on the field and in the clubhouse will be welcomed.”
The Portland, Oregon, native has spent seven years in the majors with the White Sox and Phillies, winning a World Series in 2005 with the Sox. He also earned his first All-Star selection this past season.
Rowand is a lifetime .286 hitter with 93 homers and 347 RBI in 849 games. In addition, the 30-year-old holds a .988 career fielding percentage with just 23 errors.
- Steve
A small step in the right direction for an anemic Giants lineup. Bravo, Mr. Sabean. Now, get back to work and find us a 3rd baseman other than Pete Happy (Pedro Feliz).