Trading Block

Thome to the White Sox for Rowand

The world champion Chicago White Sox agreed to acquire first baseman Jim Thome and $22 millon for center fielder Aaron Rowand and two pitching prospects. The deal is pending both players passing physicals as well as Major League Baseball approving the deal as more than $1M is changing hands.

Rowand, 28, is exactly the center fielder that that Phillies have been searching for over the last several years. Rowand set career highs in 2004 by hitting .310 with 24 hrs and 69 RBI. He will now become the everyday center fielder with promising young slugger Ryan Howard becoming the full time first baseman.

Thome, 35, has been hampered by injuries over the past three seasons, but is the left handed power that the White Sox lacked during their title run. Thome also serves as an insurance policy in case free agent Paul Konerko departs. The void in center field will be filled by speedster Scott Podsednik moving from left to center with rookie Brian Anderson a chance in left field.