Is Aaron Rowand Replacing Jayson Werth?

The speculation is growing that former Phillies centerfielder Aaron Rowand will return to Philadelphia to replace Jayson Werth.

Rowand is the San Francisco Giants' version of Raul Ibanez, with a guaranteed contract that could make him untradeable - expect to the Phillies.

The Giants owe Rowand about $24 million over the next two years, and the speculation is that the Phillies would get a lot of cash from the Giants to take on Rowand's deal, much like the Roy Oswalt trade this summer.

Rowand became a legend here when he literally ran through the centerfield wall at Citizens Bank Park and smashed his face during a game.

He the signed a big free agent deal in 2008 with the Giants but didn't match his play in Philadelphia.

Rowand wound up on the bench at the end of the 2010 season for the Giants.

Two moves have led to the speculation about Rowand.

The Phillies dropped minor league pitchers Yohade Flane and Jesus Sanchez from the 40-man roster, which will allow the team to add a player like Rowand and a player from Thursday's Rule 5 draft.

And on Wednesday, outfielders Matt Diaz and Jeff Francouer signed deals with the Pirates and Royals.

The pieces are in place for the Phillies to move a minor leaguer for Rowand, and the Giants are under a lot of financial pressure to trade Rowand.

Gaining Rowand would also lessen the blow of losing Werth, since Rowand was a very popular player in Philadelphia.

He also can play two outfield positions and the presence of a second right-handed hitting outfielder would let the Phillies rest Raul Ibanez against left-handed pitching.