A rumor that surfaced less than two weeks ago, which had the Sox exploring a deal that would send Dye to the Yankees for struggling outfielder Bobby Abreu, has started to take on some life, according to one Sox source close to the situation. Not only because Abreu is a good friend of Guillen’s — which worked out well when right-hander Freddy Garcia came over — but also because the Sox believe Abreu is a slow starter and his best baseball this season is ahead of him.
If the Abreu talk wasn’t enough, there’s always the trade rumor that never dies. The Sox were close to making a deal with the Phillies at the winter meetings and again in spring training that would’ve brought back South Side cult figure Aaron Rowand and sent bullpen help to the middle-relief-starved Phillies. The snag in the spring was that Philadelphia reportedly wanted left-handed reliever Matt Thornton, rather than Boone Logan and a package of minor-leaguers. The Sox have a new card to play with, however, and could offer a disappointing Mike MacDougal along with a minor-leaguer for Rowand.
Both trades would leave the starting pitching — the Sox’ only consistent strength — intact, while giving a new look to the outfield with Abreu, Rowand and Jerry Owens holding down the fort until Darin Erstad and Scott Podsednik come off the disabled list.
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