According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Giants and Cubs discussed an Aaron Rowand - Kosuke Fukudome swap. While it's a long shot at this point, it would certainly benefit the Giants.
Propelled by a career-low .263 BABIP, Rowand put up his worst season in 2010, posting a slash line of .230/.281/.378; While he's due to regress to a more respectable line in 2011, he doesn't have the one thing Fukudome has -- an exceptional walk rate.
In spite of a career-low .287 BABIP, Fukudome put up a respectable line of .263/.371/.439; That's the kind of plate discipline the Giants need. Guys who get on base 37% of the time -- and keep in mind that it was an off-year for Fukudome -- are rare.
In addition, Fukudome's contract is nicer. He's got one year and $13.5MM left on his contract, whereas Rowand has another two years at $12MM/year. The extra $1.5MM is absolutely worth it, considering that it would free up that spot in the payroll a year in advance.
Also, Fukudome gives the Giants a more powerful lefty bat off the bench; power which Travis Ishikawa, Nate Schierholtz, and Mike Fontenot fail to supply.
It's probably not going to happen, but I'd be happy if it did.
