Many experts thought the Giants were nuts to give Aaron Rowand the big contract that they did over the winter but he’s been making the front office look pretty good. Rowand has played in 82 games for the Giants this season and he’s 90 for 301 (.299 avg, .824 OPS) with 40 runs scored, 8 homers and 46 RBIs. Rowand has been injury prone in the past but it has been because of his all out effort. He still has the fire to hustle all of the time but he’s protecting himself a little more in the field staying clear of sprinting full bore into the fence to make a catch. Still, Rowand is a really good player to build around in the future for the Giants as he’s a good role model for younger players.

24-year old lefty swinging John Bowker has been one of the couple young Giants players who have stood out this season. Bowker has played in 65 games for the Giants this season and he is 55 for 201 (.274 avg, .773 OPS) with 23 runs scored, 8 homers and 35 RBIs. The Giants need more players like Bowker and they are likely to get some if they decide to raise the White Flag on 2008 soon. The Giants’ have quite a few veteran players who might be attractive to contenders but in the National League West the Giants might decide to be buyers if they get on a hot streak before the end of July.