Giants reel in Rowand -- and his Gold Glove -- to patrol center

"We still have to address what have to do at third base," Sabean said. "We'll wade through what the possibilities are. We're not shutting it off."

The Dodgers (82-80) and Giants (71-91) brought up the rear in the NL West for just the second time since division play began in 1969.

When evaluating Rowand over the other available center fielders, Sabean said he met with his staff and checked off the many boxes where Rowand could help the club.

"Then it was just a matter of striking a chord with a contract," Sabean said. "He's a winning player. It's a pleasure he's coming to our organization. The timing is great. It will allow us to do other business without busting up our pitching."

Rowand said he believes the Giants will contend in the much-improved division. One thing is certain, many of his new fans will remember Rowand for his hard collision with the wall during May 2006 -- a game in Philadelphia against the New York Mets -- that left him with a broken nose and broken bones around his left eye.

Rowand said being known as a gritty player is the utmost of compliments.

"Hopefully when I'm done playing this game, that's what I'll be remembered for," Rowand said.