Aaron Rowand declined the Phillies' offer of arbitration, a procedural move that changes nothing about the free agent's status. Had he accepted, Rowand would've been considered a "signed" player with Philadelphia for at least the 2008 season, and an independent arbitrator would have determined his one-year salary. Since he's seeking a multiyear deal for at least five years, it made little sense for Rowand to commit to the Phillies. The sides can still negotiate, as the Phillies met with Rowand's agent, Craig Landis, during the Winter Meetings, and they termed Rowand's chances of returning as a "long shot." The Phillies are believed to be offering three years with a vesting option for a fourth year, and that's not close to what Rowand is seeking. If Rowand leaves, the Phillies will receive a first-round pick of the team that signs him, provided that the club finished with one of the 15 best records in 2007. If not, the Phillies would receive that team's second-round pick. In both cases, Philadelphia will also receive a supplemental pick between the first and second rounds.