According to reports from MLB.com and XM Radio, the Atlanta Braves agreed to terms with Derek Lowe on a four-year, $60 million contract on Tuesday. Lowe was 14-11 last season for the Dodgers with a 3.24 ERA and was 6-1 down the stretch with a 1.27 ERA.
The Cubs were connected to Derek Lowe through the rumor mill this off-season.
Jim Hendry reportedly remains interested in going outside of the organization to add another starter to the Cubs rotation before the season. Sean Marshall is the leading internal candidate to take the spot vacated when the Cubs dealt Jason Marquis to the Rockies.
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That is almost identical to the deal we gave Ryan Dempster. Which will bring up the question: Who would you rather have?
Dempster had a better year last year, and is 4 years younger (very important). He has displayed less durability than Lowe, and his stuff will likely "age" faster.
Lowe has been durable and consistent. He relies on a sinker which means he is likely to pitch well as he ages. But he'll be 39 in the last season of that contract.
Personally, I think this makes the Dempster signing look like a good one.
Without Lowe, the Mets might have lost the NL East: http://jumpinginpools.blogspot.com/2009/01/without-lowe-mets-have-lost-nl-east.html
Here come the re-building/re-loading Braves. Lowe and another pitcher signee, Kawakami who got 3 years and $24 mil help restore their pitching staff. I know nothing about Kawakami. I'm with Morland--a 4 year, big contract for a guy who will be 36 in June is likely to look bad in year 3 or 4--or both.
Now the Braves are trying to trade for Nady--a competent 3 hole bat. With Chipper, McCann, Escobar and Johnson--plus a couple top prospects from the farm, the Braves will contend with the Mets and Phillies.
Meanwhile, the Pirates signed Craig Monroe. Life and baseball can be unfair, but what is usually remembered most is how well the hands are played that one is dealt.
This leave no doubt that Peavy will not go to the Braves. This increases our already good chances. Sell the team already!!!
Braves were over Peavy a long time ago. They didn't want to give up a lot just like the Cubs.