Monday, July 18, 2011

Derek Lowe On The Move?

Will the Braves trade Derek Lowe to help bolster the lineup?



For a couple of weeks, I've been hearing that Derek Lowe's name has been  floating around as trade bait in the Braves quest to secure another bat for the lineup.  I love the idea!

Derek Lowe is making $15 million this year, but teams that are on the verge of contention are always looking to grab starting pitching at the trade deadline (July 31).  Lowe would be one of the most proven veterans on the market, making him a commodity, despite having a below par season to date (5-7, 4.30 ERA).  It would be huge if the Braves could find a suitor that would pick up the rest of his contract, but the Braves will probably have to pick up some of the remainder to get another team to bite on the trade.

Who will make a move to pick up Lowe and what will they offer the Braves in return? Where will the newest addition play in the field?  If he's an outfielder, who is the odd-man out when Chipper returns and Prado moves back to left?

While I would love to see Lowe dealt to the Cardinals for Colby Rasmus, it's highly unlikely the Cards will part with Rasmus.  Detroit is said to have the most interest in Lowe, but looking at their lineup, it's hard to find a good fit for the Braves to receive in return.  If the Braves did trade Lowe, would it be for a minor league package to clear salary to make ANOTHER move with another team for a big bat?  Remember, the Braves did get John Smoltz and Jair Jurrjens from the Tigers!

In my opinion, if Lowe is dealt to Detroit, it would be for the scenario listed above.  The Braves will never get Miguel Cabrera and Lowe for Magglio Ordonez would be a loss for Atlanta.  There are no other big bats in Detroit, and I don't see the Braves wanting Brennan Boesch (left-handed) and the Tigers don't have any MLB ready hitters in AAA.

Lowe has recognized the possibility of a trade, even making light of it in this AJC article.  Moving him may be necessary if the Braves are serious about acquiring a thumper to add to the lineup.

Do you think the Braves will move Derek Lowe?  If so, where will his destination be?

1 comment:

  1. I think it's a great idea...when I was thinking about trades the Braves could make earlier, I never even considered Lowe. He's not providing much for us right now anyway.

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