Don’t start celebrating yet…

…But sources are whispering that Derek Lowe maybe leaning towards the Braves four year, $60 million offer. The news is breaking on the same day Atlanta is expected to announce their three year deal with pitcher Kenshin Kawakami. Well, they certainly are putting together a full rotation. I just don’t think it’s as good as the Braves were hoping.

Lowe, who has a career record of 126-107, has spent the past four years out in LA but was looking to return to the east coast where he at one time played for the Red Sox. The Mets appear to be the only other serious contender for Lowe’s services, but their offer is believed to be for fewer years than the Braves. Although, just going by the last couple of months, I think even having only one other competitor could be a serious issue for the Bravos.

In other news, Atlanta has signed versatile infielder Omar Infante to a two year contract worth $4.325 million. Infante serves as a good back for Chipper Jones when ever he inevitably ends up on the DL next season.
(Photo: Reuters; source)

News&Notes: Brian McCann talks to Chop Talk. Click here for the interview.

UPDATE: According to Braves.com, the Braves and Derek Lowe have reached a preliminary agreement. But thanks to good old Rafael Furcal, I will not deem this news official until Lowe is at a press conference holding a Braves uniform and posing.