Lowe meets with the Braves

Derek Lowe, easily the best pitcher left on the free agent market, and his agent Scott Boras reportedly met with Braves GM Frank Wren and Manager Bobby Cox on Thursday in Atlanta. The two sides talked for hours, discussing floral arrangements, cake options, and musical entertainment or whatever it is that occurs during these types of closed door meetings.

Obviously the pain of Smoltz’s departure will have a strong effect on the negotiations the Braves engage with Lowe and Boras. The Mets 3 year, $36 million offer, which Boras claims never happened, is in their eyes too low, however the Mets are willing to up their offer to include three years and reportedly $40 million but that is still a world a part from what Boras is looking for, the 4 year, $64 million contract. The Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels and Milwaukee Brewers also have varying degrees of interest in Lowe, but I imagine no team is more desperate to acquire a big name free agent than the Braves and I worry that that desperation will lead to the Braves offering Lowe entirely too large of a contract. And judging from the other sweepstakes the Braves have been involved in this offseason (see: Peavy, Jake; Burnett, A.J.) I fear Boras is just using these discussions to serve as leverage in a deal with the Mets. In doing so, the Braves’ attention could be diverted away from another player which could serve as a better fit for the team. Who this player is, I have no idea, but you never know.

However, I am not sure if I have made it clear that I would not poo poo the addition of Derek Lowe. I would be more than happy for the Braves to upgrade their starting rotation which at this point would probably field either Jair Jurrjens or Javier Vazquez as an opening day starter. I would just rather they upgrade at fair market value. A.J. Burnett is not worth the $80+ million he got and I am glad he signed such a bloated contract with the Yankees not the Braves. Just like Derek Lowe is not worth the $64 million Boras wants. $36 – 40 million over 3 years really isn’t too terrible although I honestly think that’s a bit more than he’s worth. But if that is what it takes, then just sign him already! But to go much beyond that is a mistake, plan and simple.
(Photo: Getty Images; source)