39-year-old Derek Lowe was designated for assignment by the Indians on Wednesday and he could be a valuable veteran addition to the Orioles rotation.
Sure, Lowe pitched to a 5.52 ERA this season with the Tribe and walked more batters than he struck out (45/41), but he’s a ground ball sinker pitcher who threw at least six innings in 15 of his 21 starts.
By no stretch of the imagination do I think that Lowe could be the guy to lead the Orioles to the postseason. But the Birds starters rank 25th in starting pitchers’ ERA and have a -60 run differential so I’m all for a cheap, low-risk move.
The Red Sox have expressed interest in reuniting with Lowe, but Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun points out that it was Dan Duquette that acquired Lower way back in 1997. Bring him to Baltimore, DD.
Derek Lowe sucks! This is another ill conceived idea (like Blanton). Wake up people! Just use the guys we have. Replace Britton with Johnson. This team has little chance of postseason play. Stop advocating the acquisition of has beens.
I agree Lowe is passed his prime, this is not a good move. I don’t know about pulling Johnson out of the closer sport though, maybe statis quo is as good as its gonna get this season.
Good thing is, you give up nothing to get him. With a team that needs to hold onto every possible prospect they have, maybe this isn’t a bad move.