MLB

FOX Sports Exclusive

Sources: Braves finding it tough to shop Lowe

Share This Story

Ken Rosenthal

Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since August 2005. He appears weekly on MLB on FOX. Follow him on Twitter.

MORE>>
 
Updated Nov 19, 2009 6:22 PM ET
     
 
Braves right-hander Derek Lowe turns 37 on June 1. He is guaranteed $15 million in each of the next three seasons. And he had a 6.65 ERA in his final nine starts. So, while Lowe is the starting pitcher the Braves most want to trade, they are finding it difficult to move him, according to major-league sources.
The Braves' most extensive discussions concerning Lowe have been with the Brewers about a trade for outfielder Corey Hart, according to one source. But the Brewers are not sure they would want Lowe even if the Braves included significant money in the deal, another source says. Privately, though, the Braves are not discouraged. They believe that if Lowe were a free agent, only one starting pitcher — right-hander John Lackey — would be in higher demand. And they believe that the early interest in Lowe indicates that a trade is possible later in the off-season. Lowe finished 15-10 with a 4.67 ERA last season. He allowed 232 hits, the most of any National League pitcher. But he had 21 quality starts, five fewer than the league leader — and NL Cy Young Award winner — Tim Lincecum. Take away three poor starts, and Lowe's ERA would have been 3.87. Still, teams might prefer to sign less accomplished free-agent pitchers for lesser dollars. The Braves, who have told clubs that they will move a veteran starting pitcher, instead might trade right-hander Javier Vazquez, who is three years younger than Lowe, less expensive at $11.5 milllion and has only one year left on his contract. Trading Lowe, though, is the Braves' preferred option. The Angels, who showed interest in Lowe about a month ago, according to sources, could use him to replace Lackey in their rotation. The Braves, seeking a right-handed hitter, like Angels outfielder Juan Rivera. Angels owner Arte Moreno, however, told FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi on Thursday that he has roughly $12 million to spend on improving the club — and he is still trying to sign Lackey, third baseman Chone Figgins and possibly designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero. The White Sox are another potential match for Lowe — first baseman Paul Konerko, another right-handed hitter who would fit the Braves, will earn $12 million next season. Konerko, however, has only one more year remaining on his contract, while Lowe has three years at greater dollars. The Brewers, anxious to bolster their starting pitching, possess more spending power than many clubs. But the team is reluctant to take on Lowe at his age and salary, sources say. After this season, the Brewers will be free of right-hander Jeff Suppan, 34, who is guaranteed $12.5 million in 2010. Lowe is a better pitcher than Suppan, but the Brewers fear taking on another burdensome contract. Hart, 27, is two years away from free agency, and will receive a raise from $3.25 million in arbitration. He is coming off a disappointing season in which he missed more than a month with appendicitis, but the Braves have maintained steady interest in him.
Tagged: Corey Hart, Tim Lincecum, Giants, Javier Vazquez, White Sox, Angels, Braves, Derek Lowe, Chone Figgins, John Lackey, Brewers, Paul Konerko

More Stories From Ken Rosenthal

FOX Fantasy Baseball Game 2012


Trending Now

Stories | Photos | Lists | Videos

MLB Videos

Morosi: Stick with your friends Josh Posted: Feb 03, 2012
Jon Paul Morosi says why Josh Hamilton now belongs in Texas more than ever.

Hamilton suffers setback Posted: Feb 03, 2012
Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton discusses a recent setback in his battle with addi...

Tigers primed for Prince Posted: Jan 26, 2012
Prince Fielder talks about signing with the Tigers. Plus, hear from GM Dave Domb...

MORE FOXSPORTS VIDEO »
SimLeague Baseball - Simulation Baseball Game

Fox Sports Store

    itemName itemURL imageSrc price itemDescription
    Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Chicago_Cubs/browse/featuredproduct/250780/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_250000/FF_250780_xl.jpg&w=100 49.95 Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue
    Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Red_Sox/browse/featuredproduct/605356/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605356_xl.jpg&w=100 19.95 Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt
    New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_York_Yankees/browse/featuredproduct/605557/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605557_xl.jpg&w=100 16.95 New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat
    Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Oakland_Athletics/browse/featuredproduct/606322/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_606000/ff_606322_xl.jpg&w=100 27.95 Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt
    Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Philadelphia_Phillies/browse/featuredproduct/626447/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_626000/ff_626447_xl.jpg&w=100 29.95 Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet
    New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Colorado_Rockies/browse/featuredproduct/644117/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_644000/ff_644117_xl.jpg&w=100 28.95 New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat
    Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Texas_Rangers/browse/featuredproduct/722692/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_722000/ff_722692_xl.jpg&w=100 69.95 Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch
    Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Detroit_Tigers/browse/featuredproduct/723016/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_723000/ff_723016_xl.jpg&w=100 39.95 Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoo..
    Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Angels_of_Anaheim/browse/featuredproduct/777026/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_777000/ff_777026_xl.jpg&w=100 99.95 Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White
Microsoft© 2012 Microsoft