6:24pm: The Red Sox are "still gathering info" before deciding whether or not to pursue Lowe, reports Scott Lauber of The Boston Herald. Meanwhile, the Nationals have no interest in the veteran right-hander according to Amanda Comak of The Washington Times (on Twitter).
3:20pm: Derek Lowe told Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe that he just needs "a tuneup" before resuming his MLB career (Twitter links). The right-hander, who was officially designated for assignment today, would love to return to the Red Sox, where he pitched from 1997-2004. Boston GM Ben Cherington hasn't ruled out Lowe, but hasn't made a decision yet, Cafardo writes.
Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun suggests we shouldn’t be surprised if the Orioles make a big push for Lowe. “It makes a whole lot of sense,” one Orioles official told Connolly. Orioles executive Dan Duquette acquired Lowe for the Red Sox in 1997. Baltimore has been seeking starting pitching depth this summer.
Devern Hansack
I’d like to know who Lowe would be an improvement upon on the Red Sox staff. If they could sign him just to be an extra guy when rosters expand, I wouldn’t be opposed to it.
saidin09
Improvement over Cook right now
joestapes4
He would improve on a struggling fellow sinker ball pitcher cook. I know Lowe hasn’t been that great with the Indians but he has always been comfortable at Fenway. I just wonder if he can continue the success he once had with out varitek calling the game.
Devern Hansack
To be honest, I’d rather them stretch out Clayton Mortensen or Junichi Tazawa.
joestapes4
I think they need mortensen in the pen until bailey comes back atleast. There hasn’t been too many injuries in the pen for them (knock on wood) I think their due unfortunately
Devern Hansack
I disagree. He’s currently back in AAA after his fourth stint with the Sox this year. Even if he just absorbs five innings every fifth day, his stats show that he could be a relatively effective starter.
User 4245925809
Effective innings also and that is a lot more than can be gotten out of Lowe. Tazawa the same.. effective.. Duquette can take a flyer on Lowe. Nostalgia sign is for the band wagon crowd.
karkat
Well, Morales, most likely, right? Unless Beckett is hurt long term and we need another?
Devern Hansack
Yeah. I doubt that they want to give Cook and his 0.81 K/9 any more starts as well.
karkat
I figure right now we’re looking at Lester, Beckett, Buchholz, Doubront, Morales, and if Beckett’s out somebody else (Mortensen?). I like Derek Lowe but we don’t need him starting >_>
Devern Hansack
I’d guess that it’d be Matsuzaka, Mortensen, Tazawa, Padilla, Stewart, Aceves (I’d guess they wouldn’t want to move him out of relief), Buckner, and Figueroa, in that sort of order.
karkat
Aw man, I had forgotten about Matsuzaka. Why did you take that away from me. :<
saidin09
excellent # 4/5 RHP, could possibly be used in relief at times, call up Iglesias and you have a perfect pair.
$6592481
excellent? while it could change going forward, but his ERA over the last 12 starts was 8.80. The Indians wouldn’t have DFA’d the guy if he was excellent. His WHIP is approaching 2 and he gives up more BB/9 than K/9, and guys are batting over .300 against him.
saidin09
i said excellent 4/5, bordering more towards 5….I think he just needs a change of scenery…His history shows he’s better than this
Crucisnh
With an ERA of 8.80 over his last 12 starts, I’d say that he was more like a good #4/5 on the local softball team.
saidin09
regardless, at some point this year, or next…we’ll see more Lowe-like numbers———–not the only pitcher, who’s ever pitched poorly then benefited from a change of scenery
User 4245925809
Agree. Epstein saw his term of usefulness at Fenway, as well as in the AL had came to an end 8 years ago. Look where he had success.. LA and Atlanta, 2 pitcher friendly (massive) if there are any. Lowe needs to wisen up and convince San Diego, the Mets, maybe the A’s or Mariners if he wants to play in the AL he can help a team, cause those 4 are about the only ones left he hasn’t yet graced lately where he can hope to help a team.. Well.. Other than TB, but pitching is the only thing they are set at.
saidin09
Yeah, but he was also 6-1, 2.15 ERA in his first nine starts…….this year
not_brooks
Lowe got by on smoke and mirrors in his first nine starts.
Apr 8 – May 20: 58.2 IP, 2.15 ERA, 10.1 H/9, 2.3 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, .299 BAbip
May 26 – Jul 31: 60.1 IP, 8.80 ERA, 13.7 H/9, 3.9 K/9, 4.0 BB/9, .368 BAbip
Similarities? Huge amount of hits per nine, miserable K/9 rate, miserable K/BB rate.
The biggest difference is the BAbip, and it should be noted that Lowe allowed a .326 BAbip from 2009 through 2011.
It is weird though. His line drive rate is just one percent higher than last year, his ground ball rate is up a point, his fly balls are down and his HR/FB rate is at a career low. The huge drop in K/9 is concerning. He’s never been a strikeout pitcher, but his K rate is half of what it was last year. But if the line drives haven’t increased and he’s still keeping the ball on the ground, what’s the deal? Are guys just hitting him harder and sneaking more grounders between infielders?
Any Indians fans who have watched Lowe all year have any input?
karkat
Does Duquette know he’s a righty yet?
saidin09
……………and Beckett
Slopeboy
Do the Red Sox really need a body that bad? I understand Beckett was pulled the other night due to some malady, but I’m pretty sure they can come up,with something better, no?
joestapes4
I wonder if it would be more of a move for the fans than anything. Their not doing too great right now. Why not bring back a familiar guy that can “help” bring back the “glory days”
MaineSox
No, they definitely don’t; I don’t really understand the interest (other than that he’s played really well for them in the past, but it was like 8 years ago). Sticking Morales back in the rotation would be thousands of times better than picking up Lowe at this point.
start_wearing_purple
I’m curious if their interest in him might be as a reliever.
MaineSox
Possibly, but they are already overflowing with relievers.
saidin09
try and get cliff lee, hes on waivers right now
RiverKKiller999
As is everyone else…
Rabbitov
So thats the Lowe down. (I am so sorry for this).
User 4245925809
As in Boz Skaggs “dirty low down” where he repeated that same 3 words like 20 times, only with Lowe? It still ain’t enough.
hawkny11
It is time for the Red Sox to stop grasping at straws…. “No” on Lowe….
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
After Olendorph’s start today in which he almost died of sweating to death in 1 inning, Padres should cut ties with him and bring in Lowe. Olendorph’s ERA is 6.61 and he’s been a regular starter for us a few weeks now…..no bueno
Jeff Snedden
He’s so bad, we can’t even spell his name!
mstrchef
Please, Duquette, just say No to Lowe. Heck, Bluto is friggin Roy Halladay compared to Lowe. Lowe is just fork-tender done.
thekidfromyesterday
If he signed with one of them would that add more money besides to the one he’s getting from the Braves
forkball27
Well I actually think that at this point Lowe would be best utilized out of the Bullpen and in possible Long relief situations. Sounds like a good one for the Tigers to kick the tires on.
soxin10
Who makes this stuff up? The sox already have plenty of starters, active and disabled who can pitch to a 6 era. This is like haivng 3 DH only types on your roster, whats the point?
M.Kit
Is it 2005? Then yes
M.Kit
otherwise, no
Brandon 25
Lowe had a good ERA at the beginning of the year but hitters were still batting around .300 against him and all of his numbers were basically exactly the same(except ERA). His ERA is just getting to where it is suppose to be. Earlier in the season he was VERY lucky. Teams thinking about picking him up are making a big mistake. I’m a big braves that lives in cleveland…so i have witnessed him for the last 4-5 years. People saying that he would be a good pick up obviously have not seen him pitch much in the last few years. If he goes to Boston they will soon find out that he is not the same pitcher that they once knew
GoAwayNow
As a Red Sox fan I’d rather see a washed up sinkerball pitcher that I love suck for us than one I don’t.
Michael 22
And he can’t do any worse than most of the others. Not to mention he’d WANT to play in Boston. Go for it, Ben!
ugotrpk3113
Dear Boston:
We already have a terrible, past his prime sinker ball pitcher. He’s getting lit up constantly. He goes by the name “Aaron Cook”. I don’t think I can take another.
Jim McGrath
BenC and LL will gather and gather and gather info–they will consult, consult and consult Bill James and Carmine the computer. DLowe will go with the O’s and Ben and LL will still be gathering and consulting–hello –the season is over and in case you haven’t noticed we finished in last place.
hawkny11
Say “no” to Lowe and “close the book” on Cook.
mlbscout6
No offense to Orioles fans but this seems exactly like the type of washed up former star with inflated numbers that the Orioles tend to go after.
hawkny11
Say “no” to Lowe and “close the book” on Cook. Neither will help the Red Sox into the playoffs this year. I prefer to see Tazawa and Miller get the opportunity to play more important roles on the staff. Junichi should have multiple opportunities to start and Andrew should have a shot at the closer’s role. Aceves has done admirably but he is best suited for long relief and an occasional start, as in years past. Andrew has the “killer” strike out pitch that Alfredo lacks.