Starting Pitcher: Mets and Lowe are Far Apart
“The Mets and Derek Lowe remain far apart in negotiations,” Jon Heyman recently wrote to his blog for SI.com.
According to the Boston Globe, Lowe is meeting today in Atlanta with Braves GM Frank Wren and Bobby Cox.
Heyman believes the Braves could emerge as a big threat to the Mets, since ‘Atlanta saved its money after offering A.J. Burnett a deal for about $15-to-16 million a year.’
Heyman feels the Angels, Phillies and Brewers have interest in Lowe as well.
Yesterday evening, people connected to the Mets were quite confident in the team’s position, with regards to eventually signing Lowe. This, however, was before news of Lowe meeting with the Braves. I would hope the Mets knew of Lowe’s pending trip to Atlanta, and requested the opportunity to beat any other offers.
Minaya has a strong relationship with Boras, going back more than 15 years, and they have done solid business together. So, in the end, I expect the Mets to get a fair crack at signing Lowe.
The question, however, may come down to that $16 million number and the fourth year.
My biggest worry now is: what if Lowe signs in Atlanta?
At that point, given the disappointment, and situation, the Mets will have to sign Oliver Perez, who, by the way, is also represented by Boras. Knowing Minaya’s need for a starting pitcher – two actually – the Mets will have no choice but to overpay for Perez, who is already reportedly seeking a five-year deal worth roughly $70 million. If the Mets are desperate for a pitcher, especially after losing Lowe to the Braves, how do they ignore Perez’s demands at that point? This should be interesting.
