Lowe acknowledges trade possibility
(Staff writer Carroll Rogers is filling in for David O’Brien today.)
Derek Lowe was convinced the Braves were about to trade him two winters ago, and it didn’t happen. The Braves traded Javier Vazquez instead. Now that his name has resurfaced in trade speculation, he’s not as fazed.
Lowe had a little fun with a Saturday report that his native Detroit Tigers had expressed interested in trading for him.
“Detroit,” said Lowe, the Dearborn, MI native, he announced to teammates when he arrived in the Braves clubhouse, drawing some mock applause. “Hey, I’m going to the American League.”
Could Lowe be at a crossroads?
He makes light, but that’s probably just because he’s a 38-year-old veteran who’s played for four different organizations, with the Mariners, Red Sox, Dodgers and Braves.
“It’s this time of year,” Lowe said. “There’s a lot of people’s names get thrown around….You have no say so. Why stress over something that you have no control over?”
Logically, though, he understands why his name is among them now.
“People say we may need a hitter and we have a lot of pitching and I make money,” Lowe said. “So it’s kind of obvious why you’re named. And we have a lot of good young pitchers.”
The Braves are listening, but any talks are in the early stages and no offers have been made for Lowe yet, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The Braves could trade Lowe and clear salary to pursue a big-name hitter, and insert Mike Minor or Julio Teheran into the rotation.
Trading Lowe this time around might be a little more likely, if not at the July 31 deadline, then maybe in the offseason. When the Braves last tried to trade him, he was still owed $45 million over three years. Now he’s owed approximately $6 million the remainder of this season and $15 million next.
What makes Lowe valuable to potential suitors and what the Braves would be giving up if a deal is made, is his reputation as a big-game pitcher. Lowe went 5-0 with a 1.17 ERA last September for the Braves, and was their Game 1 starter for the Division Series against the Giants.
This and that
It was family day here this morning at Turner Field where players are invited to bring their families onto the field. Always fun to see little folks running around, like Cooper Proctor, one of Scott Proctor’s four children, all of whom he had in tow.
Cooper asked David Ross if he could put on his catcher’s mask. Sure enough Ross complied and the 3-year-old Proctor got to wear the hockey style catcher’s make and crouch down for a photo. Cute stuff.
And speaking of families, reliever Jonny Venters told me this morning his wife Viviana is expecting their first child in November. They are having a boy. It’s been a big year for Venters, first-time All-Star and soon-to-be father. Congrats.
Wedding dress guy….Oh I know we’re not supposed to give this guy pub for jumping out on the field last night. But I’m sure he’s paying the price. A photographer here heard he might have to wait until Monday for his bail hearing, so….Just for those who weren’t here last night to see, I’ll post a photo.
Not exactly wedded bliss at The Ted Saturday night
OK running behind and want to post this before the game. Jair Jurrjens going today, looking for his 13th win of the year, just two shy of his career high.
LINEUP
For the second straight day, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez wanted to get another right-hander in against lefty Tom Gorzelanny, so he started Wilkin Ramirez in place of Jason Heyward in right field. Nate McLouth sat on Saturday night. Nothing wrong with Heyward.
1. Jordan Schafer CF
2. Martin Prado 3B
3. Brian McCann C
4. Freddie Freeman 1B
5. Dan Uggla 2B
6. Alex Gonzalez SS
7. Nate McLouth LF
8. Wilkin Ramirez RF
9. Jair Jurrjens P
David O’Brien contributed information to this report.
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1,545 comments Add your comment
i # 1
July 17th, 2011
1:40 pm
FIRST
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
July 17th, 2011
1:44 pm
Sorry, Ms. Rogers!
Thanks for the new Blog…
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2011
1:44 pm
Thanks Carroll
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
July 17th, 2011
1:44 pm
Yes, do watch that runner…
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
July 17th, 2011
1:45 pm
Heyward is where he belongs. On the bench. He is pathetic.
Sopheee
July 17th, 2011
1:45 pm
Thanks, Carroll!
Congrats to JV – how exciting.
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
July 17th, 2011
1:45 pm
Great job JJ
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
July 17th, 2011
1:45 pm
Got him. Nicely done…
Mixxo
July 17th, 2011
1:45 pm
Thanks Mrs. O’Brien.
BIG out!
Venice Jim
July 17th, 2011
1:46 pm
Way to make it look easy, JJ!
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
1:47 pm
Triple J very nicely done.
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
1:48 pm
3 run first for the Bravos would be nice.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
July 17th, 2011
1:48 pm
Congrats to the Venters!!
That’s very exciting.
McCmann and Aqua Hoss
July 17th, 2011
1:49 pm
man man man man…
McCmann: Ahhh it’s that time of the year again…
AquaHoss: Refreshing isn’t it?
McCmann: Quite so. Remember that time….oh wait Tex was an epic failure
AquaHoss: Go get em Schuerholz. errrr Wren
BFChris26
July 17th, 2011
1:50 pm
Lets go Braves!
Powder Blue
July 17th, 2011
1:50 pm
Good to see the phenom on the bench with another southpaw towing the rubber.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2011
1:50 pm
Bing!
Soldier—-!!!
“Get Out The WAYYYY!!!! (Boom) Pretty Boy Coming Through! Me And My Crew! We Swaggin In The Room!”
Nice at bat K-Fer!
Mitchie-san
July 17th, 2011
1:50 pm
Great day for sports. Let go Bravos and Team USA!!!
Josh
July 17th, 2011
1:51 pm
hope they don’t trade Lowe. We need him in the playoffs
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
1:51 pm
Marteen with a double right here
Frankie Wren
July 17th, 2011
1:51 pm
Hit and run basehit to right field.
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
1:52 pm
Josh, why would you think our 5th starter will pitch in the playoffs?
Powder Blue
July 17th, 2011
1:53 pm
Speed.
Sopheee
July 17th, 2011
1:53 pm
Great hustle, Schauffeurre.
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
1:53 pm
Schafey wreaking havoc….cmon get some runs.
Heath
July 17th, 2011
1:53 pm
Good steal…. and he is rewarded be getting to 3rd.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2011
1:53 pm
Nolie
This is why I want a speedster leadoff hitter!
Attababy Schafer!
Umpire Sucks!
Mixxo
July 17th, 2011
1:53 pm
Speed never slumps.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
July 17th, 2011
1:54 pm
SPEED KILLS
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
1:54 pm
Prado, just a wee double
Heath
July 17th, 2011
1:54 pm
I agree that the odds Lowe gets traded this year are infinitely better than 2 years ago… money, as Ms. Rogers points out, being the biggest reason.
It may not happen, but I still think it’s more likely.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2011
1:55 pm
Yeahhh Baby!!!!!
Frankie Wren
July 17th, 2011
1:55 pm
Willie Harris batting 3rd for the Metropolitans. You think we have problems?
Mixxo
July 17th, 2011
1:55 pm
I missed Marteeen.
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
1:55 pm
okay single then
BFChris26
July 17th, 2011
1:56 pm
Marteeeeeeeeeeeeeen!!!!!!!!!!
Heath
July 17th, 2011
1:56 pm
It’s 1-0 already in Atlanta.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
July 17th, 2011
1:56 pm
Yay!!
Powder Blue
July 17th, 2011
1:56 pm
A first inning lead. Nice.
Sopheee
July 17th, 2011
1:56 pm
Doin’ what he does best.
Teeeee for Texas
July 17th, 2011
1:56 pm
That kid can do it!
Venice Jim
July 17th, 2011
1:56 pm
Martin!
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
1:56 pm
Cmon Mac shed the collar against this guy.
McCmann and Aqua Hoss
July 17th, 2011
1:57 pm
“Willie Harris batting 3rd for the Metropolitans. You think we have problems?”
Braves circa 2008
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2011
1:57 pm
Wow The Nationals Defense has been AA-esque all series. I’m still P’d we didn’t take advantage of their errors last nite!
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
1:59 pm
Freeman with a BOMB calling it….
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
July 17th, 2011
1:59 pm
Arg…
Frankie Wren
July 17th, 2011
1:59 pm
And Willie Harris almost goes yard.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2011
2:00 pm
Martini!!!!!!
Nice!
I'm likin' this!
July 17th, 2011
2:00 pm
Bunch of speedsters today!
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
2:01 pm
a pass to Freddie? give up that tater Gorzelanny
Powder Blue
July 17th, 2011
2:01 pm
Go Mets.
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
2:01 pm
grrrrrr…..get him Uggsy!
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
July 17th, 2011
2:02 pm
This guy is rattled, take advantage Dan
Mixxo
July 17th, 2011
2:02 pm
I like Dan in this spot now.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2011
2:02 pm
JoeBrave
“Freeman with a BOMB calling it….”
It isn’t Valid unless you “Bank On It!”
C-Roge or D.O.B. Needs to do a contest on here.
The person who calls the best predictions gets a Free Dinner At Fugo De Chao or a Night at the game in their booth
I'm likin' this!
July 17th, 2011
2:02 pm
Isn’t that nice to finally hear? Uggla is currently the Braves HOTTEST HITTER!!!
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
2:02 pm
nibble nibble BOOM! Uggs go yard
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2011
2:03 pm
Struggla Will Do Nothing Here, Bank On It!
Josh
July 17th, 2011
2:04 pm
Joebraves, did you think the same thing about Lowe last year before September? he’s a proven big game pitcher don’t count him out yet
Powder Blue
July 17th, 2011
2:04 pm
I don’t think this pitcher’s gonna’ be around too long today.
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
July 17th, 2011
2:04 pm
Trainwreck . Punish him
LAG
July 17th, 2011
2:04 pm
What happened here?
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
2:04 pm
BALL or Balk?
Frankie Wren
July 17th, 2011
2:05 pm
Just hit a Sac fly
I'm likin' this!
July 17th, 2011
2:05 pm
Niiiiice call. but it sucks for Uggla. I’d like to have seen what damage he couldve done.
Mixxo
July 17th, 2011
2:05 pm
Dang, Dan got robbed.
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
2:05 pm
dang took the bat right outta his hand, Grand Slam here! 5-0 Braves
Powder Blue
July 17th, 2011
2:05 pm
Balk.
LAG
July 17th, 2011
2:05 pm
Oh yeah, you can’t do that. Good eyes, Dana DeMuth.
Tomahawkin – Gorzelanny was scared of Uggla, so he walked him on three balls.
Don't Trade Young Pitching
July 17th, 2011
2:06 pm
Who cares about Willie Harris and Mets play by play?
I'm likin' this!
July 17th, 2011
2:06 pm
He licked his fingers and then went straight to the ball, which is a BALL.
Puzzled
July 17th, 2011
2:06 pm
JoeBrave,
When you call it, and it doesn’t happen, you’re obligates to watch without participation for the rest of the game.
Your crystal ball is broken.
Mitchie-san
July 17th, 2011
2:06 pm
wow, when was the last time the Braves had back to back steals?
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
July 17th, 2011
2:06 pm
Sac fly at least, can’t be greedy with Agone
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2011
2:06 pm
We Better Score Here!
But Gonzo is up, Watch out!
I'm likin' this!
July 17th, 2011
2:06 pm
YESS!!!!!
Powder Blue
July 17th, 2011
2:06 pm
Christmas come early!
Mixxo
July 17th, 2011
2:06 pm
We’re in his head big-time!
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
2:06 pm
Gorzelanny ain’t co-operating with me here,
Bravefaninok
July 17th, 2011
2:07 pm
Wow just Wow…..
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
July 17th, 2011
2:07 pm
A Gone, nice
John Leonard
July 17th, 2011
2:07 pm
Its wrong to show pictures of Mutts fans on a Braves blog.
Joshua
July 17th, 2011
2:07 pm
Agone is beyond bad.
I'm likin' this!
July 17th, 2011
2:07 pm
Powder Blue — Actually it was a BALL, not a balk.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2011
2:08 pm
Why was Nate Showing But There? Stupid!!!
Mixxo
July 17th, 2011
2:08 pm
Not a good AB Gonzo. SEE some pitches for cryin’ out loud.
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
2:08 pm
Gorzelanny broke my ball.
TnBrian
July 17th, 2011
2:08 pm
If they get a high priced hitter after trading Lowe before the trade deadline it makes sense. If they just get a platoon/bench player then I’m not getting it. Lowe hasn’t been all that good, but he’s proved how he is in the playoffs.
Now you trade him the offseason and you understand. It’s not like teams won’t call for him in the offseason if they’re calling now.
Powder Blue
July 17th, 2011
2:08 pm
I’m likin’ this!,
Thanks for clarifying.
JoeBrave
July 17th, 2011
2:09 pm
grrrr Agon and Nasty nate what a pair of potty poopers.
Powder Blue
July 17th, 2011
2:09 pm
For those who aren’t aware, Dale Murphy now has a blog:
http://murphtalks.blogspot.com/
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2011
2:09 pm
Only the Braves Can’t TKO Gorzelanny that Inning! What a waste of good chances. Awfense still Sucks!
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
July 17th, 2011
2:09 pm
A Gone and Nate make anyone a cy guy
Mixxo
July 17th, 2011
2:09 pm
Well, we squeezed a couple out of all that.
Frankie Wren
July 17th, 2011
2:09 pm
2 weeks from now please. Agon batting 8th everyday and Nate on the bench. Please.
Efrim
July 17th, 2011
2:09 pm
Well, that’s better than nothing. Although more would of been nice…
Say no to JUAN PIERRE
July 17th, 2011
2:10 pm
Please, For the Love of all that is sacred…don’t let McLouth play anymore. Such a liability
Jay Dubu
July 17th, 2011
2:10 pm
That inning should have been more productive. Braves need to take advantage of what the Nats give them.
Powder Blue
July 17th, 2011
2:10 pm
“If they just get a platoon/bench player then I’m not getting it.”
I see you’re familiar with Wren’s specialty.