DISQUS

The Launching Pad: Mission accomplished, Braves sign Derek Lowe

  • Bud · 11 months ago
    Great deal. Plain and simple. I've been wanting Lowe for weeks, and now he gives the Braves EXACTLY what they need at the top of the rotation: a durable veteran presence who throws one of the best sinkers in the game.

    -- 12+ wins each year since 2002.
    -- 182+ IP each year since 2002 (199 1/3+ in six of those seven years).
    -- An ERA that's dropped each of the past four years.
    -- A career 3.35 ERA in the postseason.
    -- Led NL in starts last season (34) and in 2005 (35)
    -- 1.92 BB per nine innings fourth in NL last year
    -- 7-3 with a 2.38 ERA in his 14 starts after the All-Star break.
    -- 3-0 in final five starts with an 0.59 ERA as L.A. pushed to the West title.

    He'll have a very good defensive infield playing behind him. He knows how to win, has big-game experience, and throws with an easy motion (which is why I don't have a problem with four years).

    Great addition. This rotation now stacks up very well in the NL East.

    Just need a power bat ...

    Bud.
    http://braves.today.com