Braves “deep in negotiations” for Lowe
By Joe DeMayo ~ January 13th, 2009. Filed under: Joe Demayo, Rumor Mill.
According to Jon Heyman of SI.com the Atlanta Braves are deep in negotiations with free agent Derek Lowe. The Braves are working hard to finalize a deal that is expected to be worth roughly $60 million over 4 seasons. The Mets offered Lowe $36 million over 3 years, as reportedly GM Omar Minaya has preferred Perez all along, while other members of the front office preferred Lowe.
But now that it looks like Lowe is making his way to Atlanta, The Mets will now have to go on a full pursuit of Oliver Perez. Appearing on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove” last night, Heyman stated the Mets had made an offer to Perez of around $30 million over 3 years. If this Lowe deal gets finalized as expected with the Braves, the Mets will no doubt have to go to 4 years on Perez, as a pitcher 7 years older than Perez received a 4 year deal. I fully expect the Mets to 100% turn their attention to Perez with the full intention of him returning to Queens. Perez has been known to be interested in a return, while some question if Lowe wanted to be a Met at all. With Tim Redding in the fold, the Mets just need to grab one more starting pitcher, and the rotation will be set. If the Mets fail to sign Perez, they will then turn to left-hander Randy Wolf. If they somehow lose out on both of them, Pedro Martinez would be next on the list.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Wow the Brave blew the Mets offer out of the water.
4yrs @ $60M ($15M per)
The Mets will now have to raise their 3yr $30M offer to Perez. $10M per will not get it done!