Derek Lowe Gets DUI

"The Georgia State Patrol says Atlanta Braves pitcher Derek Lowe has been charged with drunken driving. State Patrol spokesman Gordy Wright says a trooper stopped the 37-year-old Lowe's vehicle about 10 p.m. Thursday on an Atlanta street.

Wright says that during the course of the traffic stop, the trooper detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage and administered a field sobriety test and Lowe was arrested. Wright says Lowe declined to take a breath test. He says Lowe was charged with DUI, reckless driving and improper lane change. He was released, and Wright didn't know if Lowe had an attorney (WEEI)."

From his time time the Sox this shouldn't be all that shocking, there were always rumors about Lowe having a drinking problem, and being very hungover on days he wasn't pitching. The Braves organization has had a rough week, they already had a coach making homophobic remark and scaring kids, and now you have one of your top pitcher getting a DUI. I doubt much will come of this, but it's just another distraction.

Its, been a while but heres some shit Ive been thinking bout....

-First off, I can't help but just come out and say it...the steroid era has turned my favorite sport into nothing more than another WWE. The integrity of the game has been compensated to the point were I find myself having little interest in it, which is heart breaking when you look back and realize that your hole baseball watching life has been a sham because of greedy fucks trying to make an extra buck playing a childs game. Have of the players on this list I was not surprised about...come on Nomar gained fucking 30 pounds of muscle in one off season and in turn ruined his career because of it. But, at this point looking back I and not very surprised that Ortiz is named, the guy sucked ball sack before he came to Boston. Nixon was very surprising despite the fact he only really produced a few seasons 20+ home run seasons, Derek Lowe...man something had to give considering how shockingly durable he has been throughout his career. All I can really come to a conclusion on is the Selig must go much like the head of the players association has.

-Next point, looking back on past success of championship teams and seasons one thing has become evident, no team will win on what they start out with at the beginning of the season. Much like the pitching and batting approaches of players on a regular basis, teams must make changes to enhance their clubs throughout the course of the season. With this being said, the Red Sox need to make some moves to better themselves for the playoff run. Rumors of Garrett Atkins and Yunel Escobar being available have drawn my interest more than the names of Johnson, Holliday, and the other names being dangled out there. Atkins has been less than spectacular this year but that comes as good news for teams looking for a bat with pop for far less value than he had last year, plus this guy reminds me of Jason Bay a shut up and get to work player who is great in the club house...Lowell isn't A-Rod so the its very unlikely his hip will sustain itself the rest of the way. Now Escobar, regardless of what Nick Green has done he is not a starting short stop, and Jed Lowrie is just an over glorified utility man. Escobar is a great defensive shortstop that has a quality offensive game to go with it, to be quite honest other than Buchholtz I dont think anyone else on the farm is or should be untouchable. The Red Sox have strength in that they can develop great quality pitching, but they lack the ability to produce productive everyday players(despite Dusty, Youk, Elsburry). I don't know what the deal is but at some point these first round picks they make have got to produce corner stones players at the shortstop or third base position.

-Finally, while baseball has sucked every faith I have in it out of me the NBA has reemerged as the most enjoyable sporting events to watch other than the Pats making the NFL their bitches for the past decade. The C's have started to realize that you can't be successful for the same group year in and year out which draws my interest on what they will do to remold and hopefully improve their team for the up coming season. One thing is for sure is that Eddie Fucking House will be back for another year where he takes more shots than minuets he plays in a season. Sure, last year he proved to be some what valuable with all the injuries that took place on the roster but how is he in any way what they need in a back up point guard. Call me crazy, but isnt a point guard supposed to make those around him better like Rondo does? Isnt he supposed to be able to run an offense and keep the other teams guard in check? Danny Ainge has done some great things in Boston, but has also done some very questionable things as well(Gerald Green droping from top ten to 19 draft raises questions just by how it happened, Eddie House getting a player option). Did anyone for one second believe that House wasnt going to pick up this option? Come on can any of you actually say to yourselves that he was going to get more money than what he has already been offered. All I know is that if this in any way hinders the teams possibilities to resign Marbury we will all be looking back and shacking our heads when Starbury fully regains his swagger and averages 10+ points, 5+ assists a game for a championship caliber team.

Lowe To Braves

Free-agent pitcher Derek Lowe has received a four-year, contract offer worth about $60 million from the Braves, and indications are that he's leaning strongly toward signing with Atlanta, a baseball source told ESPN.com.

Boy, a 14-11 record will get you a lot of money now a days. Derek Lowe is said to be close to signing with the Braves but I will refuse to believe it until I see him in a Braves uniform. The Braves have got screwed over by pretty much every free agent. I believe Lowe will do a lot better in the NL than the AL, but will be a bust for the Braves after 2 years..

Mets Offer Lowe 3 Year Deal

"The Mets are moving along negotiations with Derek Lowe, reportedly with a three-year offer in the $36 million range for the free-agent pitcher (Sportsline)."

Scott Boras is looking to get Lowe a 4 or 5 year deal for about $15 million a year, and I think he will get it. Like I said before I really think this would be a good fit for Lowe and the Mets. Lowe is a very solid NL starter, and the Mets really need to do something to solidify that rotation. The Mets have already made move to improve their bullpen (K-Rod, Putz), so if they are able to add Lowe they could be in very good shape for next season (since their lineup is very dangerous). I think the Mets will eventually cave and give Lowe the 4 year deal for about $55 million.

-BMack

Mets Closing in on Lowe

There are rumors going around that the Mets are close to signing Lowe to a 4 year deal worth between $14-16 million per season. I think this would be a great pickup by the Mets. They need some help in their rotation and Lowe can be very solid. I also think it is a great idea for Lowe to stay in the NL, as I do not see him being as affective if he came back to the AL. I know a lot of Sox fans wanted to see Lowe back, but I don't see that happening, but keep an eye out for Smoltz or Sheets.

-BMack

Rumors

Interesting news, a possible trade between the D-bags, i mean D-backs, and the Sox. Reported Byrnes for Lugo. This would provide needs for both teams being a second base option for the D-bags and a fourth out fielder for the Sox.

Also, the Nationals offered a 160 million offer over 8 years to Tex while the O's have offered a 6 year deal. While the majority of baseball followers see the Sox doing everything possible to obtain Tex, there is the possibility that he does go back home to help turn either franchise around, i dont know if I buy it thought. It is also reported that the Angels have made an offer in the ball park of the Nat's. As a Sox fan I am not optimistic of the signing of the first baseman, even though it would be awesome. However, Ken Rosenthal has reported on Foxsportsnet.com that the Sox are getting close to acquiring him. Saying that "Headway was being made earlier today, A rival general manager whose plans could be affected by the Red Sox's addition of Teixeira also indicated that a deal was getting closer. Teixeira is seeking a 10-year contract for at least $20 million per season. The Red Sox preference would be to sign him to a deal between six and eight years."

Burnett apparently got offered a 5th year from the Yanks who are doing anything and everything buying a new rotation cause they realize that their prospect pitchers are a couple of punk bitches. Damn i bet they are kicking themselves for not trading for Santana.

Lowe and Sheets has been circled around the Yanks too, but if the Yanks get Burnett I see only one of the two being signed. Lowe has been cited as saying that Boston is his primary choice, but is looking for a 3 year deal. Sheets is interesting because of his injury history. The way I see it, which ever signs first with the Yanks the other will be in a Sox uniform to counter their purchasing of a starting rotation.

As we know the Yanks are getting CC. But guess what I think this is a dumb sign for the money considering he has NEVER won 20 games in a season, while they lost Mussina who won 20 last year. Even with this signing, and the possible signing of Burnett, Lowe, and/or Sheets the Yanks still arent that great. They have gotten better, but their offense just isnt that great. A-Rod will have another A-Rod type season, Jeter has been on a decline, but is still consistant in output and leadership, and the only other name that really stands out is Swisher. Swisher might be the steal of the offseason in my opinion. He didnt have a good year last year but the guy flat out has raked previous to being dealt to the White Sox. What Im saying is that he is the typical type player that will be a Frank Catalano type, a Sox killer. But thats just a prediction.

Big trade went down with the Mets, Mariners, and Cleveland. Mets get JJ Putz, Jeremy Reed, and Sean Green. Mariners get Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, Jason Vargas and 3 minor leaguers from the Mets along with Franklin Guetirez. The Indians got Joe Smith from the Mets and Luis Valbuena from the Mariners. Pretty good trade all around I guess, only question is how many trades are the Indians going to make for a second baseman?

MLB Rumors

One of the top prospects int he free agent market is starter Derek Lowe. The Phillies have expressed interest in Lowe. but Lowe is looking for that long term deal that the Phillies arent really interested in giving out.

Also, The Phils are also currently in the works for a 3 way trade with the Cubs and Padres. Reports had Philadelphia interested in Cubs outfielder/second baseman Mark DeRosa and the Padres excited about a group of Phillies prospects. The Cubs would inherit the remaining four guaranteed years at $63 million left on Peavy's contract, but to do so, they also want to deal right-hander Jason Marquis, who's owned $9.9 million in 2009.

Its always about pitching, I know that. but i would love it if the Phillies got DeRosa. He might be needed if Utley is slow returning from hip surgery, and he can also platoon in the outfield after Burrell leaves, which he all but certain to do. \


On the other hand, the World Champions cant hope to make it back to the WS without starting pitching, and currently they are in a stand still with the ageless wonder Jamie Moyer...who seems to think hes worth about 7 mil a year for the next 3. Furthermore when asked about the Mets signing of K-Rod the Phillies new GM Ruban Amaro Jr said that they wont be making reactionary trades or signings based on that move.

Free Agent Pitcher Updates

Here is the latest from what I have read.

Derek Lowe- D-Lowe has received offers from at least two teams. Only one of them is known, and that his the Phillies. Lowe is rumored to be looking for a 4 year deal worth about 60 million overall. Seems a little steep to me.

A.J. Burnett- Burnett is the big news of the day, it looks like he is close to signing with the Braves for 5 years for about 80 million. I really can't believe anyone would give this guy anymore then a 3 year deal. He is so injury prone, and seems to only play well during contract years. Then again, maybe a travel to the NL will make him the pitcher we thought he was going to be a few years back.

CC Sabathia - The Yankees are still waiting to hear if CC will take their 6 year $140 million offer. I don't think he will get anymore then that, and what really has to be scaring the Yanks is that he hasn't taken it yet. I mean it is a record deal, and CC doesn't seem giddy over it. Maybe he really doesn't want to play in the Bronx...

-BMack

Yankees Make Sabathia Record Offer

Not shocking, but the Yankees are going to make CC a contract offer, that will make him the highest paid pitcher of all-time, according to Hank Steinbrenner. I will admit I think this is a good move by the Yankees. Well, actually I think it is something they HAVE to do. The Yankees need a guy to anchor that rotation, and CC has shown he can do that. On top of that they have that huge new stadium opening this year, and what would make fan more excited then signing the best pitcher in free agency.

Anyways, the rumors are the contract will be bigger (possibly longer) then Johan Santana's $137.5 million, 6 year contract with the New York Mets. I think CC is going to have a terrible injury within the next year or two. The guy has just been over pitched, but once again, I think this is a deal that Yankees need and have to get done. They have the money to spend, so why not?

In other news the Yankees are apparently going to make offers to Lowe, and Burnett also. There is no word on what those contracts would look like, but I expect the Yankees to get Burnett (even if they get CC). He just seems like that typical Yankees free agent pickup. Meaning he'll probably play about 20 games over a 4 year contract. I think all this is great, because I haven;t heard the Yankees name once when it comes to Mark Teixeira, who I am still convinced is coming to the Sox.

-BMack

Hot Stove

As you know this year's off season is filled with questions regarding Mark Texeira, Manny Ramirez, CC Sabathia as the big names. Personally, if I were a GM I wouldnt want any part of the latter two "big ticket" names. Before you start thinking that I am retarded let me enlighten you on why. Manny, I just plain dont like him, he is a great player but is a selfish prick and would be a detriment to any team he plays on. Now, CC is a proven stud based on what he did for the Brew Crew last year, but come on this guy is eventually going to break down.

The point of this article is not to highlight the big names, but the other free agents and/or deals that could be difference makers in the up-coming season. The list consists of position players of the likes of Orlando Cabrera, Orlando Hudson, Bobby Abreu, Adam Dunn, and Edgar Renteria. I love both Orlando's because they are spark plugs at the top of the order and are solid defensive presences in the feild. It would be crazy for the White Sox and the D-Backs not to retain them. Bobby Abreu is a solid player who produces solid at bats and is a true grinder at the plate making opposing pitchers work for the out. Adam Dunn, he truly is a donkey, he has possibly the most power of any left handed hitter in all of baseball other than Ryan Howard, but this guy either hits a HR or strikes out. Although this is the case he would be a solid player on a good team that could afford his strike out per at bat ratio. He reminds me of a young Jim Thome, he has power and could drive in runs if he had the complementary players that got on base for him and he walks and strikes out a lot.

As for pitchers, you have A.J. Burnett, Ryan Dempster, Derek Lowe, and Ben Sheets as the other top pitchers out there. Personally, I think A.J. Burnett is a poor mans Josh Beckett who has not lived up to the potential and has underutilized his ability. With that said I personally believe that he will be heading to the NL where he can take advantage of only having to get 8 outs against sub par hitting. The team that will sign him, in my opinion will be the Cards, which will put them back at the top of the NL Central and will give them stability to completment the pure force of Albert Pujols. Ryan Dempster is an interesting pitcher, he has experience both starting and closing, but I am not convinced he will be worth the money his will end up getting this year. More than likely he will probably end up in a Cubies uniform, however I feel that he is nothing more than a 3rd starter but will put up numbers because the NL sucks so much. Ben Sheets has nasty stuff, but gets hurt way to much, he reminds me of Matt Clement because he just cant stay on the feild. But with that said, he is worth the risk of any team that signs him because of his number one starter stuff. I feel he will end up in the AL possibly in Baltimore, New York, and I would love to see him sporting a Red Sox uniform. With that said, Derek Lowe is the most intreguing free agent of them all. Hate him or love him, he is a solid starter and has the post season experience that teams desire. Its been said he wants to come back to Boston but I feel the Sox wont make that happen because they already has Justin Masterson, a young D-Lowe in the making. So, my feeling is that he will be a Detroit Tiger next season, pitching with a chip on his shoulder to prove that he still is a valuable pitcher.

Now the needs of the Red Sox have had me thinking a lot lately after seeing all the rumors that have been reported. All I know is that Lugo has to be moved to allow Lowerie a chance to prove himself as a full time player for a whole season. Despite how terrible he has been in Boston, much like Edgar Renteria a few years ago, I feel that he is one of those players that just cant play in the lime light. The good news is that there is a market for SS this year, with teams like the Tigers, White Sox, and others in need of one. My feeling is that no team is going to take a chance on him until spring training to see what he has after the injury pleagued season he had last year. Any deal including Lugo would be for a shitty prospect or another high priced contract that has not panned out. With that said the Tigers are probably the best suiters in any deal because of the apparent washed up D-Train. I just don't see how Dontrelle has gotten so bad so quickly, and I do believe that he will regain his form and become the exciting young pitcher that he once was.

The second issue is what to do with Coco. Should he stay or should he go? I believe that its time to go, not because he wasn't good last year, but because of his value at this point. I believe that he will be dealt in a situation that will include a young catcher such as one of the 3 in Texas or Jeff Clement of the Mariners.

Dodgers Win Game 1 (7-2)

The Dodgers did what they had to do, and that was take one in Chicago. The Cubs also did what they do best...choke. All was going well for the Cubs. They were up 2-0 going into the top of the 5th. Dempster looked strong, and then all of a sudden he imploded. Dempster started the 5the fine getting Lowe to ground out, but then he walked Furcal. He was able to get the 2nd out, but then he walked the next 2 batters to load the bases for Andre Ethier who answered by hitting a Grand Slam. Ethier has been awesome ever since the Dodgers added Manny. It is nice to have a guy like that in front of you, because you know no one wants to pitch to him. D-Lowe looked good as he went 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 7 hits with 6 Ks. He looked rouhg early, but as the game went on he seemed to settle down. Eventually the Cubs had to pitch to Manny, and he did what he does best, hit a HR. At that point the game was out of hand, as the Cubs bullpen looked awful, and the Dodgers rolled to a 7-2 win.

-BMack