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Cleveland DFA Derek Lowe. Should The Jays Be Interested?

By Tom Dakers
July 20, 2012; Cleveland, OH USA: Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Derek Lowe (26) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles during the game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE
July 20, 2012; Cleveland, OH USA: Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Derek Lowe (26) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles during the game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE

The Cleveland Indians have designated Derek Lowe for assignment. We talked about this a little in the game thread last night, but I thought I'd ask if you think the Jays should try to pick him up.

He's a free agent after this season. He's making $15 million this year, $10 million of that is being paid by the Braves. He is 39 and hasn't been good for the past couple of years. This year:

W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2012 - Derek Lowe 8-10 21 21 1 1 0 0 119.0 156 79 73 8 45 41 5.52 1.69

On the plus side, he is a ground ball pitcher and we have a great defensive infield. He could get us some innings. I guess with an 8 man bullpen, having starters go deep into games doesn't matter as much but still it can't hurt.

On the other hand, apparently we don't have room in the rotation for J.A. Happ, which I really don't understand. Yes, Laffey has been pretty good, but there is no way the Jays believe he can keep it up, right? And Brett Cecil? well I guess I'd rather let Brett finish out the season in the rotation than use Derek. It's close, but why not see if he can learn to be successful with what he has.

Shawn Hill is doing a pretty good job in Vegas, 6-0, 3.96 in 8 starts. 50 innings, 55 hits, 9 walks, 30 strikeouts. He's 31. Maybe he deserves the next shot at the Blue Jay rotation.

Any thoughts on Derek Lowe?

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