Cleveland Indians acquire former Atlanta Braves’ veteran starter Derek Lowe – MLB News
The Cleveland Indians’ management finally started their campaign of strengthening their roster by acquiring right-hand veteran starter Derek Lowe from the Atlanta Braves for a Minor League left-hander Chris Jones.
On Monday, after Lowe’s acquisition, the Indians’ general manager Chris Antonetti spoke to the media and told reporters and assured regarding Lowe’s active presence in the side. He further stated that he will surely get a starting roster spot in the upcoming
season. Antonetti added that Lowe will be joining Ubaldo Jimenez, Justin Masterson, Josh Tomlin and Fausto Carmona in the 2012 Major League season.
Antonetti said, “He’s a quality pitcher and with durability, pitching 180 innings or more every year since 2002, The last time he was on the disabled list was 1995. In addition to his durability, there’s some leadership potential. His experience will complement
a very young rotation.”
Derek Lowe’s past season stats are excellent with the Braves going with a total of 34 starts, went 9-17, along with a 5.05 ERA. However, he has played in both leagues in the past, as a starter and closer in many games.
His career caters 166-146 with a 3.94 ERA in 356 total starts in the Major League while playing with Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers since arriving to Major League Baseball in 1997.
Bringing into their roster, the Indians know and understand there is also a little risk involved signing a 38-year-old pitcher from Atlanta, but at the same time some of their executives agree as this will enhance the chances of the franchise to excel in
the league next season.
Another factor regarding Lowe that is making several Indians’ strategists worry as he is switching from National League to American League which are different in playing environment from each-other and can cause Lowe a little time in adjusting with a new
location.
It will be interesting to see what the veteran Lowe will bring to the Cleveland Indians’ pitching line-up. He is a tremendous player and the Indians will be looking to him to guide them to a successful 2012 season.
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