Be Careful What You Wish For
Red Sox fans looking to replace Josh Beckett, you might just get your wish… whether or not you like the manifestation is up to you.
In the wake of the Indians designating Derek Lowe for assignment, Red Sox brass is reportedly considering adding the now 39-year-old member of the 2004 World Series champions in order to bolster a universally panned pitching staff.
Lowe’s got the right attitude to make this Sox team likable, appearing on The Baseball Reporters and talking about continuing to work on his mechanics from his home in Fort Myers. He also started off this season with a 6-1 record and 2.05 ERA in his first seven decisions, recording his first shutout in seven years despite not recording a strikeout all game.
Here’s the problem: Lowe is currently at 8-10 with a 5.52 ERA. (Who would designate the Lowe of April and May for assignment? I mean, really, there’s a reason we have a shot at adding him to our roster.)
That’s not even better than Beckett (5-9, 4.54) or Jon Lester (5-9, 5.36), though Lester pitched eight innings of respectable three-hit ball tonight.
Maybe the change of scenery would be beneficial for Lowe, whose return to Boston would likely be welcomed with open arms as both a positive clubhouse influence and a fan favorite. But Boston teams have a history of bringing in guys who are long past their prime and looking for too much - remember when the Bruins signed Paul Coffey? - so the key is to temper expectations. If Lowe gives us a spot start or two that helps us challenge for a wild card, great. If he’s a solid addition to the bullpen, awesome.
But if we expect too much, we’re going to get burned.
- Stache
