Mets notes: Lowe spurns Amazin's, signs with Braves

January 15, 1:41 AMNY Fantasy Sports ExaminerLee Forman

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Atlanta again contended with a New York team to sign a starting pitcher.  This time they won.  A month after losing out on A.J Burnett, the Braves got it done by offering a 4th year to 35 year-old Derek Lowe.  The agreed deal, pending a physical, is worth a reported $60 million.  The Braves have upgraded their rotation substantially from last season.  It’s not quite Maddux, Smoltz, and Glavine; but Lowe, Javier Vazquez, and Jair Jurrjens make a strong 1-3.

The Braves are rumored to have shifted their focus to upgrading LF.  Reports indicate the team contacted the Yankees to discuss Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady.  The Braves have extra arms thanks to the acquisitions of Lowe, Vazquez, and Japanese import Kenshin Kawakami.  A couple names that are expendable include Jo-Jo Reyes and Charlie Morton. 

Meanwhile, the Mets have turned their attention to re-signing Oliver Perez.  Perez has flown under-the-radar as few teams have been linked to the 27 year-old lefty.  The team has made Perez their top target and for good reason; he has the highest upside of any name available.  A couple fallback options include free agents Randy Wolf and John Garland.  Not nearly as enticing, I know.  GM Omar Minaya recently stated that re-signing Pedro Martinez is ‘not a top priority’.  It’s unclear where he ranks on the list of contingencies.

The Mets did make a minor signing yesterday, inking utility infielder Alex Cora to a contract.  Cora replaces Damion Easley as the backup middle infielder and spot starter.  Cora saw most of his action last season at SS, but figures to get most of his work at 2B with the Mets for obvious reasons.  Who would you rather rest: Jose Reyes or Luis Castillo?

I’m sure some fans got excited when they saw SS Michael Young asked the Rangers for a trade.  Texas wants him to change positions (to 3B) to make room for prospect Elvis Andrus.  Sounds like he really wants to remain at SS.  Why do people think he’d come to the Mets just to move to 2B?  I just don’t see it happening.