January 6, 2009 ESPN.com reports that agent Scott Boras was in New York Tuesday to conduct discussions with the Mets' front office concerning a potential deal involving free-agent pitcher Derek Lowe. The Mets are reportedly in now way willing to sweeten the three-year, $36 million offer they have already extended to Lowe. Boras is looking to obtain a deal that calls for five years in excess of $80 million.
Our View:Boras' visit to NYC is three-pronged. Primarily in town for the press conference welcoming Mark Teixeira to the Yankees, Boras intends to hold talks with the Mets concerning his other free-agent client, Oliver Perez. It seems as though the Mets are negotiating with Perez in the event an agreement with Lowe cannot be reached.
January 6, 2009 GM Doug Melvin denied the rumor that the Brewers were targeting Derek Lowe, according to MLB.com. Melvin simply stated, "We're not in on him."
Our View:The club isn't interested in Oliver Perez or Jon Garland either, but have not ruled out bringing back Ben Sheets.
January 6, 2009 Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports believes that Derek Lowe is not the Mets' top choice among free agent pitchers.
Our View:The club may favor bringing back Oliver Perez as he is familiar with pitching in New York, is left-handed, and eight years younger than Lowe. Perez has good stuff, but Lowe would be more stable and reliable.
January 5, 2009 The Mets do not intend to raise their offer to Derek Lowe, according to Newsday.
Our View:The Mets initial offer to Lowe was three years and $36 million. He's been looking for a five-year, $80 million deal but it's highly unlikely that he'll get that kind of deal in this economy.
January 5, 2009 Kat O'Brien of Newsday indicates that the Mets' negotiations with Derek Lowe are expected to heat up this week.
Our View:Lowe is seeking $16 million a year, and it remains to be seen if the Mets will increase their previous offer of a three-year deal worth $36 million. Inking Lowe would be a another big step forward in the Mets' bid to return to the playoffs after falling short in their previous two campaigns.
