Washington Nationals Should Trade for Lowe

Let's face facts and admit the Nats do not have a No. 1 starter going into 2010.  John Lannan and Jason Marquis are at best No. 3's.  Too many people are saying Strasburg.  You can't put that kind of pressure on a rookie. 

The question is who out there is a No. 1 quality pitcher that another team would part with?  The answer is Derek Lowe. 

Atlanta has four, yes four, starters that could be considered No. 1's.  They are Derek Lowe, Tim Hudson, Tommy Hanson, and Jair Jurrjens.  There is only one that they would part with and that is Lowe with his $15 million a year contract for the next three years. 

Atlanta is hurting for offense and can't afford to go get anyone because of Lowe's contract.  It's been reported that Atlanta has an interest in Josh Willingham.  They do need help in the outfield.  I propose a trade of Willingham and Christian Guzman for Lowe and a Minor Leaguer. 

Yes, Atlanta would have to eat Guzman's $8 million contract, but it is only for one year.  This would give them some depth at short and third, which they need with the aging Chipper at third.   Josh has a contract slightly under $3 million but is up for arbitration.  Even though he will get a pay raise, the combined total will be under the $15 million owed to Lowe.

What does that do to the Nats?  It gives them the legitimacy of having a No. 1 and losing Josh and his poor defense in left is not necessarily a bad thing.  If they don't feel comfortable giving the job to Justin Maxwell there are plenty of capable outfielders still available in free agency.  Losing Guz forces them to give a shot at short to Ian Desmond who is well-liked in the organization.  As much as it has been reported the Nats are almost surely going to sign a free agent at second whether they trade Guzman or not.  I'm sure Derek Lowe would love to see Orlando Hudson over at second catching all those ground balls Lowe throws. 

Is Lowe the best No. 1 out there?  No, but he is one of the only ones that is available and within the Nats abilities to go get.  Go get him guys!