MLB Trade Speculation: Why the Kansas City Royals Should Trade for Derek Lowe

The Kansas City Royals have one of the worst starting rotations in baseball through the first half of the 2011 season.

It's no surprise that the rumor mill has been swarming with news that KC will likely target a starting pitcher or two at the upcoming MLB trade deadline later this month.

When looking at the starters that might be on the block, there might not be a lot of options for the Royals to pursue.

One of those options could be Braves veteran right-hander Derek Lowe.

Lowe would provide a dependable veteran arm in the rotation while logging some much-needed innings as well.

He could also be a good stop-gap for the host of talented starting pitchers that are currently making their way up the Royals' loaded farm system.

However, there is a downside in acquiring a guy like Derek Lowe.

He is 38 years old, which means that in reality, he might not have much left in the tank at this point of his career.

Also, he received a DUI earlier this season and isn't known to be the best clubhouse guy either.

Either way, Derek Lowe would still make a great addition to this current Royals team, regardless of his flaws.

After all, how long can the Royals keep going with a rotation that includes one of the worst starting pitchers in MLB history in Kyle Davies?

Hopefully not much longer, because as a Royals fan, I know that there needs to be a change with the rotation and it needs to happen sooner rather than later for this team to ever have a chance at succeeding in the AL Central.