Mets Seeking A New Lowe, Talks Between Mets and Derek Lowe Heat up

Last night's news that the talks between Derek Lowe and the New York Mets were "heating up"does not come as some great shock to most. For weeks now, it has been widely reported that General Manager Omar Minaya and the rest of the Mets' brass are very high on the former Red Sox starter. And why not?

For each of the past 7 seasons he has logged at least 182 innings and won no fewer than 12 games. In 2008 with the Dodgers, Lowe led the NL in starts for the 2nd time (34), was 4th in WHIP (1.13) and was 9th in both innings pitched (211.0) and ERA (3.24). He is the embodiment of everything that the Mets have not been over the last two disappointing seasons, consistent.

However, more than just being a reliable starter, Lowe is a proven winner. A characteristic not shared by many of his potential teammates. In his career Lowe has appeared in 11 postseason series, which is more than any other Met on the current roster. He is big city tested having had success in both Boston and Los Angeles.

Plus, much like the Yankees' "Lightning-Rod", Lowe is no stranger to a little infidelity scandal (See here...Juicy Stuff). But before you jump on the bandwagon and start furiously e-mailing Marty Noble, you should contemplate the alternative to not signing Lowe.

Oliver Perez. (Collective Sigh.)

Remember him? The guy who gutted out 6 innings in the 2006 NLCS. The pitcher who had a 0.35 ERA in 4 starts vs. the Phillies last season. Oh yeah, and the head-case who allowed the most walks in the NL and can make you so frustratingly mad that you long for the days of Dave Mlicki. (Well maybe not that mad.)

Yes, that Oliver Perez. He still deserves strong consideration and, if you really take everything into account, Ollie might even be better option than Lowe. Yes, better.

Okay I see you are not going to take me at word, so let's break it down. For starters, Derek Lowe no-matter how durable is 35-years old and I balk at signing anyone that age to the four-year contract he seems to be seeking. Perez on the other-hand is only 27 and may be entering the prime of his career. Advantage: Perez.

Lowe is right-handed and Perez is lefty. With the Phillies lefty-heavy lineup with Howard, Utley, and now Ibanez, I can't see how this not an important factor. Advantage: Perez.

Also the numbers over the last 2 Seasons are a lot closer than you may think:

Since 2007:
D. Lowe:
26-25, 3.56 ERA, 410.3 IP, 294 K,

O. Perez:
25-17, 3.89 ERA, 371.0 IP, 354 K

Trust me I know the arguments against Perez and there are many. Some nights he looks lost on the mound and can take the team out of the game before they even come to the plate.

His presence on the roster, like many others, reeks of bad karma and unfulfilled promise. Not to mention this invading feeling of impending doom that comes with each one of his starts, yet his talent is undeniable. Just ask yourself now how you'll feel if Perez puts it together next season and wins 20 games.

Laugh now, cry later.