Here's the latest from both Windy City teams….
- The Cubs are "looking into what it would take to acquire" Derek Lowe, reports Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times. Lowe has a 5.52 ERA in 21 starts this season and was designated for assignment by the Indians two days ago. The Orioles and Red Sox have also been mentioned as possible suitors for Lowe, though the Red Sox haven't been in contact with the Indians about Lowe, according to WEEI.com's Rob Bradford.
- Also from Wittenmyer's piece, Cubs president Theo Epstein said Alfonso Soriano had one semi-legitimate suitor before the trade deadline. ‘‘There were a few nibbles, and there was one match of a team that had expressed interest and a place that he would go,’’ Epstein said. ‘‘But they ended up never making an actual offer and addressing their needs somewhere else.’’ This team could possibly be the Dodgers, who were known to have an interest in Soriano before acquiring Shane Victorino from the Phillies.
- White Sox general manager Kenny Williams tells reporters (including MLB.com's Scott Merkin) that he plans to monitor the waiver wire, though "we don't have a lot of positions where if you claim somebody they're going to come in and play."
- Francisco Liriano ended up being Williams' biggest acquisition in the days before the trade deadline and the GM thinks Liriano will thrive under pitching coach Don Cooper. "While there might be some other guys out there who were available, I just felt that Liriano's one that all he really has to do is be in the strike zone on a more consistent basis," Williams said.
Why do the Cubs want Lowe? Batting practice?
Anything is better than Coleman, although I’d much rather see young arms brought up.
The guy is done, doubt Theo want’s to keep him long term, so the questios is why would a losing team wan’t Lowe. Only reason would be to avoid running the arb clock or rushing youngsters to the majors and adding a veteran innings eater.
After trading away Dempster and Maholm, he just needs warm bodies to plug into that rotation the rest of this lost year.
still, why. just use org filler.
Maybe a change of scenery will do Lowe good. Always loved him back in the day. I wouldn’t mind seeing Boston give him a shot… however, he is 39, which is just a bit older than I thought he was. Sooo, well, I won’t be too upset if we pass on it
The rest of the NL East wouldn’t mind the Red Sox giving Lowe a shot either. Gotta think he’s gone.