Thursday, January 28, 2010

Playing The Role of Jason Schmidt...Noah Lowry?

That's right, the Dodgers' fascination with questionable former San Francisco Giants arms continues, as Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com broke yesterday (1/26 8:41a ET) that Noah Lowry will be working out for the Dodgers and other scouts next Tuesday:

Free agent pitcher Noah Lowry will hold a private workout for interested teams next Tuesday in Phoenix, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. About 15 clubs are expected to attend.

Lowry, 29, has a 40-31 record with a 4.03 ERA in parts of four seasons with San Francisco. He has missed the past two seasons with thoracic outlet syndrome, a circulatory problem that previously befell pitchers Kenny Rogers and Jeremy Bonderman and infielder Hank Blalock. He underwent surgery to correct the problem in May.

Lowry is now healthy and throwing bullpen sessions three times a week, and expects to go to spring training with no restrictions. Lowry and his agent, Damon Lapa, have been talking to a number of clubs about a one-year, incentive-laden deal that the pitcher can use as a springboard for free agency next winter.

As Lowry's last "truly effective" season was 2005, when he went 13-13 with a 3.78 ERA (113 ERA+) and a 1.314 WHIP. But it would be so-like-the-Dodgers to pick up an ineffective former Giant for our starting rotation. Let's hope that when we hear "Lowry" next year, all that comes to mind is prime rib and spinning salad.

9 comments:

Wicks said...

Comapring Lowry to Schmidt huh? Well that doesn't work at all. I support adding Lowry we could do much worse with him as our number five. His contract would be pretty darn cheap and laden with bonuses based on how he pitches.

Kyle Baker said...

Also just heard on the way into work (MLB Home Plate on XM) that we're showing an interest in Garrett Anderson as the 4th outfielder/OF backup/power off bench.

Steve Sax said...

Okay, Lowry : Schmidt may be a bit harsh. However our luck with SF Giant discards is not good.

I expected more from Schmidt over hit three years--especially since Stan Conte came over from SF to LA at the same time and I assume validated his condition--but that car was sputtering as soon as he hit the field. I don't think Lowry will come that cheap, especially not at a #5 starter's price--but maybe you're right, incentive-based targets would seem to make sense for all parties involved (that includes me).

Wicks said...

I got ya Sax. Schmidt was really dissapointing! You also make a good point about what it will take to get him. I'm sure a team or two will drive up the price. If Ben Sheets and his brokwn twig of an arm can get 10 Mil, Lowry can probably get 3-5 Mil. So I doubt we get him.

Steve Sax said...

@Wicks: you reference "broken twig", and I start thinking about Mr. Mister songs. And now I can't get it out of my head. Yay.

Wesley Vento said...

I'm going to apply for the job of General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Apparently anyone with the ability to pronounce the names of the players he/she is about to hurl millions at is all the qualification you need. I am pretty good at Spanish pronunciation, so I could at least get deals done with the Mets and Rangers.

Alex Cora said...

"Take... these broken pitchers...and learn to lose in the playoffs, year after year..."

Kyle Baker said...

AC-

I just interrupted a conference call with an audible guffaw after reading your comment. I had to try to explain it away and it was very embarrassing. Thanks for further degrading my professional reputation!

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Just say No to Noah.