Orioles Rumors: Baltimore Could Target Derek Lowe

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Baltimore Orioles make a "big push" for right-hander Derek Lowe, who was designated for assignment by the Cleveland Indians, reports Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun:

Dont be surprised if #Orioles make big push for Derek Lowe now that he DFA'd. Duquette traded for him in 1997 on advice from Gary Rajsich

— Dan Connolly (@danconnollysun) August 2, 2012

Lowe has several ties to the Orioles and their coaches, according to Connolly. Current Orioles general manager Dan Duquette acquired Lowe and Jason Varitek from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Heathcliff Slocumb in 1997 when he was GM of the Boston Red Sox.

Also, Lowe’s personal pitching coach, Chris Correnti, is currently the Orioles rehab pitching coordinator. The two are meeting this week in Fort Myers, Florida while Lowe’s status is "in limbo," reports Connolly.

Lowe is owed roughly another $1.7 million, as the Atlanta Braves are eating a majority of his remaining contract. This along with the fact that he’s a groundball pitcher had one source telling Connolly an Orioles’ acquisition of Lowe would make a "whole lot of sense."

Over Lowe’s 21 starts with the Indians this season, the 39-year-old posted an ERA and WHIP of 5.52 and 1.689. He has maintained career marks of 4.01 and 1.330 over his 16-year career.

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Should the Orioles take a flier on Lowe?

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