Lowe and Behold - Reliever Signed for 2011

On July 9, 2010, the Rangers acquired pitchers Cliff Lee and Mark Lowe from the Mariners.  On November 29, 2010, the Rangers agreed on a contract with one of those pitchers.

As we wait for Cliff Lee's decision, the Rangers agreed to terms on a one-year contract with right handed reliever Mark Lowe.  Lowe was arbitration eligible, so this agreement nullifies the need for that process.  He will make $1.2 million in 2011, and if he pitches in 55, 60, or 65 games next year, he can earn an extra $25,000 for each of those milestones.  He can earn another $25,000 if he finishes 20 games.  He gets a slight raise over the $1.15 million he made in 2010.

Lowe pitched in 11 games for Seattle before he was shut down and had back surgery.  While he was on the disabled list, he was traded along with Lee to Texas.  Lowe worked his way back from the operation and pitched three games in the last week of the regular season for the Rangers.  He was left off of the ALDS and ALCS rosters, but was added for the World Series.

He did not pitch well against the Giants.  In Game One, he recorded two outs, but gave up three hits and three earned runs late in the 11-7 loss.  In Game Two, he pitched in the nightmare 8th inning where the Rangers pitchers could not find the strike zone.  He did not record an out, gave up a walk and a hit, and two runs were charged against him in the 9-0 loss.  His World Series ERA was 67.50.  Ouch.

The Rangers are counting on him being better than that in 2011.  When he is healthy, he is an effective late inning power pitcher that can be an asset for this team.  He will have his chance now that he is under contract and he will go to Spring Training penciled in as one of the right handed relievers.