Mets Losing Their Grip On Lowe Negotiations

The Mets did indeed meet with Scott Boras as planned on Wednesday, and though everybody seems to be blowing smoke out their asses about was discussed or not discussed, I'm sure Boras never told Minaya that he was slipping off to meet with the Braves. MLB.com reports the following: Distraught by the news that Smoltz plans to pitch for the Red Sox this season, Braves manager Bobby Cox traveled to Turner Field late Thursday morning to meet with Lowe, who is regarded as the best starting pitcher available on the free-agent market. Braves general manager Frank Wren arranged the meeting before learning of Smoltz's decision late Wednesday. So now you have the following chain of events... 1. The Mets make an offer and low-ball Derek Lowe to the tune of 3 years, $36 millon. 2. Derek Lowe rejects the offer and says he wants Burnett type money $16 million a year. 3. Mets say we're not budging from our offer. 4. Boras meets with Mets, nothing gest done. 5. Lowe gets red carpet tr...