MVN: Most Valuable Network

According to multiple reports, the Atlanta Braves have agreed to terms with free agent P Derek Lowe on a four-year, $60 million deal.  He will join Javier Vazquez and possibly Japanese import Kenshin Kawakami in a refurbished Braves' starting rotation.

In 2008 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lowe went 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA in 211 innings pitched.  He has been very consistent, as he has made at least 32 starts every season since 2002 and has had an ERA below 4.00 in each of the last four seasons.  He has also topped 200 innings pitched in five of the last seven seasons, and had 199 IP in one of the others.  Pitching at Dodger Stadium was kind to him last season, as he had a 2.30 ERA and nine wins at home.

Lowe looks likely to be the Braves' number two starter, behind Vazquez.  He may also have an impact as a veteran leader for young Atlanta hurlers Jair Jurrjens, Jorge Campillo and Jo-Jo Reyes.  Lowe will definitely provide a consistent veteran starter to a rotation that will be missing John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, and Tim Hudson (in Hudson's case, for at least most of this season).

From a fantasy perspective, Lowe is moving from a pitcher's haven to a slightly more neutral home field at Turner Field.  It is also possible that age will start to catch up to him since he will turn 36 during the 2009 season. 

That being said, I project Lowe to make 30 or more starts, get 12-15 wins with an ERA around 3.50 this season.  Those numbers would make him a solid No. 2 starter for your fantasy squad.  I do question the ability of the Braves' offense to be consistently productive, and that could hamper Lowe's win total some.