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2 Accomplishments 3 Teams 4 External Links |
Derek was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 8th round of the 1991 amateur draft and made his Major League debut in 1997. Seattle, however, was desperate for immediate bullpen help and packaged Lowe and catcher Jason Varitek into a deal with the Boston Red Sox for Heathcliff Slocumb. With the gift of hindsight, it has become a very popular deal among Red Sox fans.
Derek compiled a very mediocre 5-15 record over his first two seasons, during which he split time starting and relieving, but came into his own in 1999 after being transferred into the closer's role, finishing the season with 15 saves and a sparkling 2.63 ERA.
Derek had his best season as a closer in 2000 when he led the American League with 42 saves. Derek was regarded as an unconventional closer, however, as he didn't overwhelm hitters. As a result, despite 24 saves early in the 2001 season, Derek lost the job of closer at the trading deadline, July 31, when Boston acquired star closer Ugueth Urbina from the Montreal Expos. Derek was left in limbo, forced to take jobs in the bullpen.
In 2002, Derek moved back into the starting rotation, a move which paid off immediately. Derek posted a 21-8 record, a 2.58 ERA and finished 3rd in American League Cy Young Award voting behind Barry Zito and teammate Pedro Martinez.
Derek struggled through much of the 2003 season but, boosted by the strength of Boston's unflinching offense, posted a 17-7 record despite an atypical 4.47 ERA.
Career
Accomplishments
Teams
External Links