Starting Pitching - Noah Lowry?

I just finished reading an article on ESPN about A-Rod and the Giants. While we all know A-Rod isn't going to end up on the Reds, nor would I really want him, the article does address the Giants offensive woes. The Giants are going to "kick the tires" to see if A-Rod has any interest, but like every team a $30mil-a-year contract would seriously cripple a team's finances. With that in mind the Giants will probably look to trades to upgrade an anemic offense that will be without Barry Bonds next year.

"With a thin free-agent pool, Sabean said upgrades might require trading some of the club's young pitchers. Rookie Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain are expected to stay in San Francisco, but the team could entertain deals for Noah Lowry or Jonathan Sanchez."

This could be great news for the Reds as I think Lowry is the type of pitcher that can be a) affordable, b) a solid, veteran #3 pitcher on the team. He's a 6-2, 202, 27 yrs old, LEFTY, control pitcher with some power. He improved on a poor, injured riddled 2006 to post a 2007 record of 14-8 in 26 starts, 156 innings, 3.96 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 87 walks, 87 ks and 12 hrs surrendered. He cut is hrs down from 21 in 2005 and 2006. Not sure what his 2008 and beyond salary is, but his 2007 salary was about 1.7mil. Very affordable for the Reds.

He needs to get healthy, bone spurs shut down his September, and stay ahead in the count. If he does that he could chew up 200 innings, post about a 4.00 era, and post a 2-1 strikeout ratio. Those are good numbers for a #3 pitcher. Providing some stability to the rotation is a big plus.

So, what would it take to get Lowry? Offense. Their depth chart just doesn't impress. I'd hate to dump the guy, but maybe a Josh Hamilton for Lowry trade makes sense for both teams? Most importantly it opens a spot for Jay Bruce.