Derek Lowe is becoming a hotter commodity on the free agent market than the Mets expected, and they are reportedly considering passing on the pitcher. New York isn't pulling out of the race entirely just yet, but they have privately admitted their disbelief in his popularity. The Mets are worried that the Yankees and Red Sox might drive Lowe's price up. "Eventually we might have to move on to the next level," was the way one Mets official put it Saturday.