Friday, December 16, 2005
So long. Farewell. Auf Wiederschauen. Goodbye
ST. LOUIS -- Braden Looper and the Cardinals agreed Thursday to a $13.5 million, three-year contract, giving St. Louis another newcomer in the bullpen.Hehehehe. Suckers.
Looper had 28 saves in 36 chances with a 3.94 ERA for the New York Mets last season, but will be a setup man for closer Jason Isringhausen with the Cardinals. The 31-year-old right-hander fills a slot held the past two seasons by Julian Tavarez, who became a free agent.
Looper's deal calls for salaries of $3.5 million in 2006, $4.5 million in 2007 and $5.5 million in 2008. He can earn $1 million annually in performance bonuses, some of them based on games finished in case he becomes the closer.
Maybe away from the bright lights of New York, and in a set-up rather than closer role, Loopey (intentional sic) will do all right. But over $4 million per year for the guy?
Looks like someone else will be winning the NL Central this year.
# posted by Paul Zummo : 2:51 PM
