Free Agent Profile: Braden Looper, SP
-Dexter Sports
2:41 PM
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Bradon Looper has seen it all on the mound. As a closer, he saw success to an extent with the Marlins in '03 and the Mets in '04 and '05. Then, after signing as a free agent with St Louis, he was converted into a starter and also had some success.
A big part of the 2006 Cardinals title run, Looper won 9 games and had 15 crucial holds. And though he has not been perfect since 2006, he has been able to eat innings and control games. It is a big reason why he could be one of the under the radar signing this off-season.
According to Bill James Online, Looper threw his fastball 61% of the time in 2008, followed by his split finger 18% of the time, and his slider 15% of the time. In the 199 innings he pitched in 2008, Looper was able to get the first hitter out in 139 of those innings. He threw 148 Shutout innings. His 2008 also proves that he is consistent whenever he took the mound. In his 12 wins on the season, Looper tallied 43 ks and 18 walks. In his 14 losses, Looper struck out 44 batters and walked 20.
Breaking down his performance, I am sold on the fact that some team should give him a shot as a middle reliever or even set up type pitcher. Even though Looper allowed a lot of hitters to reach base, whether it be the walk or the hit, He only allowed 34% of those runners to score.
Though Looper's injury history is against any team that signs him, he might be well worth the shot. Of course, he will not be making anything near the 5 million that he made in 2008, but he could be a good filler on a lot of squads.
The Tigers, A's, Cardinals, Orioles, among others could give him a shot in 09.
2:41 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Bradon Looper has seen it all on the mound. As a closer, he saw success to an extent with the Marlins in '03 and the Mets in '04 and '05. Then, after signing as a free agent with St Louis, he was converted into a starter and also had some success.
A big part of the 2006 Cardinals title run, Looper won 9 games and had 15 crucial holds. And though he has not been perfect since 2006, he has been able to eat innings and control games. It is a big reason why he could be one of the under the radar signing this off-season.
According to Bill James Online, Looper threw his fastball 61% of the time in 2008, followed by his split finger 18% of the time, and his slider 15% of the time. In the 199 innings he pitched in 2008, Looper was able to get the first hitter out in 139 of those innings. He threw 148 Shutout innings. His 2008 also proves that he is consistent whenever he took the mound. In his 12 wins on the season, Looper tallied 43 ks and 18 walks. In his 14 losses, Looper struck out 44 batters and walked 20.
Breaking down his performance, I am sold on the fact that some team should give him a shot as a middle reliever or even set up type pitcher. Even though Looper allowed a lot of hitters to reach base, whether it be the walk or the hit, He only allowed 34% of those runners to score.
Though Looper's injury history is against any team that signs him, he might be well worth the shot. Of course, he will not be making anything near the 5 million that he made in 2008, but he could be a good filler on a lot of squads.
The Tigers, A's, Cardinals, Orioles, among others could give him a shot in 09.
