Starting pitcher Braden Looper was bought out by the Milwaukee Brewers for $1 million this weekend. The other option for the Brewers was to pay Looper $6.5 million next season — but Milwaukee decided against that idea.
The good news for Looper last season is that he led the Brewers in victories with a record of 14-7. The bad news is that he didn’t pitch very well. In fact, he led all of Major League Baseball in runs allowed (123) and home runs allowed (39). The 35-year-old started 34 games and had an ERA of 5.22.
Although he’s coming off a poor …read more

Ben Sheets, a free agent pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers who starting the 2008 MLB All-Star Game this season for the National League, is considering having elbow surgery that will knock him out of action for the 2009 campaign. The timing of his surgery is obviously a disappointment considering that his free agent stock would drop considerably.
Before this news broke, we had Ben Sheets ranked as a top ten baseball free agent. Last season, Sheets had a 13-9 record and a 3.09 ERA. Over the last five seasons, the 30-year-old hurler hasn’t had an ERA higher than 3.82.
If Sheets has …read more

1. Manny Ramirez
Remaining with Dodgers could still be a possibility.
2. Adam Dunn
Expect Dunn to sign shortly after Ramirez inks.
3. Orlando Hudson
Not generating much interest but could be a steal.
4. Oliver Perez
After missing on Lowe, Mets could come calling.
5. Bobby Abreu
Big name but could have trouble landing big contract.
6. Orlando Cabrera
Solid player who has good years ahead.
7. Randy Wolf
Came on last year and should land hefty deal.
8. Ben Sheets
An injury risk but has a high ceiling.
9. Andy Pettitte
Turned down Yankees but could still go back.
10. Juan Cruz
The best reliever still on the free agent market.

Although other deals have been struck — such as Mark Teixeira signing with the New York Yankees — here are the baseball free agent signings that have become official to date.
CC Sabathia, SP – NY Yankees – 7 years, $161,000,000
A.J. Burnett, SP – NY Yankees – 5 years, $82,500,000
Ryan Dempster, SP – Chicago Cubs – 4 years, $52,000,000
Francisco Rodriguez, RP – NY Mets – 3 years, $37,000,000
Raul Ibanez, LF – Philadelphia – 3 years, $31,500,000
Rafael Furcal, SS – LA Dodgers – 3 years, $30,000,000
Kerry Wood, RP – Cleveland – 2 years, $20,500,000
Edgar Renteria, SS – San Francisco – 2 …read more

Jerry Hairston Jr.
Although he hasn’t had too impressive of a career, Jerry Hairston, Jr. was surprisingly good in 2008. With the Cincinnati Reds, Hairston hit over .320 and also swiped 15 bases in 80 games. At 32, he’s still young enough to be productive. A team may get lucky and get another big year from him after signing him for cheap.
Rocco Baldelli
Once upon a time, Rocco Baldelli was a big time MLB prospect. Now that he’s a free agent, some team is going to take a gamble on him that may just pay off. He should be available to the …read more

1. Manny Ramirez
Could Ramirez be heading to the Giants?
2. Derek Lowe
The Mets are after Lowe.
3. Adam Dunn
Dunn might replace Ramirez in Los Angeles.
4. Milton Bradley
The latest rumors have the Cubs most interested.
5. Oliver Perez
Expect the Mets to retain him.
6. Pat Burrell
The Phillies look to be moving on.
7. Orlando Hudson
Sleeper of the free agent market.
8. Bobby Abreu
Breaking down but still a solid player.
9. Ben Sheets
Risky signing but could reward.
10. Randy Wolf
Could quietly be steal of the offseason.

With the Philadelphia Phillies crowned the World Champions of Baseball for winning the 2008 World Series, the next order of business for most teams in Major League Baseball is to start figuring out who to target in free agency. Who are the free agents in baseball? Look at the below list for a full rundown of who is available on the market.
The below 2008 baseball free agents are listed in alphabetical order with their position and previous team.
Bobby Abreu, Right Fielder, NY Yankees
Jeremy Affeldt, Relief Pitcher, Cincinnati
Moises Alou, Left Fielder, NY Mets
Garret Anderson, Left Fielder, LA Angels
Tony Armas, Starting Pitcher, …read more

After clearing waivers, Frank Thomas signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Athletics. We reported soon after Thomas was released by the Toronto Blue Jays that the Athletics had interest in the Big Hurt and the pairing became official on Thursday.
Thomas and the A’s wasted no time, as Thomas was in the lineup for the A’s on Thursday. Oakland responded positively, beating the Minnesota Twins 11-2. Thomas batted cleanup and had two walks and a run scored.
While Thomas is batting just .159 on the season, the A’s are confident that the 39-year-old will be able …read more