Mets decline option on Looper

[E.J.]

Rotoworld:

 

Braden Looper - R - Mets

 

 

Mets declined RHP Braden Looper's $5.5 million club option for 2006.

Looper should get some multiyear contract offers as a free agent. He could close for a lesser team or catch on as a setup man for a contender. Looper finished poorly last season, but he had a 3.23 ERA going into September. Oct. 31 - 6:04 pm et

 

Any interest in bringing him to setup Dempster if the cost is right?

[YearofDaCubs]

I always have been iffy on Looper. If the price is right why not but I wouldnt give him anything close to what he will probably get on the open market.

[JeffH]

Check out his strikeout rate.

[E.J.]

Check out his strikeout rate.

 

His K rate is terrible, but he doesn't walk very many and doesn't give up many homeruns. Might be a good change of pace with the rest of the high K/high walk pitchers we have in the bullpen. He'd have to come cheap though.

[UK1679666180]

I'd pass, better set-up options are avail. and they don't have prior closing experience which might lower contract demands than Looper despite being more productive than Looper.

[TheDude]

Always thought of Looper as a younger JoBo poised for failure. He would be a gamble. I'd pursue Howry first.