Milwaukee Brewers Sign Braden Looper

Braden Looper, the former St. Louis Cardinal RHP, signed with the Milwaukee Brewers with a one year, $4.75 million guaranteed, plus $1 million in incentives for 2009, plus a club option for 2010 for $6 million or $6.5 million (depending on incentives) plus a $750,000 buyout (or $1 million, depending on incentives). The Brewers were in dire need of starting pitching after CC Sabathia bolted for NY and Ben Sheets rejected arbitration. Looper was 12-14 with the Cardinals in 2008, pitching nearly 200 innings with a 4.16 ERA.

San Diego Padres sign David Eckstein

Seeking help in the middle infield after trading Khalil Greene, the San Diego Padres signed SS / 2B and former Cardinal David Eckstein to a one year deal, terms undisclosed. Eckstein hit a combined .265 with Arizona and Toronto last year.

Braves Nearing Deal with Kenshin Kamakawi

The Atlanta Braves, clearing becoming a little more active after John Smoltz took the deal with the Boston Red Sox, are reportedly nearing a deal with 33 year old Kenshin Kamakawi from Japan to be a starter in their rotation. No rumors yet on the size of the deal (although original reports that the demand was in the 3 year, $30 million plus range). Previously the Mets, Orioles, Angels, Cardinals and Twins had been rumored to have been previously interested in Kamakawi's services. Kamakawi's fastball is supposed to be clocked around 92 with a nasty splitter, 2 seam fastball and curve that keeps batters off guard. He also, apparently, can handle a bat, which is definitely helpful in the National League.