The more I think about this signing, the more I like it. Sadly, many Cards fans are in an uproar that we paid too much for a setup man. I would suggest that Looper may prove to be more than just that.

The Yankees landed the "best" of the free agent reliever in Kyle Farnsworth. For a mere $17M over three years the Yankees landed a pitcher whose numbers are eerily similar to Braden Looper, whom the Cards signed for $3.5M less over that same stretch.

Looking at their career stats, Looper and Farnsworth are practically twins. Braden entered the bigs a year before Kyle so the numbers are a little skewed...but let's compare:

Kyle Farnsworth (career numbers):

548.2 Innings / 271 ER / 554 K / 4.45 ERA / 1.39 WHIP / .246 BAA

Braden Looper (career numbers):

534.0 Innings / 212 ER / 333 K / 3.57 ERA / 1.37 WHIP / .263 BAA

I will grant you that Fransworth is obviously more of a strikeout pitcher, but beyond that, where does he hold any advantage to Looper?

Braden is also a bred closer. It is well-considered throughout Birdland that Izzy is overpaid. Last year Izzy was paid $8.25M to make us all chew our nails! Looper, as a closer, incited the same reation...for half the cost! Could it be possible that the Cards brass is looking to deal Izzy?

I spent too many hours this past season cursing Izzy when he would dig in at the mound. Batters were happily taking walks and I was dreadfully crapping myself. But somehow Izzy has been able to keep his numbers high on paper. If Jocketty and his pals buy into Moneyballing, then they are aware that a closer is something you can make out of nothing. Based on Izzy's numbers the past few seasons he is worth gold in trade bait. Pile on the fact that Looper's contract has incentives for closing out games and...well...if it looks like a rat and smells like a rat...

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Wouldn't a package of Izzy and let's say an -- I don't know...but I can assume it would be the "Prospect Most Likely To Not Live Up To His Billing" -- Adam Wainwright for a top-flight outfielder seem doable. I mean, if Philly falls for the idea of Home-Run-Hittin' Bobby Abreu for Izzy and Wainwright, don't you have to pull the trigger???

Could you imagine Bobby ".411 lifetime OBP" Abreu batting in front of Lord Pujols? Wouldn't one have to assume that Albert would only improve upon his lifetime average of 124 RBI's per season? Wouldn't one have to assume that Abreu's .303 lifetime batting average should enjoy a spike with the likes of Sir Albert waiting in the wings?

After losing Billy Wagner to the Metsos, wouldn't Philly be more than interested in lisening to offers that brought them a legitimate closer? The Phillies were in the hunt for Braden Looper until he surprised them with his St. Loo decision. Well, we'll do you one better Philly and we'll trade you one Izzy for one Abreu...

Your bid Philly...