Braden Looper
| IP | 1176 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.148 |
| WHIP | 1.373 |
| BB/9 | 2.855 |
| SO/9 | 5.12 |
- Full name Braden LaVerne Looper
- Born 10/28/1974 in Weatherford, OK
- Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Wichita State
- Debut 03/31/1998
- Drafted in the 1st round (3rd overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1996 (signed for $1,675,000).
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Background: Looper starred at Wichita State, where he made all but five of 70 career appearances in relief. The third overall pick of the Cardinals in 1996, Looper received a $1.675 million bonus, then the second-largest amount even given a drafted player. Along with shortstop Pablo Ozuna, he was the key to December's Edgar Renteria deal. Strengths: Looper has been closing since college. He has tremendous makeup and is a fierce competitor. He goes right after hitters with his triple-digit fastball and never backs down. Tall and solidly built, he is the prototypical closer. Weaknesses: Looper still needs to come up with a reliable second pitch. He has experimented with the slider, changeup and even a splitter at times. The slider is out in front for now. His command of the fastball could improve as well. The Future: Looper will go to spring training as the Marlins' likely setup man for closer Matt Mantei. Once Looper settles in and gets his feet under him in the majors, he figures to claim the closer role.
