Looper, Vargas formally file for free agency
 

Braden Looper wasted no time in formally filing for free agency,Cheap 2011 New Arrival, and fellow Brewers right-hander Claudio Vargas was right behind him.
Melvin may also have interested in bringing back Vargas,cheap Transformers Hats, who was acquired in a July 31 trade with the Dodgers for Double-A catcher Vinny Rottino. Vargas boosted his stock in a late-relief role with the Brewers,Armani Sunglasses Sale, appearing in 28 games with a 1.78 ERA.
When Looper and Vargas filed for free agency,Chicago White Sox Hats, the Brewers were left with 33 players on their 40-man roster.
Teams have exclusive negotiating rights with their own free agents for 15 days following the World Series. That window closes Nov. 19.
Earlier Friday,Cheap Puma Sunglasses, the Brewers declined their half of Looper’s $6.5 million mutual option,Wholesale Cleveland Indians Hats, choosing instead to pay a $1 million buyout and free $5.5 million more in payroll flexibility. General manager Doug Melvin left open the possibility of re-opening negotiations with Looper at a later date.
Both veterans formally filed their paperwork on Friday,Wholesale Fox Racing Hats, meaning all nine of the Brewers’ potential free agents at the start of the offseason are officially on the open market. Outfielders Mike Cameron,cheap Kansas City Royals Hats,Software manufacturer’s competition, Frank Catalanotto and Corey Patterson,Cheap Philadelphia Phillies Hats, infielders Craig Counsell and Felipe Lopez,Carrera Sunglasses Sale, catcher Jason Kendall and reliever David Weathers all filed previously.