Here are the two press releases I just received from the Brewers:

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Brewers today declined the 2010 mutual option on RHP Braden Looper.  The announcement was made by Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin.Looper, 35, went 14-7 with a 5.22 ERA in 34 starts for the Brewers in 2009.  He signed with Milwaukee as a free agent on February 12.  He made at least 30 starts for the third straight season and established a career-high with 14 wins.  He also set a franchise record with 39 home runs allowed, which led the Major Leagues, while also leading the league in runs allowed (123) and earned runs allowed (113).

INF Craig Counsell and RHP David Weathers have elected free agency.  The 40-man roster now stands at 35.

Very, very interesting that they didn't pick up Looper's option.  This makes me think that the Crew already has his replacement in mind, and will in all likelihood announce a signing early next week.  Could it be John Lackey?  Unlikely, but not beyond the realm of possibility.  Will it be Jarrod Washburn or Doug Davis?  Or maybe new Brewers pitching coach Rick Peterson will try to revive the careers of Mark Mulder or Ben Sheets

In other Brewers news, I spoke with third baseman Casey McGehee on Brewers Weekly last night and he talked about his knee surgery, being a candidate for National League Rookie of the Year, and how the Crew can improve in 2010.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW