Today's starting pitcher for the Brewers in the home opener against the Cubs isn't exactly a familiar name.

Braden Looper.

You might ask, "who?"

Looper, 34, was a St. Louis Cardinal last year but signed with Milwaukee as a free agent.

He had a 12-14 record with a 4.16 ERA with the Cardinals in 2008.

Looper used to be a reliever but converted to a starting pitcher.

Looper had an oblique injury in spring training, but team officials say he's ready to go.

Jason Kendall will serve as Looper's catcher in Milwaukee.

"He's a guy that's gonna throw 200 innings," said Kendall. He has a good sinker ball. He's a guy you want on the mound."

He's happy to be in Milwaukee, but just why did he decide to sign with the Brewers over any other team?

"It's part of just being in the NL, where I am from, a situation making me feel like they wanted me," said Looper.

Looper mentioned he's happy to be closer to home, since he lives in Illinois.

He and his wife have 3 children including a girl they adopted from China.