Daily Roundup

Several decisions on club options were made today, let's get right to it:

• The Brewers declined Braden Looper's 5.5 million dollar club option, buying him out for one million dollars instead. The Brewers are unlikely to bring him back, focusing that money instead on one of the premier pitchers available. I expect to see the Brewers make a play for John Lackey.
• After failing to work out a multi year deal, the Rockies declined Rafael Betancourt's 5 million dollar club option. The Rockies still plan to negotiate with the reliever, who posted a 2.73 ERA this past season.
• The Mariners and shortstop Jack Wilson agreed to a two-year deal through 2011. Wilson was acquired from Pittsburgh on July 29th with Ian Snell, only to hit .224 with a home run. The Mariners hope he can return to his .268 career line.
• The Red Sox met with the agent of pitcher John Lackey, the Boston Herald is reporting. The Red Sox are smart to gauge his value, but I don't see them spending big on pitching in a year where the priority is landing a corner outfielder. 
• The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that the Twins have some interest in bringing back third baseman Joe Crede. Crede appeared in only 90 games this season to hit a disappointing .215. The Twins could probably get him on an incentive-laden deal.