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St. Louis Cardinals right-hander and free agent-to-be Kyle Lohse is setting himself up for a nice payday this off-season, according to Buster Olney of ESPN:
Kyle Lohse’s free agency is perfectly times for this fall. With Matt Cain and Hamels signed already and Greinke likely to land with one of the two L.A.-area superpowers, Lohse, 33, is in position to be among the best of the second-tier pitchers and get a really good four-year deal, maybe in the Mark Buehrle range of $58 million. Lohse has gotten better, he's pitched well and he's been reliable.
Lohse has made quite a name for himself since joining the Cardinals. After posting mediocre numbers with the Minnesota Twins, Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies, Lohse signed with St. Louis prior to the 2008 campaign. Over five seasons with the club, he’s maintained an ERA of 3.98 with 5.4 SO/9 and 2.3 BB/9.
Lohse was especially solid last season, posting a 3.39 ERA over 30 starts spanning 188 1/3 innings. He owns a 2.79 ERA over 23 starts this season.
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What will Lohse's next contract look like?
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