by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/25/2011) After failing to make the Cubs' 25-man roster, SP Braden Looper retired from baseball Friday after 12 major-league seasons with four different teams. Looper was competing for Chicago's fifth spot in the starting rotation, but struggled during the spring and surrendered at least one run in all five of his appearances. The veteran did not top four innings in any outing and finished with a 9.95 earned-run average. Looper, who did not pitch last year after not signing with a team, compiled a career 72-65 record and 4.15 ERA in 670 games with the Cardinals, Marlins, Mets and Brewers.
