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Jeff Suppan signs with Brewers

The Milwaukee Brwers came out with a Christmas Eve announcement of the signing of righ hander Jeff Suppan. The 31 year old pitcher, MVP of last year`s NL Championship Series agreed to a four year contract which will pay him $42 million. the deal includes a team option for 2011 and a $2 million buyout clause.

Suppan went 12-7 last year, with a 4.12 ERA playing for the World Series Champions St. Louis Cardinals. Since 1995, he has pitched for Boston, Arizona, Kansas City, Pittsburgh and St. Louis. His career record is 106-101 with a 4.60 ERA. Milwaukee finished last season in fourth place in the National League with a 75-87 record. By beating the Mets for the signing of Suppan, the Brewers wish to become a "perennially competitive" team, in the words of owner Mark Attanasio.

Suppan preferred not to wait until after Barry Zito signs a contract, which would have left him alone on the free agent market. He chose the Brewers after a short negotiation process. "Sup`s whole thing was to go at his own pace and make his decision on when he felt was the best time. He felt today was the best time," said the pitcher`s agent.