The next Carl Pavano

Did anyone see the St. Louis Cardinals re-up Kyle Lohse for four years and $41 million (plus a no-trade clause) this afternoon and shake their head? Talk about cashing in after a career year.

The 30-year-old right-hander (in five days) went 15-6 with a 3.78 ERA. The wins and ERA were both career highs, and he has not won more than nine games in a season since 2005. He will make $7.125 million next year, $8.875 million in 20010 $11.875 million in 2011 and 2012.

This seems very similar to Carl Pavano's free-agent contract with the Yankees. Pavano won 18 games and had a 3.00 ERA with the 2004 Florida Marlins. He had not won more than 12 games in a season prior to that, and obviously hasn't since. He's actually recorded nine wins in five years.

Buyer beware.