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Prominent MLB agent leaves firm

Dan Lozano, the agent for Albert Pujols and several other prominent major leaguers, has left the Beverly Hills Sports Council, one of the firm's four partners confirmed to ESPN.com on Tuesday.

"Danny Lozano has left Beverly Hills Sports Council, and we wish him well in his future endeavors,'' said agent Jeff Borris.

Lozano, who had been with the firm since 1989, did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Lozano's departure is likely to have major ramifications within the industry. Pujols, an eight-time All-Star and three-time Most Valuable Player with the St. Louis Cardinals, is closing in on free agency, and is expected to sign an enormous contract in the aftermath of big recent deals for Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer, Philadelphia first baseman Ryan Howard and others.

Pujols is making $16 million this year in the final year of a guaranteed seven-year, $100 million contract. The Cardinals have a $16 million club option on him for 2011.

Howard recently signed a five-year, $125 million deal with the Phillies, and Atlanta manager Bobby Cox subsequently made headlines when he said Pujols is twice as good as any other player in the big leagues.

Lozano's other personal clients include Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins and Texas third baseman Michael Young. It's uncertain what their plans are in the aftermath of his departure from Beverly Hills.

Borris, Dan Horwits and Rick Thurman, the other BHSC agents, represent Tim Lincecum, Jayson Werth, Trevor Hoffman, Mark Reynolds, Brian Wilson and numerous other high-profile clients.

Jerry Crasnick covers baseball for ESPN Insider.