The St. Louis Cardinals have reached an agreement with 1b/OF Allen Craig on a five-year contract extension that includes a team option for the 2018 season. Craig , 28, has hit .300/.348/.515 with 37 homers and 57 doubles in 857 plate appearances over three seasons. Craig enters the 2013 season with just more than two years of major-league service time, so a five-year deal will essentially buy out his final pre-arb season, all of his arbitration years and one free-agent year.
“We are pleased to have reached agreement with Allen on a new multiyear deal,” general manager John Mozeliak said. “He has been a productive middle-of-the-lineup hitter throughout his professional career and we look forward to Allen’s continued contributions.”
Cardinals News: Cardinals manager Mike Matheny confirmed that Trevor Rosenthal will move to the bullpen.
With Rafael Furcal out for 2013 Rumors have begun circulating on how the team may fill that position. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Cardinals “have not called the Rockies” about Troy Tulowitzki. The Rockies would be looking for pitching prospects in return, but at this point a deal is not likely.
David Freese is back in the Cardinals’ lineup Friday After sitting out the last two games with a bruised tailbone which he suffered trying to track down a foul ball on Monday. Freese is .286/.375/.571 with a home run and four RBI so far this spring.
