Cardinals, Busy In Wild Card Chase, Extend Lance Berkman’s Contract

You'd think the St. Louis Cardinals would be busy enough in late September with their chase of the National League wild card; they begin Thursday's play just 1-1/2 games behind the Atlanta Braves (and one in the loss column).

Nevertheless, the Cardinals took enough time out on Thursday to sign one of the big reasons for their good season in 2011 to a one-year contract extension. Lance Berkman was extended, according to the Cards Insider Twitter account.

Berkman had the worst year of his career in 2010 due to injuries and a deal to a place he didn't really care for (the Yankees). There were few suitors for him in free agency last offseason; he wound up signing a one-year deal with the Cardinals for $8 million, far below what he made in his last contract with the Astros. He was made the Cardinals' right fielder, a position he hadn't played regularly in several years.

The risk paid off for St. Louis; Berkman has been credible in the outfield and is hitting .300/.412/.555 with 31 HR and 91 RBI in 138 games, his best year since 2008. The signing may also be a pre-emptive strike; if for any reason the Cardinals can't re-sign Albert Pujols, Berkman could play first base for them in 2012.

That's a discussion for later; for the rest of today, the Cardinals will focus on their afternoon game with the Mets, and try to make up some more wild card ground.