JUPITER, Fla. Marshall Faulk Jersey . -- Matt Carpenter called agreeing to a new US$52-million, six-year deal with St. Louis a no-brainer. The Cardinals are hoping their third baseman sticks even longer than that. "Hes the type of player youd like to think could finish his career as a Cardinal," St. Louis chairman and CEO Bill DeWitt said Saturday. St. Louis began contract talks with Carpenter in August. Both sides characterized the negotiations smooth. "It was not one of those where we were sitting there debating all of Matts faults or his weaknesses, because there werent any," St. Louis General Manager John Mozeliak said. "Hes really a special person not only on the field but off the field." The deal includes a team option for a seventh year in 2020 at $18.5 million. Should the St. Louis decline the option, they would pay Carpenter a $2-million buyout. "For a baseball junkie like myself, I cant think of a better place to play than the city of St. Louis," Carpenter said. "Busch Stadium, I still pinch myself every time I make that drive to the field. "Playing in front of these fans, the city of St. Louis, Cardinal baseball as a whole, its just so much fun. Its such a privilege to put on this jersey. Its something I dont take lightly at all." Carpenters agent, Bryan Cahill, said the 28-year-old received a $1-million signing bonus and will make $1.5 million this season. The salary escalates each year, reaching $14.5 million in 2019. Carpenter hit .318 while leading the National League in hits (199), doubles (55) and runs (126) last season and playing mostly second base. He is moving back to third this season, where he has played most of his professional career. He earned his first all-star selection in 2013 and finished fourth in MVP voting. A 13th-round draft choice out of TCU in 2009, Carpenters first full season in the majors was 2012. Carpenter switched to second during last spring training and started 128 games as a middle infielder in 2013. He also played 24 games at third. Known in the clubhouse for his work ethic and daily preparation, it hasnt taken Carpenter long to take on a leadership role. Hes made an impact not only on the younger Cardinals, but also on the veterans. "They cant help but watch," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. "OK, how did this guy get on the board all of the sudden? "Hows he in the MVP running? Where did this come from? They cant help but translate the work thats put in and the discipline." He fought back emotion at Saturdays press conference. "I realize what a responsibility this is for me," Carpenter said. "Im really looking forward to living up to this and continuing being part of such a great organization." Tre Mason Jersey . His earliest childhood memories are set in the back of his dads boat at the Burloak Canoe Club in Oakville; however his attachment to the sport of canoe/kayak runs much deeper. Lamarcus Joyner Youth Jersey . Tyler Colvin drove in three runs, Hunter Pence hit a towering home run and the Giants snapped their season-high six-game skid with a 6-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night.VIERA, Fla. -- Stephen Strasburg will make his second opening day start for the Washington Nationals when the National League East champions open the season at home against the Miami Marlins on April 1. Strasburg went 15-6 with a 3.16 ERA last season before he was shut down after 159 1-3 innings. The Nationals did not want to tax his arm in his first season back from Tommy John surgery. Mark Barron Youth Jersey. The decision to keep Strasburg on an innings count with Washington headed to the playoffs was the subject of debate last season. The Nationals lost to St. Louis in a deciding fifth game of the NL division series last season. There is no innings restriction planned for Strasburg this season. Cheap Jerseys nfl jerseys cheap authentic wholesale jerseysjerseys from china authentic Cheap Jerseys wholesale stitched jerseys ' ' '
