>>Cards, Molina Reportedly Close To New Deal

(Jupiter, FL)  --  It looks like Yadier Molina won't have to worry about his contract status this season.  The "Post-Dispatch" reports the Cardinals and Molina are close to a multi-year agreement with their starting catcher, worth more than $10-million per season.  He's in the final year of a five-year pact.

>>"Carp" Likely To Be Opening Day Starter

(Jupiter, FL)  --  Barring anything unforeseen, Chris Carpenter is expected to be on the mound when the Cardinals open the 2012 regular season.  It would be the seventh Opening Day start for "Carp."  Manager Mike Matheny hasn't formally committed to Carpenter, but say's he's leaning in that direction.