Cardinals, Westbrook agree on extension

The Cardinals and veteran starting pitcher Jake Westbrook have agreed on a one year contract extension that will keep 34 year old in St. Louis through the 2013 season for $8.75 million. The deal also includes a mutual option worth $9.5 million for the 2014 season.

Westbrook previously signed a two-year, $16.5 million contract with the Cardinals after the 2010 season. St. Louis acquired Westbrook two years ago in the three-team trade that sent Ryan Ludwick to the Padres.Westbrook has had a nice 2012 campaign, posting a 3.50 ERA in 154 1/3 innings. He will join Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn, Jaime Garcia and hopefully Chris Carpenter in St. Louis' rotation next year. Kyle Lohse will be a free agent at the end of the year.

Analysis: Nice signing by the Cardinals. Keeping Westbrook in St. Louis pretty much means that Kyle Lohse may be on his way out. Lohse will most likely seek a big contract in the fall, and I don't know if St. Louis will give it to him. Anyway, Westbrook is a solid #3 or #4 starting pitcher. He is pretty consistent and is a ground ball pitcher. However, I'm not sure if he is worth the money that St. Louis is giving him. Overall, starting pitching depth is always nice to have, especially when you injury prone hurlers Adam Wainwright and Jaime Garcia in your rotation.