ST. LOUIS — Slugger Lance Berkman agreed to a $12 million contract with St. Louis, giving the Cardinals a valuable bat for 2012.
The 35-year-old Berkman is completing a big comeback season with 31 home runs, 91 RBIs and a .300 average. The switch-hitter made his sixth all-star team this summer, his first such honor since 2008.
General manager John Mozeliak said Berkman’s contract left the Cardinals flexibility to get a deal done with three-time NL MVP Albert Pujols, who cut off negotiations on a new contract at the start of spring training.
Verlander won’t go on short rest
DETROIT — Tigers manager Jim Leyland announced Justin Verlander will pitch Games 1 and 5 in the first round of the playoffs, meaning the right-hander won’t go on three days’ rest.
“Whether we’re going to win it or not win it, Verlander will pitch Game 1 and Game 5,” Leyland said. “All the second-guessers can come out and say that I should pitch him in the fourth game if we’re behind. That’s not going to happen. I’ll leave it at that.”
Leyland also said right-handers Doug Fister and Max Scherzer will start Games 2 and 3 of the first round. Denver Post wire services
