Mulder to return to Cards

[EdmondsFan#1]

After weeks of speculation, Mark Mulder has finally decided where he will pitch next season.
ESPN's Peter Gammons reported Wednesday that Mulder will return to the St. Louis Cardinals. The guaranteed deal is for two years and $13 million; if he makes 30 starts in 2007 and 2008, incentives can make the deal worth three years and $45 million.
Last month, Mulder's agent told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that the left-hander had narrowed his choices to the Cardinals, Indians and Texas Rangers.
"[Indians GM] Mark Shapiro does a great job selling what the Cleveland Indians have to offer," agent Gregg Clifton told the Plain Dealer. "I think he's in a good spot to get Mulder to come to Cleveland."
Mulder, 29, is recovering from rotator cuff surgery on his left shoulder. He was 6-7 in 17 starts last season for the Cardinals before having surgery. He has a career record of 103-57 and a 4.11 ERA in seven major-league seasons with the Cardinals and Oakland Athletics.

espn.com

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Not bad... But won't his surgery rehab keep him out until the middle of this season?

[hubkittel]

Not bad... But won't his surgery rehab keep him out until the middle of this season?

the most likely scenario, based on similiar pitchers who've had similiar injuries, is that he won't be ready until after the all-star break. realisticly, mulder won't be an above average pitcher until 08. if that's the case (and you throw out the incentives for 07), then the cards got an above average starter at worse and a legit number two guy at best for somewhere around 28 mil over three years. compared to some of the other deals that were given out this year (marquis, meche, etc), that looks like a good contract for the cards.

[cardsfanatic]

I'm happy with this contract. Compared to the other pitchers on the market and their price tag, bringing Mulder home for 6-7 mil per is nice. And, if he reaches those incentives then he'll be well worth the extra cash we have to give him. I'd pay 13 mil per for the All-Star version of Mulder, especially in this free agent climate.